Hotel Florence

Some of the best prices for travelling to the Italian Lakes can be found in the shoulder seasons, but if this is your first visit, then you might not want to risk the weather being anything less than perfect and spoiling those idyllic vistas. In which case our Guru’s investigation into how to do the Italian Lakes on a budget, and the best budget hotels in the region, is for you - we’ve narrowed it down to the 20 Best Budget Hotels in the Italian Lakes.

There are some stretches of waterfront which are less pricey than others, the north of Lake Como for example, and the south-eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, and these are good places to start. But it’s a shame if you stop searching there, for our Gurus have found some great ways to ‘do’ the Italian Lakes on a budget in some of the region’s most glamorous lakeside towns. Don’t discount Bellagio on Lake Como or gorgeous Gardone Riviera. Hotels and B&Bs in Lake Garda's Salò and Sirmione, and Lake Maggiore’s Stresa are also on our Guru’s list.

For a traditional stay

Locando Osteria Marascia

  • Locanda Osteria Marascia is located in a quiet village just a short drive from Lake Como. This traditional hotel has a charming rustic chic feel with exposed beams, stone walls and antiques galore. The fantastic cellar restaurant serves home-made Italian dishes - the host's recipes have been perfected over five generations!

For a B&B

Garni Gianmartin

  • Garni Gianmartin in Limone, Lake Garda, is a small B&B on the main square, just minutes from the beach. The rooms are simple and comfortable, and the suites have their own private terraces with lovely views.
  • La Dimora del Garda, in Sirmione, Lake Garda, is a simple, sophisticated house that has four comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and an airy communal breakfast room. Each room has a small outdoor terrace. A charming stay.
  • La Canarina B&B is a charming bed and breakfast in the heart of Como. Bedrooms are simple and airy with natural wooden floorboards and antique wrought iron beds, all overlooking a beautiful private garden. A good location to explore Como on foot with plenty to see from the doorstep and just 200m from the lake. 
  • Da Gianni is a delightful B&B in an ancient building and a stunning location. Italian-style antique furniture, wooden beams and stone walls. An outdoor pool with a covered sitting area is perfect to catch up on some reading. Gourmet breakfast is included. A great base for exploring the area.

For self-catering

Fondo La Campagnola Resort

  • Fondo La Campagnola Resort is a small resort comprising ten self-catering units on the outskirts of Gargano. All are done in traditional style and offer fully equipped kitchens and a private outdoor space, plus there's a lovely garden and pool. The ideal property for a longer stay and fantastic value for money.

For families

Tenuta le Sorgive

  • Owned by the same family for four generations, the Albergo Olivedo is a gorgeous ten-room townhouse hotel right by Lake Como at Varenna. The decor is traditional, with stone floors, pastel walls and private balconies. Family friendly and laid back, the Albergo Olivedo also has a lovely little Italian restaurant.
  • The Locanda di Orta in Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta, is a charming, traditional hotel with nine wonderful rooms and suites with stone walls and private balconies. There’s a rooftop gastro-bar and a bistro. The laidback feel makes this very family-friendly.
  • Corte Mantovani is a short drive from Verona and just a few minutes from Lake Garda. This is a great location for those looking to get out and explore the area. Set in an old farmhouse courtyard, bedrooms have been decorated in a contemporary style with a rustic feel. With spacious family suites and a laid-back feel, this is a great family option.
  • Tenuta Le Sorgive is a beautifully restored 19th-century farmhouse on an organic agriturismo farm near Lake Garda. Explore the orchards and vineyards or head out on a pony trek through the surrounding hills. With all the activities on offer and plenty of space, this is very family-friendly.

For Lake Garda

Relais Colle San Giorgio

  • AQVA Boutique Hotel in Sirmione is a calm, modernist hotel with 18 neutral-shaded rooms, a peaceful garden and a small jetty. It's just 600 metres from Scaligero Castle and within a short stroll of Sirmione’s thermal baths.
  • Gardesana, in the pretty fishing village of Torri del Benaco on Lake Garda, has 34 simple, comfortable rooms, great views and excellent food. It’s also great value.
  • Relais Colle San Giorgio is a charming B&B facing Lake Garda. Four-poster beds, antique furniture and decorated with white drapes, it is beautifully romantic. Outdoors, there's an infinity pool and sun terraces with stunning views. Very eco-friendly; a true rural idyll. 
  • Il Mosaico B&B, slightly set back from the Lake Garda waterfront, offers good value boutique accommodation ideal for those looking to explore the area by car. Comfortable, air-conditioned bedrooms are striking in moody palettes with all the mod cons.

