Where to stay in Veneto, from the Dolomites to Lake Garda

Where to stay in Veneto, area by area

In Veneto the right area depends on what you want to see, because the region is very varied. I have grouped the places into three areas: the Belluno Dolomites, Treviso and Venice, and Verona and Garda.

Belluno and the Dolomites

In the Belluno area you stay for the mountains. These are small, family-run places, ideal if you want to walk and would like advice on routes.

• B&B Piccole Dolomiti, in Belluno. A family bed and breakfast close to the centre and the restaurants, yet on a quiet street. Roomy bedrooms, a generous breakfast and an owner who gives tips on walking routes.
• B&B Tisoi, in Tisoi. A small B&B with mountain views, a garden and free private parking. A quiet base for walks in the Belluno Dolomites, though less suited to anyone who wants a private bathroom.

Treviso, the Riviera del Brenta and the Piave

This is the area for anyone who wants to stay near Venice and Treviso without sleeping in the lagoon. It is also the most practical choice for anyone with a flight to catch.

• B&B Nuova Ostiglia, in Quinto di Treviso. A few new, air-conditioned rooms, parking, a garden and a well-liked breakfast, very close to the airport. I recommend it to anyone with an early flight or a work trip.
• Locanda Righetto, in Quinto di Treviso. A rustic-chic inn in the centre of the village, with clean, well-equipped rooms, a restaurant and a snack bar. Ideal as a stop before a flight, less so for total silence.
• Hotel Villa Giulietta, in Fiesso d'Artico. A hotel on the Riviera del Brenta, halfway between Venice and Padua, with a breakfast buffet, free parking and a reception that is always staffed. Good for anyone visiting the villas by car who doesn't mind slightly dated rooms.
• Locanda Toronto, in Moriago della Battaglia. An inn with a restaurant, garden, terrace and parking. It appeals for its family atmosphere, the fireplace and the cooking, less so to anyone wanting flawless service.

Verona and Garda

To the west, Veneto looks towards Verona and Lake Garda. These are quiet places in nearby villages, from which you can reach the cities and the lake by car.

• B&B Milù, in Bussolengo. A family B&B on the first floor of a small house, between Verona and Garda, with a garden, on-site parking and homemade cakes at breakfast. Suits families and couples looking for a convenient base.
• B&B Ombretta, in Valeggio sul Mincio. In the centre of the village, with clean, quiet rooms and apartments. Works well for anyone visiting Borghetto, the Sigurtà park and southern Lake Garda.

What kind of places you'll find in Veneto

In Veneto the family-run B&Bs and the country inns prevail, with one hotel run in a more traditional way. These are small places, often in a village or near the centre, with a carefully prepared breakfast and hosts ready to give advice.

There are no large resorts among these options. The inns often have a restaurant, the B&Bs focus on breakfast and quiet, and the hotel offers reception and parking. Knowing what you really need will save you disappointment.

Which place to choose for your trip

It depends more on what you plan to do than on how much you want to spend. This table sets out my suggestions.

When to visit Veneto and how to get around

The spring and early autumn are the best times for almost all of Veneto. In the mountains it depends on the season you want, for walking or for snow, while on Garda and in Venice summer is very busy.

To get around the region you need a car, especially for B&Bs in villages and on the hills. Between the larger cities the train works well, and in Venice it is best to leave the car outside and take the train or local transport. Always check parking before you book.