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Picture-perfect stays: European hotels with lake views

From fine dining to rooftop pools, each of these hotels stands out for a reason. And they all have something in common too – lake views that’ll have you reaching for your camera.

Best for rooftop relaxation

Hotel Kristal Palace, Riva, Lake Garda, Italy

When it comes to places for enjoying the scenery, the Kristal Palace sets the bar high. From the rooftop, you can look out over Riva’s pastel-coloured buildings and clocktower, and the lake beyond. And when you add in one of the best hotel pools around and a bar that serves up cocktails and Mediterranean nibbles, you’re all set to spend some time relaxing in the sun.

Best for gardens with lake views

Hotel Excelsior Le Terrazze, Garda, Lake Garda, Italy

The Excelsior’s in one of the most scenic locations in town. It’s surrounded by gardens full of mature trees and shrubs, and sits on a hillside overlooking terracotta rooftops and the Gulf of Garda. Take it all in as you swim in the outdoor pool or lounge on the terrace and sip a glass of local wine – there’s even live music out here a couple of evenings a week.

Best for exploring the local area

Hotel Vega, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy

You can see across the water from all over this hotel, and it’s easy to get out among the scenery too – the Vega’s only metres from the ferry port where you can catch a boat to places like Limone, a town that’s built into the cliffs on the opposite shore and is known for its lemon groves.

When you get back, take a dip in the hot tub before rounding things off in the glass-panelled restaurant, watching the sunset while you tuck into dishes such as risotto or seafood linguine.

Best for pools

Hotel La Palma, Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Italy

The Palma doubles up on swim spots. There's the waterfront pool, where you’ll have a great view of the gardens and palaces on Isola Bella, one of the three Borromean Islands. And you can also head to the rooftop for a dip in the second pool here, before flopping back on a lounger with a cocktail from the Sky Bar.

Best for luxury

Grand Hotel, Zell am See, Austria

From the ornate columns and chandeliers to the tip-top service, the Grand definitely lives up to its name. And the location’s extra special too – it’s built on a private peninsula so you’ll have a backdrop of Lake Zell and the Hohe Tauern mountains whether you’re lapping the outdoor pool, being pampered in the spa or having drinks on the terrace.

Best for fine dining

Romantic Hotel Im Weissen Rossl, St Wolfgang, Austria

The restaurant’s a real highlight at the Im Weissen Rossl, and not only because it's right next to the lake. It’s been rated by Gault & Millau – a French restaurant guide similar to Michelin – and specialises in local ingredients like alpine salmon from the hotel’s own fishery. When you’re not treating your taste buds, make the most of the outdoor pool and hot tub that float on the surface of Lake Wolfgang.

Best for lake beach bathing

Hotel Bellevue, Dolno Konjsko, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

Lake Ohrid is front and centre at the Bellevue, which is right on the shore and has outdoor pools, gardens and tennis courts that all face the water. If that’s not close enough though, you can head down to the hotel’s beach for a proper front-row look as you swim or laze on a lounger.

Best for getting out on the water

Strandhotel, Interlaken, Switzerland

The Strandhotel’s in the little village of Iseltwald on Lake Brienz, and the ferry dock’s right outside so it’s no surprise that boat trips are a big theme here. You can hop on a ferry to visit Interlaken itself, with its colourful buildings, cafés and castle. Or how about booking a tour on a steamboat to see the local waterfalls?

See it for yourself your next Lakes & Mountains holiday. Or to be surrounded by greenery and flowers, check out our round-up of hotel’s with beautiful gardens.

Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.

Author: Courtney Sparham

Last updated: 02.02.2023