Enjoy Garda Hotel

Formerly the Hotel Fortuna, this '90s-era property was given a new lease of life in 2012 and relaunched after an inside-and-out makeover with a shiny new look and new name. While its sleek contemporary interiors and branding have the feel of an upscale modern chain, the hotel is very much a family concern, run by the Verdolin family since its reopening. The lobby is a tasteful yet homey combination of smart, modern furnishings, earth tones, and swish under-lit reception desks; a typewriter and luggage set add some vintage charm. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, its particularly cycle-friendly credentials very much on display in the form of bike-related photos, magazines, and displays (the Enjoy Garda was in fact the first bike-hotel on Lake Garda). To the rear an alfresco terrace, small garden, and pool make up the outside space, though not many hotel guests choose to linger here during the day. Instead, most guests -- clientele includes plenty of cyclists and outdoorsy types -- are keen to get out and explore the lake and its surrounds. 

The hotel is set on a fairly busy main road in the small northern Italian town of Peschiera del Garda and a few minutes' walk from the southeastern edge of Lake Garda. It is set opposite a gas station, car park, and grocery store, and the immediate surrounds feel quite urban -- but it makes a great base for exploring the picturesque lake surroundings, as well as various nearby attractions. The popular Gardaland theme park (Italy's largest) is just a five minutes away by car, with the Movieland Park and Caneva Aquapark are 10 minutes. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from medieval Verona, and is positioned halfway between Venice and Milan -- it's around an hour and a half to both, or shorter by train. The train station is also five minutes' walk away, and it's 10 minutes on foot to Peschiera historic town center.

The hotel has 45 rooms which, besides the three suites, are split into two types: Easy and Enjoy. Decor is pretty much identical in both, with sleek modern styling combining clean lines with wood-effect flooring, minimalist furniture, Italian lighting, and splashes of the hotel's signature green. Room types mostly differ in that the upgraded Enjoy category are larger, with balconies overlooking the rear terrace and garden, while Easy balconies overlook the busy road. Good soundproofing means noise is not an issue when balcony doors are closed. The three suites open to spacious terraces with partial lake views. Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with pay-per-view and nine satellite channels), simply stocked minibars, and reliable free Wi-Fi (good enough for browsing and email); suites add Nespresso machines, larger TVs, and whirlpool tubs -- one fitting up to six bathers. Standard bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries. 

There's a genuine focus on food at the Enjoy Garda Hotel, with its Sugo restaurant providing buffets for breakfast and lunch, and an a la carte menu for dinner. An excellent breakfast is always included in the rate (and features a chocolate fountain and chilled Prosecco), while lunch and dinner is traditional Italian with freshly made pasta and gnocchi; half-board rates are also available, and a terrace provides the option of alfresco dining. A peaceful rear garden has a (seasonal) heated pool which is long enough for a swim and includes a whirlpool tub section. As well as plenty of loungers, there's also a separate terrace with a second whirlpool tub seating up to six people. Guests arriving by car will find plenty of free parking for guests, while cyclists have use of free loan of city bikes, bike storage, and a tool bench.