Hotel Maximilian

Hotel Maximilian overlooks the lakefront amid beautiful garden grounds populated by olive and cypress trees, and interiors throughout are bathed in natural light and feature excellent views. The main building is joined by two annexes, called Villa Cristina and Villa Stefania, which house guest rooms. Tasteful, nautical-inspired decor fills the lobby, with a reception desk that's reminiscent of a ship's hull, model sailboats set on tables beside wicker loveseats, and porthole windows that offer a glimpse of the lobby bar around the corner. Couples on vacation make up the bulk of clientele. 

The hotel is located right on Lake Garda's bay of Val di Sogno, on a stretch of sheltered beachfront. Apart from several other hotels, there are a couple of restaurants and a grocery store within walking distance, but little else in the immediate area. Most dining and drinking options will be found in Malcesine; it's too far to walk for most, but only a six-minute drive to the town center. Mount Baldo, with its excellent hiking and commanding lake views, is about an 80-minute drive away; there's also a cable car at Malcesine that travels up the mountain. Expect just over an hour drive to Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona.

The hotel's 25 guest rooms are split between three buildings, and decor varies widely. Some have a simple and classic style, whereas others are more contemporary, but all feature furnished balconies or patios with lake views. Tiled or wood floors, basic wood furniture, and sparsely decorated off-white walls are the norm, although some upgraded units have vaulted ceilings. Standard rooms contain double or twin beds, small desks, and seating areas with loveseats or small tables with chairs. Mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi come standard, as do flat-screen TVs, but they're old and tiny (not even in modern, widescreen format), and units lack coffeemakers. Bathrooms have either average walk-in showers or more updated rainfall showers; upgraded units add whirlpool tubs. Three individually decorated suites have larger furnished balconies, and there's also a villa on the shore with two, two-bedroom apartments; both have living rooms with sofa beds, and kitchens. The ground-floor apartment has a furnished patio, and the second-floor unit has a fireplace and a furnished balcony.    

The hotel has its own beachfront on the shore of Lake Garda, along with a private boat dock that's available to guests for a fee. Above the beach, an infinity pool with a wooden sundeck overlooks the lake, and there's a sprawling sunbathing lawn with loungers amid olive and cypress trees. An indoor pool can be found in the main building in a room with sliding glass doors that open to the lawn, and there's also a full-service spa with a sauna, hot tub, and Turkish bath. The fitness room is something of an afterthought, however, with just four cardio machines in the spa's reception area. For dining, the restaurant serves Italian cuisine and international dishes in a casual dining room, or out on a covered terrace facing the lake. Free breakfast is included. There's also a small lobby bar with an espresso machine and a lounge filled with wicker furniture. Minimum stays apply, and half-board rates are available. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.