Hotel du Lac - A Lakeside Classic Filled with Nostalgia, Charm and Romance
There’s something deeply comforting about Hotel du Lac in Gargnano. Set right on the edge of the west side of Lake Garda, it’s small, family-run, and wonderfully personal — the kind of place that quietly wins your heart without even trying. Hotel du Lac has been in the Arosio family for last two generations and this means that when you arrive you'll feel like you're staying in a welcoming home from home, albeit one that overlooks the stunning vista of Lake Garda! There are just twelve rooms (six with lake views and either balcony or terrace), all of which are traditionally decorated and adorned with period furnishings and antiques, which are the ideal accompaniment to this handsome Venetian Red 19th-century villa.
Each room feels individual, with traditional details, original floor tiles, and bright, spacious bathrooms that remind you this is an Italian home, not a polished chain hotel. The atmosphere is calm, warm, and delightfully unhurried — a rare find these days.
A short stroll from its sister property, Hotel Gardenia al Lago, Hotel du Lac is run by Valerio, son of the much-loved Tina, whose warmth and hospitality have long made this corner of Gargnano so special. This is a true family affair — Valerio runs Hotel du Lac, while his brothers Andrea and Giorgio run Hotel Gardenia al Lago. Andrea tends to the family’s historic Limonaia, one of the few remaining traditional lemon houses on Lake Garda. That connection between family, heritage, and hospitality gives both properties a rare sense of continuity and heart.
The bar at Hotel du Lac is small yet perfect — just enough to pour a chilled glass of Lugana or an early evening Spritz before you wander up to the roof terrace, shaded by a canopy of ripening kiwis. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger. As the sun dips behind the mountains, the light softens and ripples across the lake, casting delicate shadows over the hills and towns opposite. It’s one of the most peaceful moments you can experience in Gargnano.
Breakfast is another joy. Everything is homemade and beautifully presented — chia pudding, homemade jams and biscuits, still-warm cakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon. The breakfast balcony sits right by the water, so low you could almost reach out and touch the swans drifting past. It’s serene and simple, yet utterly memorable.
Fancy a dip? There’s direct access from the hotel into the lake, with handrails beneath the surface and hooks for your towel. The water is fresh, clear, and cool, perfect for a morning swim in summer or a brisk cold-water dip in October before the hotel closes for the season.
A stay at Hotel du Lac isn’t complete without visiting Andrea’s Limonaia, a highlight of any trip to Gargnano. Andrea has lovingly restored this historic lemon house — a place where terraced stone walls, aged beams, and rows of bright yellow fruit tell the story of a slower, more authentic Italy. The local cooperative, created by the community and growers in the area, produces limoncello, citrus salts, capers, olive oil, and homemade jams, all made with care and sold locally. Spending time with Andrea among the lemon trees, with the scent of citrus in the air, feels like stepping back in time — a reminder of the deep connection between this family and the land they call home.
In the summer months, the family runs the beach bar Lido dei Limoni, a short walk away, which has a white beach bar right by the pier, where you can enjoy a light lunch or a truly authentic aperitivo with your feet in the lake. Also perfect if you want to sunbathe by the water all day. Alternatively, you could hire a mountain bike or kayak (both available onsite) and explore the glorious surrounding countryside. A hiker’s paradise, this side of the lake has some fantastic walks which could keep you out all day.
Hotel du Lac is traditional and slightly old-fashioned in the best possible way. There’s no modern gloss here — just authenticity, character, and a sense of Italian nostalgia that’s hard to find now. It’s a place for slow mornings, easy swims, and evenings spent watching the light fade over the lake with a Negroni in hand.
I’ve stayed in countless hotels across Italy, but Hotel du Lac is one of my favourites — not because it’s the most luxurious, but because it’s the most genuine. It’s small, soulful, and filled with romance — proof that true luxury isn’t about perfection; it’s about how a place makes you feel.
Quite simply, Hotel du Lac is a charming small hotel that offers a traditional, elegant, friendly base on the shores of Lake Garda. For an alternative hotel on Lake Garda, have a look at their sister hotel Hotel Gardenia.
Why stay? Great value and a wonderful location
Who for? Adults and those looking for a romantic boutique hotel on Lake Garda
How to get there? I hired a car and it was 1 hour 15 minute’s drive from Verona airport (which, by the way, is one of the best airports I have ever been to!)
Rating: 10/10