Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Fasano
Lake Garda is a scenic, family-friendly retreat in Northern Italy. This guide breaks down where to stay in Lake Garda if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway.
Connect with a Fora Advisor to plan and book your stay, and they’ll help you get the most out of your trip. Your advisor will help you decide where to stay per your preferences, and unlock complimentary perks at the best hotels in Lake Garda.
The best hotels in Lake Garda, Italy
Grand Hotel Fasano
Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Fasano
Grand Hotel Fasano brings timeless elegance to the western shores of Lake Garda. The hotel was originally built in the late 1800s as a hunting lodge for Austrian nobility. Now it provides sophisticated accommodations with a classical flair. It’s surrounded by lush gardens and lakefront views, with each room facing the lake. Top-level rooms also feature covered balconies (especially ideal for enjoying coffee or tea as it rains).
A team of Fora Advisors stayed at Grand Hotel Fasano as part of a grander Northern Italy tour in fall 2024. They loved the hotel’s classic look, and everyone praised the hotel’s hospitality.
“Grand Hotel Fasano is perfect for travelers who don’t need the ‘pomp and circumstance’ of Lake Como — if they want a luxury experience, but also want the warmth of a family run hotel,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Shea said.
Fora Advisor Wendy Wallace agreed, adding, “Lake Garda in general is much better for families; it’s more laid-back and relaxed.”
At Grand Hotel Fasano, you can relax at the Aqua Spa, which features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and nature-inspired wellness treatments. The dining here is exceptional, with restaurants like Il Fagiano and Magnolia offering refined Italian cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.
“At Magnolia, I savored a dish I’ll never forget: tender, perfectly charred octopus paired with silky, flavorful potatoes,” Alexandra added. “It was a revelation, showcasing the beauty of simple ingredients elevated by masterful technique.”
Fora Advisor Ashley Emala described the restaurants as “incredible,” and said the hotel’s bar served the best negroni she’s ever had.
Fora Perks at Grand Hotel Fasano:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, complimentary air and concierge services, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda
Image courtesy of Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda
Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda is a haven for wellness enthusiasts set high above the lake, near the small town of Gargnano. This eco-luxury resort takes a holistic approach to relaxation, combining stunning lake vistas with high-end spa facilities. Most spa treatments are based on Chinese medicine and energy flows, and there are also infinity pools and meditation areas — the former provide incredible lake views. You can also enjoy innovative, wellness-focused dining that emphasizes sustainability and local flavors from the Lombardy region. Plus, the resort’s semi-secluded location, contemporary design and focus on rejuvenation make it a standout destination if you’re looking to disconnect and recharge.
Fora Perks at Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Related guide: Pure Relaxation at Lefay Resort & Spa in Lake Garda, Italy
Lido Palace
Image courtesy of Lido Palace
Lido Palace combines Belle Époque grandeur with a touch of modern sophistication in Riva del Garda, the lake’s only major urban hub. Lido Palace is only about 10 minutes from downtown on foot, and there are many shops and eateries along the way. The hotel is also right on the waterfront, where 19th-century architecture with an ornate exterior that contrasts with sleek, contemporary interiors. The CXI Spa offers a range of modern treatments and facilities, including a heated indoor pool and steam rooms. And don’t miss the pool: it’s set in an enclave partially surrounded by trees, offering the impression of seclusion.
Fora Perks at Lido Palace:
Breakfast daily, VIP status and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Plan your stay in Lake Garda with a Fora Advisor
A Fora Advisor can help you decide where to stay in Lake Garda, tailoring your trip to your travel preferences and budget. Simply connect with an advisor and they’ll handle all the heavy lifting. If you also want help planning your itinerary, an advisor can offer insider tips and suggestions.
Where to stay in Lake Garda: FAQs
Read on for more information on where to stay in Lake Garda.
What part of Lake Garda is best to stay in?
With a handful of exceptions like Lido Palace, the best hotels in Lake Garda tend to be spread around in semi-isolated pockets along the lake’s shores — so it’s more of a question of which resort or hotel piques your interest versus specific areas.
How many days do you need to enjoy Lake Garda?
We recommend staying at least three or four days in Lake Garda. This timeframe allows you to explore multiple towns, take boat tours and enjoy activities like wine tasting and visiting local markets.
What are the best months to visit Lake Garda?
Image courtesy of Lido Palace
May, June and September all have warm but not overly hot weather, and crowds are smaller compared to those you’ll see in July and August. These spring months and early fall also showcase the region's beauty, with blooming flowers or autumnal colors complementing the lake’s vistas.
Why choose Lake Garda over Lake Como?
Lake Garda has luxury hotels — like those mentioned above — and experiences. But overall, Lake Garda has more of a down-to-earth vibe compared to Lake Como. Lake Garda’s upscale accommodations have more approachable rates than those in Lake Como. You can stay in basic (but nice) rooms at luxe hotels in Lake Garda for around $300–$500 per night. For a similar tier of accommodations in Lake Como, you’ll pay at least $1,000–$2,000 per night.
If you prefer approachable rates or are visiting the lakes with kids, Lake Garda may be more appealing. If you want the best of the best in terms of luxury, choose Lake Como.
Which airport do you fly into for Lake Garda? Can you take a train from Milan to Lake Garda?
Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) is the most convenient for accessing Lake Garda; it’s very close to the southeastern tip of the lake. Alternatively, Milan’s airports, such as Malpensa (MXP) and Bergamo (BGY), can be good options. From Milan, you can take a train to towns like Desenzano or Peschiera del Garda, both of which are gateways to Lake Garda and are well connected by public transport.
How do you get around Lake Garda without a car? What’s the best way to get around?
Getting around Lake Garda without a car is manageable thanks to ferries and buses that connect most towns. The ferries, in particular, provide a scenic and efficient way to travel. Most towns are walkable, too — or you can usually rent a bike.
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