Villa Nicolli Romantic Resort

Housed in a yellow building framed by lawn gardens, this family-run property is peaceful, welcoming, and a short walk from downtown Riva and Lake Garda. While it lacks lake views, Dolomite mountain and vineyard vistas are beautiful, taken in by many rooms and a lounger-surrounded outdoor pool. Renovations in 2017 have overall left a mixed style. The lobby's marble tiling, antique rugs, and paneled woods retain classic charm, while, boxy sofas, a motorcycle, and a business corner decked out in orange and off-white seating feel retro. The bar has an odd mishmash of distressed tufted leather chairs, old-fashioned drapery, and mint-green walls, but an alfresco is more subdued and pleasant. Note that enforced policies include requiring swimming caps in pools, and men to wear long trousers at dinner. The laid-back vibe here is family-friendly, though most guests are couples on vacation. Be aware tat the hotel is only open mid-March through mid-November.

The Villa Nicolli's quiet, residential setting and mountain views are tranquil, although Lake Garda is a 15-minute walk away, with Riva del Garda's town and convention center slightly closer. Downtown attractions include the medieval Apponale Tower and ornate Chiesa dell'Inviolata church, lots of charming streets, restaurants, and shops. Summer lake activities include kayaking, and the hotel's free loaner bikes are great for exploring nearby trails. Free Trentino passes waive local transport fees, plus some museum entry fees. Nearby busses run to other cities, as do trains from Rovetero, a half-hour drive away. Allow an hour by car to reach Verona Villafranca Airport.

Occupying the main building or poolside annexes, quiet rooms were refurbished in 2017 for a mostly modern finish. They feature neutral-tone carpet, concrete, or hardwood floors, accent walls in either pleasant pastel hues or garish lime green, bleached wood furniture, and oversized headboards in neutral tans or plums. Some rooms, unfortunately, have a hodgepodge of patterned fabrics that clash. Units range from 194-square-foot (18-square-meter) Smart Rooms, to larger Romantic Rooms and Suites. Smart Rooms may lack balconies or face parking lots, and balconies themselves don't guarantee a table, but mountain or vineyard vistas in upgraded units are beautiful. Starting at 323 square feet (30 square meters), Suites come with living areas, plus terrace loungers or deep soaking tubs in some. Customizations are available, such as Business ones, offering newspapers, laundry services, and shoeshine kits.

Phones, desks, minibars, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, safes, and air-conditioning come standard. Be aware that guests are not allowed to store personal beverages in the mini-fridges, and may be charged for the entire minibar contents if they do so. Lower-category bathrooms often have dated blue-tiled bathrooms with tiny shower stalls, while upgraded units may have sleek white-marble tiling, showers, and separate tubs. Regardless, they also have toiletries, hairdryers, slippers, and robes. Crib fittings incur fees. Common in Italy, firm beds can be two twins pushed together.

Features are designed for relaxation, especially at the adult-only Plein Air Spa. Alongside a sauna, Turkish hammam, and saltwater indoor pool with hot tub, guests will find mood showers, relaxation zones, and a Himalayan salt grotto. A private spa in an underground cavern offers candlelit treatments, alongside general face and body pampering. There's no gym, but hiking trails are plentiful nearby. The clam-shaped outdoor pool is surrounded by white wicker loungers, lawn gardens with a Balinese daybed, shaded dining terraces, and gorgeous mountain backdrops. The pool bar's drinks and light lunches are available in summers.

Perla di Lago Restaurant is a formal-looking space, outfitted in regal reds, pinks, white-clothed tables, and a garden mural. Four-course dinners and salad bars are good quality, and free breakfasts offer fresh eggs, cold continental spreads, sparkling wine, tea, coffee, and juice. The lounge bar serves a range of beverages. Pets are welcome for a fee. The computer-equipped business center, free bike rentals, free parking, and free Wi-Fi complete features.