Villa Arcadio
Classic, monastic, fantastic
Lake-view Salò hillside
Overlooking the mirror-flat expanse of Lake Garda from its perch atop the historic town of Salò, Villa Arcadio Hotel & Resort is where Italy's smart set go for refined R ’n’ R. Vistas of lake, town and mountain – variously enjoyed from elegant bedside, infinity poolside and marble-clad fireside – guarantee it a spot among the world's best hotels with a view.
Facilities
Rooms
Eighteen, including four suites.
Checkout
Noon; late check-outs are possible, subject to availability (and a €50 charge). Earliest check-in, 2pm.
More Details
Rates include a generous Continental buffet breakfast, on-site parking and WiFi.
Also
The town of Salò is walkable (it's a brisk 40 minutes), but if you're without a car, you might want to jump in a cab for the uphill return ride (about €15). Back at base, you can refine your Italian cuisine with cooking lessons (request in advance).
Hotel Closed
Every winter from November until the end of March (specific dates vary annually).
Fitness Center
Free Internet Access
Laundry
Pet Friendly
Pool
On-Site Restaurant
Room Service
Spa
At the Hotel
Landscaped grounds with olive groves and orchards, terrace and Finnish sauna. In rooms: flatscreen TV, air-conditioning, minifridge, kettle, organic bath products, robes, slippers, pool towels, hairdryer.
Our Favourite Rooms
Rooms are all decorated with the same light touch: neutral colours and simple, stylish furniture serve to highlight, rather than distract from, original beamed ceilings, terracotta floor tiles and 14th-century frescoes. Any one’s a winner – ask for a lake view. Marble bathrooms are petite but practical, with walk-in showers and some with twin sinks.
Poolside
With daydreamy views across distant Lake Garda and its misty mountain backdrop, the outdoor infinity pool is surrounded by lounger-sprinkled decking, clipped lawns and olive trees.
Packing Tips
Outdoorsy gear for biking or rambling in the national park; bubble-wrap for antiques and foodie finds; deck shoes and binoculars for excursions across the lake on a Riva Aquariva motor launch (or a more affordable catamaran ferry); ultra-sleek swimwear and plenty of books for poolside lounging.
Also
Free yoga classes, ayurvedic treatments, Shiatsu massage, Pilates and e-bikes are all available on request.
Children
Welcome; extra bed (€90 a night) and cots (€50) can be added to suites. The restaurant is child-friendly, and nannies can be drafted in with advance notice.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
In summer, you’ll want to dine alfresco: the terrace at night is enchanting, with soft-toned lanterns swinging among the vines and candles on every wrought-iron table.
Dress Code
This genteel hideaway inspires old-fashioned chic: discreet designer dresses, caramel cashmere, crisp linens.
Hotel Restaurant
Chef Glauco Zini sources seasonal regional ingredients (some straight from the villa’s kitchen garden) to create typical dishes with a twist: don’t miss fresh fish plucked from the local lake, delicious handmade gnocchi and zingy gelati. Two elegant rooms – vaulted stone ceilings, grand marble fireplaces and 18th-century prints – lead out onto a pretty terrace: the perfect place to drink in those bella vistas and bellinis.
Hotel Bar
Take top-notch tipples in the sophisticated wooden bar area, snugly set between the lounge and terrace. You can call for cocktails until midnight. Dip into a bottle of local Groppello, Chiaretto or Franciacorta from the excellent wine list.
Last Orders
You can call for cocktails until midnight. Breakfast is served 7.30am–10.30am; lunch, 12.30pm–2.30pm (6pm in high season); and dinner, 7pm–9.45pm.
Room Service
Dishes from the main menu can be ordered in-room from 7:30am to 10pm in high season (from mid May to September), and during restaurant hours in low season – staff aim to please, so there’s no harm in asking if you have a specific snack in mind.
Planes
Verona is the closest, about 40km or half an hour's drive away, but there's a greater number of international flights to Milan's Malpensa and Linate airports (both about 140km or 90 minutes away). Bergamo is another good option, about 65km away.
Trains
Lake Garda's Desenzano del Garda station is 20km away, with regular connections to Venice, Milan, Verona, Brescia and other Italian cities. Villa Arcadio can arrange transfers (from €50), or hop aboard the SIA bus for Salò – the bus stop is just a few hundred metres from the hotel grounds.
Automobiles
A hire car is a must if you want to explore, but if you're not planning to travel much futher than the perimiter of the hotel pool, you can manage without one (you could, for instance, take taxis to and from nearby Salò, about €15 each way – or you could walk there in about 40 minutes). From Milan, Salò is easily reached via the A4 motorway to Venice; exit east at Brescia and, at the Salò tunnel intersection, take the Desenzano road; turn off when you hit Viale Europa and, a little under 2km away, you’ll find Villa Arcadio on Via Palazzina. If you're using SatNav and it doesn't recognise this newer road name, try inputting Via Navelli in Salò instead. Brescia and Verona are both half an hour away by car.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Blow the budget and book a stylish mahogany motor boat (a classic Riva Aquariva) for speedy lake crossings or shoreside picnic jaunts; full- or half-day trips with the captain make for a thrilling day out (and make you feel a bit like a 1960s screen star). A body of water as large as Lake Garda attracts all manner of water-sporters, with windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing and more on tap. Back at base, you can refine your Italian cuisine with cooking lessons at the hotel (on request).
There are beautiful hiking and biking trails on your doorstep (not to mention walking trails through Villa Arcadio's orchards and herb gardens): the Alto Garda Bresciano national park is also where canyoning and climbing enthusiasts get their rocks off.
For something a little more cultural, take a stroll around Salò, where the original Roman road plan is still very much in evidence. There are regular antiques fairs around the Lake; check for details. Hop on one of the frequent ferries from Salò's port to other towns around the south of Lake Garda: Sirmione is a nice day trip.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
