Hi- have you had a look at Inghams? They do a range of hotels. We stayed a few years ago in Limone at the Al Azzurro (sp?). I would hesitate to recommend it as it was right by the ferry landing stage and very noisy at times. (i.e 7 o'clock in the morning!) They have since added a swimming pool- not sure where as outside space was very limited. Also the half board option was a mistake, the food in the dining room wasn't nearly as good as in the "public" restaurant. However, for picturesque and convenience it was hard to beat! There are hundreds of other hotels in the area that don't cost an arm and a leg. You can do it yourself with a flight to Verona (Ryannair I think) but the transfer is quite long.
The lake is much bigger than you think, and it takes a long time to get from one end to the other by boat. Buses are quite good, but again take a long time. Perhaps you would be better based in the middle (e.g. Garda) rather than either end. From what you write, you would really like the Lake Garda area, good luck, hope you find something.
kate

Thanks Kate

I have just had a look at Ingham's website and that has definately thrown up a few options. I take your point about the size of the lake, we went to Sicily last year and thought we could tour it in a couple of days! - big mistake.

Anymore info from anyone would be great, many thanks.

Claire

We went with Crystal Lakes & Mountains. They are part of Thomsons and we got a really good price for a package inc flights, transfers and a 4star half board hotel.

We stayed in Malcesine years ago. It is a beautiful place with a castle and I think it is better to be on that side of the lake. We caught the bus to Verona from there quite easily and went to places on the lake by boat. There were slow boats and fast boats (hydrofoils I think) depending on how far you wanted to go! We also went up the mountain behind Malcesine by cable car. Afraid I can't recall the name of the hotel. I do remember eating wonderful ice cream sundaes by the harbour though!

clare, we have just got back from Riva Del Garda, this was our second year in a row at the riva prince hotel ( b+b ). we went with Crystal from gatwick, Riva is at the top end of Garda , quiet and relaxed, restruants are all with in walking distance and are great value , try the "tourists menu" which is a great gut filler. People are friendly and helpfull. you can get around the lakes by ferry, a "north lake day pass cost us 13.40 euros . hope you find somewhere, it`ll be good where ever. Mick

We flew from EMA with Ryanair, but we could have gone from Liverpool for the same price. We flew into Bergamo airport, which is about an hours drive - but I think we would chose Verona next time, as it is quite a bit closer and to be honest directions from Bergamo airport, to the main autoroute we needed, were not the best. It is also fairly do-able from Venice, though not a particularly pleasant drive (a good hour and a half, depending which side of the lake you are on).

Hire car can be very reasonable if you are prepared to shop around on the major car hire sites ..anything from £120 for a small (but not mini) economy car for the week - petrol is roughly comparable with here now due to the poor exchange rate.

If you've a family its worth while looking on the major holiday letting/rental sites for a self catering appartment - there are many in the area, and most are well equipped for families including facilities such as swimming pools...just like a hotel... but you get much more room, and own private patio/lounge to chill out in in the evening.

We stayed in Garganano - a pleasant, inimate town just down the lake from Limone, with a really nice ambiance (especially in the evening)......very nice.... but quite honestly I agree that Malcesine is far prettier, with much more to see & do.
Whist Limone was pleasant enough, we thought it was vastly over-rated, and not much more than a stack of hotels and a few ( comparatively expensive) shops...we were disappointed to say the least.

Having just spent a week self catering our cost (not including food or petrol) broke down as follows for 2 adults & 2 children;
Flights = £190
2 bedroom (4*+) self catering accommodation (with pool & lake views) = £463
Car hire = £121
Total cost = £774 or £193 per person