Hotel Monte Baldo

Located in the very center of Limone, the marina-facing approach to the hotel is nothing less than postcard-perfect, with colorful skiffs moored directly out front and planters that spill over with flowers. Throughout the interior, the hotel is traditionally decorated, with wood-beamed ceilings, homey wood furnishings, wrought-iron stair railings, and framed artwork of the picturesque area. The peaceful lakeside location is the key draw to this property, and its long restaurant terrace is a beautiful place for locals and tourists to have a meal. Guests at the hotel tend to be couples, and a fairly large percentage of Italians vacation here too. 

Located on the southwest shore of Lake Garda, the hotel is also close to the lakeside promenade. There's not a lot in the surrounding area, besides some lovely botanical gardens less than 15 minutes away on foot, but the location is peaceful and great for hopping around the lake's villages. For those who like shopping, there are markets with local produce and olive oils almost every day somewhere on the lake, where it's easy to travel between the villages by boat. Antiques markets also occur in at least one town every weekend (Wednesday afternoons in Maderno). 

Popular day trips are conveniently close, though taking public transit can quintuple journey times. Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet, is an hour and 10 minutes by car. Mantua, which is famous for its ducal palace frescos (and is a gorgeous visit anyway), is an hour and a half away by car. Brescia is another popular destination -- mostly for its museum complex -- and can be reached in 25 minutes by car. Verona Villafranca Airport is two and a half hours away by public transit and an hour away by car. 

Most of the hotel's 12 air-conditioned rooms have great lake views. Although the rooms' traditional decor -- think burgundy carpet, gold-and-burgundy damask bedding, and dark wood furniture -- is growing a bit dated, they still have plenty of charm. Despite being right on the harbor, the hotel tends to be pretty quiet at night, even in marina-facing rooms. 

Terrace rooms and those on the top floor are definitely worth the higher cost; terrace rooms come with spacious patios that have enough room for loungers and a dining table, along with gorgeous views of the harbor and lake. However, guests should know that four of the rooms don't have lake views, so request accordingly. 

Rooms all come with flat-screen TVs, safes, and mini-fridges stocked with free water. Bathrooms are on the small side in some rooms, and with highlighter-yellow walls above the chair rail, but there's plenty of counter space. Each is stocked with a hairdryer, toiletries, and an all-in-one dispenser in the small stall shower.  

The included breakfast, which goes until late morning, is good quality, featuring local products, made-to-order omelettes, and excellent espresso. The dining terrace, where tables are covered in red-checked tablecloths, offers sweeping views of the lake. For dinner, the on-site restaurant is exceptional. The burrata appetizer is a highlight, along with homemade pasta and organic meat dishes. Guests get a small discount off the menu. 

Parking is free in the hotel's garage with a deposit for the parking card, though guests should know that the garage isn't actually on-site: it's not possible to drive directly to the hotel entrance, so be prepared to carry bags. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property.