For Lake Como

Albergo Milano

  • Varenna’s Albergo Milano is a charming hotel in an enchanting lakeside setting. There is a collection of rooms, triples and apartments, all with stone floors, whitewashed walls and private balconies. There’s also a lovely restaurant. 

For Lake Maggiore

Hotel Verbano

  • The Hotel Cannero in Cannero, is an old-fashioned charmer, with spotless bedrooms, a lovely piano bar and lakeside terrace, and a pool and tennis court. Great buffet breakfasts and gracious, attentive service from the family who has run this hotel for decades.
  • Foodies will love the Hotel Verbano, a restaurant with rooms in Stresa. There are 12 rooms, with romantic terraces overlooking the lake, and lively decor, with some charming old features and creamy colourings. Romantic and well priced.

For Lake Orta

La Contrada dei Monti

  • La Contrada dei Monti in Orta San Giulio is a small traditional hotel whose bright rooms feature stone walls and beamed ceilings. Simple, yet well-located, and very reasonably priced.
  • Just along the lake’s shore, there’s the Hotel Il Giardinetto, a great restaurant with 59 rooms, right on the water. The food is gourmet, the sun decks hang out over the lake, and there’s a romantic atmosphere.

Still not sure where to book?

The 19 Best Budget Hotels in the Italian Lakes

Gardesana

Torri del Benaco (Torri del Benaco)

Excellent food and comfortable, simple rooms in Garda's showpiece fishing village. Perfectly positioned in a charming little port, it's a very romantic spot for a good value break. Homely and ideal for local exploring.

  • Local exploring - Offering a great location overlooking the lake and with views of the castle, this is the perfect spot to explore from
  • Foodies - Regional dishes are served on the terrace restaurant
  • Fishing - Fishing excursions nearby
  • Sights nearby - Verona 40 minutes drive
from AU$235 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Tenuta Le Sorgive

Lake Garda (Solferino)

A beautifully restored 19th-century farmhouse on an organic agriturismo farm. Simple traditional rooms come with continental breakfast. Explore the orchards and vineyards or head out on a pony trek through the surrounding hills. A wonderful spot to re-engage with mother nature.

  • Families - This is truly a family place, with plenty of group activities on site and a wholesome organic vibe.
  • Great walks - There are lovely walks around the estate where you can learn about farming in the Italian counrtyside.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor garden surrounded pool
  • Restaurant
from AU$162 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Hotel Il Giardinetto

Lake Orta

Fantastic restaurant with charming rooms on the water of Lake Orta. Gourmet food on romantic terraces, sun decks overhanging the lake, pastel rooms with wonderful views over the lake. A romantic choice for an authentic Italian break.

  • Views
  • Romantic Break
  • Restaurant - Creative regional cuisine
  • Swimming Pool -
from AU$209 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Locanda di Orta

Lake Orta

Charming, traditional, cheaper than most. Wonderful rooms and suites have stone walls, private balconies, good sized beds. The highlight - rooftop gastro-bar, wine cellar and bistro. Very family friendly and affordable.

  • Roof terrace - Fabulous gastrobar roof terrace.
  • Value chic
  • Views
  • Private Hot Tub - One of the suites has a private balcony with hot tub
from AU$138 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Albergo Milano

Varenna

Charming lakeside hotel. An enchanting setting on Lake Como, various rooms, triples and apartments, with white washed walls and private balconies. Very good restaurant and spectacular views from the terrace. A great choice for families, groups and romantic breaks.

