Nettuno Hotel

The Hotel Nettuno tends to attract an older crowd who are willing to look past the hotel’s dated interiors in favor of its quiet atmosphere and location along the wooden boardwalk on the shores of Lake Garda. The hotel’s interiors are kept immaculately -- aside from a few scuff marks -- but they're stuck in the past, with dark brick floors and heavily patterned peach wallpaper, drapes with dramatic pelmets, and rattan armchairs in varying shades of taupe, as well as a vast concrete staircase that spirals upstairs. Over in the bar, the rattan chairs are substituted for leather bucket chairs in shades of coral and ivory, around little marble-topped tables. The restaurant has tables and chairs covered from top-to-bottom in heavy white linen inside, while an outdoor terrace has wooden fold-up chairs and views over the lake. An outdoor pool is also available, but it doesn't offer the same views.

Set directly on the wooden boardwalk that stretches along the southeastern stretch of Lake Garda, the Hotel Nettuno is a five-minute walk from the historic center of Bardolino, and a 10-minute bus ride (35-minute walk) from the center of Garda. There are a number of shops, bars, and restaurants in the surrounding towns, but the hotel is far enough away from town to feel secluded. Bardolino has a port from which travelers can get ferries around the lake. The nearest airport is Verona, a 30-minute drive away.

The 63 rooms are simple and dated, with forest-green carpet, taupe wallpaper, honey-wood and green furniture, and faded patterned bedding that matches chair cushions. Rooms are small, though this is commonplace for the region. A chest of drawers doubles as a flat-screen TV stand, and many have futons that fold out into another bed. Some furniture is showing wear, but it's minor. Rooms with a balcony are brighter, and some have views of the lake. Compact bathrooms have stall showers, bidets, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Also standard are minibars and free Wi-Fi.

There aren't a ton of features here, but they're certainly sufficient since most guests spend their time outside the property. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and a la carte dinner indoors or outside on a quaint covered terrace that overlooks the lake. Snacks and drinks are also available at the bar, and guests rave about the restaurant service. A small pool is set in a sunny patio with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas; it doesn't have lake views but masts at the yacht club next door are visible. Although there's no gym on-site (common in Italy), guests have free use of tennis courts a 15-minute walk away. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.