Former farmhouse turned adults-only hotel with 8 rooms set in hills above Lake Garda
Prati Palai / Bardolino / Lake Garda / Italy
Hotel options in Italy are almost endless. Most places you go there are almost too many different (Selected by RG-type) hotels to choose from, but then in some areas it can actually be somewhat difficult to find those truly unique hotels. We have been coming to Lake Garda ever since I was a child and when I have returned as an adult I have often struggled to find hotels that stand out, hotels that have that kind of uniqueness that leaves a lasting impression. That was why I was beyond happy when I came across this place, Prati Palai in Bardolino, Italy
Prati Palai is an old farmhouse located high up on a hill side with amazing views of Lake Garda. In total there are only 8 rooms at this adults-only hotel. Or actually it almost feels incorrect to call this a hotel. It is more like staying at someone’s private country estate. And in a way that is an achievement in itself, to be able to create that kind of feeling.
The hotel experience starts directly when you pull the handbrake in the parking, located above the hotel. In a heartbeat you are met by staff in the golf car, ready to deliver you and your bags to the reception.
Our room was in the front of the building which meant we had uninterrupted views of the lake and the mountains beyond. It was such a treat to stand by the window, especially during sunset, to see how the light slowly shifted as life on the lake started to settle and the wind settling down.
The best part about this hotel, except for that view, is the pool. It is located just behind the hotel, surrounded by olive trees and all kinds of greenery. And since this is a small hotel (and adults-only), this area is calm. The only thing you hear is the distant sound of a boat on the lake, the rustle of the wind in the olive trees and birds chirping away. And another great thing is while you are laying here enjoying the calm and the view, you can have a refreshing Aperol Spritz waiting for you when you get out of the water.
Welcome to Prati Palai!
The hotel is located on a hillside above Lake Garda. Just high enough in order to get a great view of the lake and the surroundings.
It is all about location. Prati Palai is located high up on a hillside with amazing views of Lake Garda, framed by some ancient olive trees.
Our cozy room. The exterior is all stone but the inside is all warm wood.
The view from our window.
The breakfast room where breakfast is served if the weather would not be agreeable.
When the reception isn’t manned, there is a great little honesty bar where you can quench your thirst.
M on his way out to explore the surroundings.
The path to the pool.
Love, love, love outdoor showers.
This was where I spent my lazy afternoons.
Don’t mind if I do. An Aperol Spritz is always the right choice, but even more so when poolside in Italy, enjoying a sunny afternoon.
The hotel is surrounded by olive trees and you can buy the locally produced oil at the hotel.
M enjoying some snacks and the view. The hotel doesn’t have an onsite restaurant but they do serve some light things to eat. And drinks, of course!
Sun is setting over Lake Garda. This is the view from one of our windows. I got stuck there for a long time enjoying this scenery.
New day! The best way to start it, a cappuccino at one of the outside tables.
RG inside info
Dates of RG stay:
July 2017 and May 2025
This place is perfect if you…
…want to enjoy the beauty and the activities of Lake Garda but still stay a little off (or above) the beaten track. If you are looking for a historic hotel where the atmosphere is calm and you can enjoy the Garda buzz from a distance. Then this is the place for you!
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the serenity. There are two main reasons for this, the first is that there are only 8 rooms. And in addition to this, the hotel is adults-only which adds even more tranquillity to this already serene experience. Basically a perfect place to relax.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is nothing! Don’t stress! Just kick back and enjoy life under the shade of the olive trees. Take a dip in the pool and order the first Aperol Spritz of the day. Vacationing in Italy is all about enjoying life to the max.
If you like this place you might also like…
Corte Pravecchio / Lake Garda, Italy
Monastero Arx Vivendi / Lake Garda, Italy
Masseria Moroseta / Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
La Villa / Mombaruzzo, Piemonte, Italy