  • Charming - Pick this property for a tradional stay, the oldest part of the building dates back to the 17th century
  • Families - With 3 apartments sleeping up to 5 people, this is a great choice for families or small groups
  • Owner managed - The friendly owners, Bettina and Egidio, often greet their guests personally
  • Lakeside - Take the short stroll down to the lake and go for a swim
from AU$243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Albergo Olivedo

Varenna

Gorgeous townhouse hotel on Lake Como. Charmingly traditional bedrooms have stone floors, pastel walls, and private balconies. Magnificent views from every room and authentic Italian food. Laid back, family friendly.

  • Local exploring - Well located just 5 minutes from Varenna's pretty centre made up of winding cobbled streets
  • Sailing - Set on the Varenna jetty, this is a great base to explore the lake by boat
  • Owner managed - Owned by the same family for four generations
  • Views - Great views over Lake Como
from AU$259 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Hotel Verbano

Lake Maggiore (Isola dei Pescatori)

Special restaurant with rooms set on an island of Lake Maggiore. Excellent local cuisine from romantic terraces overlooking the lake. Lovely bedrooms and living areas in creams, with brick fireplace, wooden beams, white washed walls, and private balconies. Ideal for a romantic break or a wedding.

  • Views - All the rooms have stunning views over Lake Maggiore
  • Foodies
  • Honeymoons
  • Romantic Break
from AU$243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Hotel Cannero

Lake Maggiore

Charming old-fashioned establishment run by the same attentive and gracious family for decades. Spectacular position on Lake Maggiore with beautiful views. Spotless bedrooms, piano bar, lakeside terrace, pool and tennis court. Buffet breakfasts are a speciality. The perfect place to unwind.

  • Foodies - Exquisite lakeside terrace for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Views - Magnifcent views overlooking Lake Maggiore.
  • Lakeside
  • Great walks
from AU$194 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

La Contrada dei Monti

Lake Orta

Located along a cobbled Piedmont lane provides a traditional stay in this historic town. Bright rooms are decorated in yellows and period pieces with terracotta tiles, exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings. Local and continental food can be enjoyed indoors or in the sun. Do note there is no wifi.

  • Sights nearby - Visit the Sacri Monti churches, a colleciton of 16th and 17th century churches.
  • Sailing - Take a boat to San Giulio island and visit the Romanesque basilica.
  • Great walks - Along the ancient footpath at the Sacro Monte.
  • Lakeside - On Lake Orta
from AU$154 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Il Mosaico B&B

Sirmione (Colombare di Sirmione)

Slightly set back from the Lake Garda waterfront, Il Mosaico offers good value boutique accommodation ideal for those looking to explore the area by car. Comfortable, air conditioned bedrooms are striking in moody palettes with all the mod cons. Includes free Wifi and plenty of private parking.

  • Value chic - Modern, luxurious accommodation at a steal of a price
  • Romantic Break - Adults only hotel makes it ideal for visiting couples
  • Local exploring - Great central location for exploring on foot
  • Restrictions on children - Children are not permitted at this hotel
from AU$149 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

AQVA Boutique Hotel

Sirmione

The hotel offers relaxing rooms filled with calming natural palettes. Modernist design, private balconies and a peaceful garden with a small jetty. Enjoy lunch on the terrace or cocktails at the sun loungers. Organise exciting day trips and fine dining restaurants with the hotel concierge.

  • Local exploring - Just 600m from Scaligero Castle and within walking distance of Sirmione’s thermal baths
  • Total relaxation - The hotel boasts its own stretch of private beach
  • Restrictions on children - Must be arranged with the hotel
  • Views - Wonderful views over the lake
from AU$235 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

La Dimora del Garda

Sirmione (Colombare di Sirmione)

This simple and sophisticated house has been recently renovated and offers four comfortable air conditioned rooms and an airy communal breakfast room. Each of the bedrooms also have a small private outdoor terrace area with table and chairs. A great spot for families looking to explore Lake Garda.

  • Value chic - This part of the world is not cheap, and here you have great value and plenty of style
  • Local exploring - Whether by bike or on foot, Lake Garda and its attractions are moments away
  • Great walks - Enjoy walks in the surrounding hills
  • Sailing - Hire a boat and explore Lake Garda
from AU$146 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

La Canarina B&B

Como

A charming bed and breakfast in the heart of Como. Bedrooms are simple and airy with natural wooden floorboards and antique wrought iron beds, all overlooking a beautiful private garden. A good location to explore Como on foot with plenty to see from the doorstep and just 200m from the lake.

