Gardone Riviera. For a 5-star hotel on Lake Garda right by the water, options include Grand Hotel Fasano in Gardone, EALA near Limone and Splendido Bay in Padenghe. Cape of Senses and Lefay sit above the lake and suit days of panoramas and wellness. For a weekend of town walks, Lido Palace in Riva offers a different kind of base.
This selection compares eight properties by shore, terrain and access. The star ratings come from the properties and regional tourism directories. The exact routes matter most for your trip. An address above the lake often means a transfer to the shore. On a promenade, it is easier to walk to dinner in the evening.
Five stars on Lake Garda at a glance
Distinguishing water access, elevation and location in town
As of November 2026 · Sources and further information at the end of the article.
North shore – town, mountains and a short walk to the water
1. Lido Palace in Riva del Garda
Lido Palace is on the north shore in Riva del Garda, close to the lake and old town. The façade recalls the years around 1900. It suits a stay combining wellness with walks along the promenade, restaurants in town or an excursion into the Sarca Valley. If you arrive by train, travel to Rovereto and continue by bus. Check the stop for the final walk with luggage.
Riva is a convenient base for a stay in one place. An excursion to Torbole is easier to fit in than a daily trip to the far end of the lake. If you want to experience both the north and the southern peninsula of Sirmione, a change of base is worthwhile on a longer trip.
West shore – three different settings on the Riviera dei Limoni
2. EALA My Lakeside Dream near Limone sul Garda
EALA stands by the water on the rocky west shore near Limone. According to the hotel, it welcomes guests aged 16 and over. If you plan frequent trips to the town centre, check the walking route or the hotel's shuttle, which it says must be booked ahead. The property suits travellers planning time by the water and in the spa.
3. Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda near Gargnano
Lefay sits on the hillside above Gargnano. Its views and resort grounds shape the stay. If you want to walk to a harbour for dinner or take a boat each day, allow for a transfer down to the lake. For two or three quiet wellness days, the hillside has an advantage. The lake provides the view, while most of your day is spent at the hotel and in its park.
4. Grand Hotel Fasano & Villa Principe in Gardone Riviera
Grand Hotel Fasano stands directly on the west shore in Gardone Riviera. Garda Lombardia lists it in the 5Lcategory. The setting suits guests who want both water and gardens and may visit the Vittoriale nearby. Check which buildings and room categories are included in the offer. If you arrive via Desenzano, a bus or transfer follows the train journey.
East shore – hillside panorama near Torri and wellness near Lazise
5. Cape of Senses in Torri del Benaco
Cape of Senses is on a natural terrace above the east shore. The lake view is part of the location. The property sets a minimum age of 14. Allow for the trip downhill to Torri harbour and the ferry to Maderno. It suits travellers who select a few excursions and want time in the spa.
6. Quellenhof Luxury Resort in Lazise
Quellenhof Resort lies inland from Lazise's harbour and old town. VisitGarda gives a distance of about two kilometres to the harbour. The property separates family and adult areas in its spa. Families should check the rules for individual pools and room occupancy in advance. If you arrive by train, look at connections via Peschiera and the transfer to the hotel.
South shore – peninsula or lake access near Desenzano
7. Villa Cortine Palace in Sirmione
Villa Cortine sits in a park on the historic peninsula of Sirmione. The setting suits walks through the old town and a visit to the Grottoes of Catullus. If you come by car, clarify road access and how to move your luggage. In peak season, the timing of your drive onto and off the narrow peninsula matters too.
8. Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort in Padenghe sul Garda
Splendido Bay stands directly on the lake in Padenghe. Its southwestern shore location combines lake access with proximity to Desenzano station. Arrange the transfer to the resort after the train. For an evening in Desenzano's old town plan the return separately. When choosing a room, check the precise view, as room categories face the lake and park differently.
Before booking – travel, lake views and included services
On Lake Garda, distinguish between lake view, a location directly on the lake and swimming access. These three descriptions answer different questions. A hillside room may have a view over the entire lake. A property on the shore may have a jetty, a pebbly swimming spot or access only by steps. Ask about the exact route to the water and the facilities available for your travel dates.
Navigazione Laghi publishes separate timetables for lake boats and the Maderno–Torri car ferry. For an excursion, check the last return service and the route from the pier to your hotel. The winter timetable offers different services from the main season. In the north, the bus from Rovereto is often the easiest basis. For the southern shore, Desenzano and Peschiera are the stations with the main connections.
Compare properties for the same date and occupancy. Check spa access, age limits, parking, breakfast and any supplements. For two nights, choose a property that requires little driving. For a week, you can combine north and south with two fixed bases and plan the change as a travel day.
| House | Location | Check for your stay |
|---|---|---|
| Lido Palace, Riva | Town and north shore | Bus from Rovereto and room location |
| EALA, Limone | By the lake, from age 16 | Route into town and shuttle |
| Lefay, Gargnano | Hillside above the lake | Transfer to Gargnano |
| Grand Hotel Fasano, Gardone | Directly on the west shore | Room and building |
| Cape of Senses, Torri | Panoramic setting, from age 14 | Transfer to the harbour |
| Quellenhof, Lazise | Inland | Family areas and journey to the old town |
| Villa Cortine Palace, Sirmione | Park on the peninsula | Road access and luggage |
| Splendido Bay, Padenghe | Directly on the southwest shore | Room type and journey to Desenzano |
Map – hotels and shores on Lake Garda
Riva is in the north, Gardone and Gargnano on the west shore, Torri and Lazise in the east, and Sirmione in the south.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about 5-star hotels on Lake Garda
Sources and Further Information
- Garda Lombardia – accommodation in Gardone Riviera (accessed November 2026)
- Garda Trentino – regional accommodation directory (accessed November 2026)
- VisitGarda – railway stations and connecting towns (accessed November 2026)
- Garda Trentino – arriving via Rovereto (accessed November 2026)
- Navigazione Laghi – boats and ferries (accessed November 2026)
