Well-regarded family-run hotel in central Malcesine
Within walking distance of Lake Garda and top sights
Cheery, bright guest rooms have AC, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges
Some units feature balconies with lovely mountain views
High-quality free hot breakfast
Popular Italian restaurant with an outdoor terrace
Lobby lounge with a computer and printer
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free on-site parking
One pet per room is allowed free of charge
Units don't have kettles
Parking is limited
The two-pearl Hotel Alpino is a charming, affordable property in central Malcesine, located within a short walk of Lake Garda and sights such as Palazzo dei Capitani and Castello Scaligero. The 27 guest rooms are simple and colorful, and all have AC, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and some feature furnished balconies with mountain views, but they lack kettles. While on-site amenities are slim, the hotel's Italian restaurant has an outdoor terrace and consistently receives accolades from guests, and so does the free hot breakfast. Travelers who want to stay right on Lake Garda might consider Hotel Castello Lake Front, which has its own private pebble beach and pier.
Scene
Leisure travelers dine on hearty Italian fare and soak up the friendly atmosphere
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.
Location
Well-located in central Malcesine, within a short walk of Lake Garda and top sights
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.
Rooms
Bright and pleasant, with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but no kettles
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.
Features
Free breakfast buffet and popular Italian restaurant, plus bike rental and free Wi-Fi
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.