  • Local exploring - Located in the centre of Como, you're ideally placed to explore on foot.
  • Value chic - Beautiful rooms from just €95 per night B&B.
  • Great walks - Travel up the Funicular and enjoy walks overlooking the lake
  • Sights nearby - Como Cathedral is just minutes away
from AU$185 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Locanda Osteria Marascia

Calolziocorte (Lake Como)

Located in a quiet village just a short drive from Lake Como. This traditional hotel has a charming rustic chic feel with exposed beams, stone walls and antiques galore. The fantastic cellar restaurant serves home-made Italian dishes - the host's recipes have been perfected over five generations!

  • Value chic - With doubles from just €80 per night including breakfast, these smart rooms are excellent value
  • Local exploring - Great location for exploring the Italian Lakes
  • Great walks - Parco Regionale di Montevecchia e della Valle del Curone. There are good routes for all abilities
  • Sights nearby - Spend a day in Milan
from AU$138 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Corte Mantovani

Lake Garda (Lake Garda)

A short drive from Verona and just a few minutes from Lake Garda, this is a great location for those looking to get out and explore the area. Set in an old farmhouse courtyard, bedrooms have been decorated in a contemporary style with a rustic feel. Natural earthy tones and exposed stone walls.

  • Value chic - Beautifully chic rooms and prices from just €70 per night including breakfast......a bargain!
  • Local exploring - A great location for accessing all the region has to offer
  • Great walks - There are plenty of good walking and hiking routes close by suitable for all abillities
  • Sights nearby - Spend the day in Verona
from AU$113 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Garni Gianmartin

Limone (Lake Garda)

Located on the main square in a quiet village, this small B&B with lake views is just minutes from the beach. Bedrooms are simple and comfortable, suites have terraces with a view. Store bikes in the garage or rent them on site. Hearty breakfasts before a day of outdoor exploring. Great value too.

  • Back to Nature - Located overlooking Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains, this is a superb escape to nature
  • Active Holiday - Find a wide range of activities to choose from including sailing, hiking and mountain biking
  • Sights nearby - Visit the historic town of Verona
  • Views - All bedrooms have a lake view
from AU$193 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Relais Colle San Giorgio

Bardolino (Loc. Fontanadino 1)

A charming B&B facing Lake Garda. Four poster beds, antique furniture and decorated with white drapes, it is beautifully romantic. Has an infinity pool and sun terraces with stunning views. Very eco friendly it is a true rural idyll.

  • Local exploring - Close by to Bardolino, known for its local wines, gastronomic events and famed restaurants and shops
  • Total relaxation - Enjoy complete bliss at this lake facing hotel surrounded by olive trees and vineyards
  • Great walks - At the prominent Rocca, a headland wonderful views
  • Sights nearby - Close by to the Camaldolese friars monastery
from AU$154 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Da Gianni

Arco (Arco)

A delightful B&B in an ancient building and a stunning location. Italian-style antique furniture, wooden beams and stone walls. An outdoor pool with a covered sitting area perfect to catch up on some reading. Gourmet breakfast is included. A great base for exploring the area.

  • Total relaxation - A spa providing massages, wellness therapies such as reflexology, and beauty treatments
  • Back to Nature - Located in a picturesque setting in Chiarano, under the slopes of Castle Arch
  • Local exploring - A bus stop next door has frequent buses connecting to the centre of town
  • Great walks - The Varone Waterfall - one of the most popular natural attractions is a short hike away
from AU$146 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Fondo La Campagnola Resort

Gargnano (Lake Garda)

A small resort comprising ten self catering units on the outskirts of Gargano. All are done in traditional style and offer fully equipped kitchens and a private outdoor space. Lovely garden and pool. The ideal property for a longer stay and fantastic value for money.

  • Local exploring - Situated close to the centre of Gargnano and ideal for exploring the wider Lake Garda area
  • Groups - With multi room options, these charming apartments are ideal for small groups
  • Sights nearby - You can easily walk in to the centre of Gargnano, and Villa Feltrinelli is 300m the other way
  • Views - The residence boast views of both lake and mountains
from AU$176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

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