Ambienthotel PrimaLuna

The Ambienthotel PrimaLuna has three standout features: Its lakefront location, its lovely outdoor pool, and its decor -- a bold and cheeky jumble of modern styles. The lobby is a quirky, visual feat of crimson walls and ceilings, and brown-toned polished concrete floors. Splashes of deep blue and neon green accent the space, and columns and ceiling pieces jut out at odd angles. Whimsical art and furniture include a cast-iron pig with a serving tray. White plastic chairs shaped in the form of nude backsides are parked in front of the registration desk, which is made of a natural wood plank resting on bright-blue concrete blocks. 

Vacationing couples are the main clientele here, but the hotel caters to families too, with kids' menus, high chairs, and extra beds or cots available. The Beach Bar and gardens overlooking the spectacular lake host many weddings and receptions, and the hotel's excellent restaurant draws guests and non-guests alike. 

The hotel sits right on the shores of spectacular Lake Garda, by a small, slightly pebbly beach. It's an area of nice homes and other hotels -- with a few restaurants within walking distance. A promenade runs along the lake, turning the 10-minute walk to the picturesque town of Malcesine and the medieval Castello Scaligero into a lovely stroll. There's also a nearby bus to take guests into town. The medieval town of Lazise is a 45- to 50-minute drive from the hotel. The Gardaland and Movieland theme parks and Caneva Aquapark at the southern tip of the lake are about an hour's drive away. Excellent hiking and amazing lake views await at Mount Baldo, which is about a 75-minute drive from the hotel. Verona Villafranca Airport is a 60- to 70-minute drive away, Rovereto station is a 35-minute drive or about a 90-minute trip on public transportation.

To say that the Ambienthotel PrimaLuna's 38 rooms are nontraditional is a bit of an understatement. They combine industrial elements with bold, sometimes neon, colors, including deep red, fuchsia, cobalt blue, and acid green. Many of the bathrooms (and some bedrooms) have concrete walls that are painted in electric colors, and in some rooms the bedding is in loud neon colors. Rooms are bereft of artwork as well, and make great use of natural wood paneling on the walls and ceilings -- some of which looks handcrafted. Floors are also beautiful hardwood. Don't expect to find dressers and armoires, which have been replaced with open shelving and hangers, enhancing the sense of space. Platform beds sit atop natural wood slats. Most rooms have double beds or two twins, but some have kings, and suites typically have sleeper sofas. Some Suites have circular mattresses that rotate or clear-glass showers in the bedrooms. Bathrooms have showers with rainfall showerheads, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries. Most of the rooms have lake views, and many have balconies or patios with tables and chairs. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, safes, slippers, but not all have minibars and coffeemakers. 

This hotel offers plenty of amenities for a boutique property, starting with its excellent PrimaLuna restaurant that serves a hot breakfast buffet that’s included in room rates. Dinners focus on locally sourced produce, including Lake Garda fish and house-made pasta. It offers vegan and vegetarian choices as well, and an 80-label wine list. Some dishes are prepared tableside. The Beach Bar serves sandwiches and salads for lunch, and cocktails through the night. Outdoor dining with sweeping lake views is available in both spots. The outdoor pool area has loungers and a whirlpool with views of the lake. The fitness center includes cardio and weight-training equipment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and free on-site self-parking is available. There's a computer station in the lobby, and the hotel provides transportation to and from Verona Airport for a fee.