Hotel Alpino

Most couples and other leisure travelers who stay at the Hotel Alpino give the family-run property high marks across the board, noting its friendly, intimate atmosphere. The lobby is a cozy spot to check in, with a mosaic tile floor, banquettes, a plush sofa, and eye-catching art. Guests gather here, and in the quaint, traditional Italian restaurant, which has pink arched walls and wood paneling, beamed ceilings, and tables that are formally dressed with red tablecloths and white linens. The choice spot in warm weather is on the patio, where dining with views of the distant mountains is a bonus. 

Hotel Alpino is located in central Malcesine, and a two-minute walk to Lake Garda and to the ferries to Limone. The property is close to public transportation, with the Malcesine bus station just three minutes away on foot. Restaurants and shops are within a short walk of the hotel, too, and on Saturdays there is a large market in the square opposite the hotel. Palazzo dei Capitani di Malcesine is a two-minute walk away and features an outdoor terrace with superb lake views. Castello Scaligero fortress is a little less than five minutes on foot, as is the cable car up to Monte Baldo mountain. Parasailing, windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are activities on Lake Garda, all within a short drive of the hotel. The nearest airport to the hotel is Verona Villafranca Airport, about an hour's drive. 

Guest rooms at Hotel Alpino have a simple but energetic look. Decor is bright -- some rooms are more colorful than others -- with cheery hues like mint green and butter yellow on walls. Matching light-wood furniture has clean lines, and wide, double doors allow for plenty of natural light. All rooms have large wardrobes, desks, and many feature furnished balconies that offer mountain views. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, small flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but rooms don't have electric kettles. Bathrooms are tidy and streamline, and have stall showers with removable showerheads, hairdryers, toiletries, and some have bidets. 

Hotel Alpino has few on-site amenities, but guests rave about the restaurant, which has an outdoor terrace. It serves traditional Italian fare for lunch and dinner, such as pizza, pasta, grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes, and has an extensive wine list. A 10 percent discount for hotel guests is an added perk. There's also a free hot buffet breakfast with high-quality items, including scrambled eggs, sliced potatoes with sausages, and fresh fruit salad. The Alpino also offers bicycle rental, a lobby computer and printer, airport transfer (for a fee), and has a 24-hour front desk. On-site parking is available, but the lot has limited space. Nearby public parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and the hotel welcomes one pet per room free of charge.