Decision help! Lake Garda where to stay

[CoolShoeshine]

We’ve decided on lake Garda for next year’s summer holiday and have been watching lots of videos and googling to try and work out where to stay. Have also checked out prices online and have narrowed my decision down to two resorts where I have found affordable accommodation. The resorts are:
Limone - we love mountain holidays and this has the mountain backdrop and seems quite alpine. The weather is apparently slightly cooler/fresher here in summer as a result. The amazing cycle path on the side of the mountain which my DS would love. Quick ferry to Malchesene for cable car. Looks stunning.
Desenzano - Much easier to get to from airport, rail station with easy links to Verona and Venice, again looks beautiful with plenty to do but doesn’t have the mountain feel.
Which would you choose? We will be travelling with DC (late teen) who loves swimming, shopping and live music. We do sometimes struggle in the heat but always holiday in August as that is the most convenient time work-wise. We don’t hire a car on holiday but do like one or two day trips during a holiday.
Would love some of your wisdom to help my decision!

Limone is probably one of the prettiest towns and feels very laid back, but it’s very small and easily feels packed with tourists. It’s also a bit out of the way for day trips. Desenzano can get a bit rowdy and whilst it has great transport links, it’s really not lake Garda at its best.
I’d go for Riva del Garda. It offers something for everyone: tourist attractions, a chilled atmosphere, scenery, historic sights, outdoor activities, etc…

Thanks @Bubbleandsqueak22 so is Riva quite a bit larger than Limone then? Another resort into the mix!
I wish we could just travel round and do a couple of nights in a few places but as we’re not hiring a car that doesn’t seem very practical.

I’ve stayed in Desenzano when I helped out with a school trip. It has boat connections to other villages on Garda and is perfectly ok as a base. You can see quite a lot without a car. We were there in June though and not school holidays. It’s not Alpine but I have to say the train connections elsewhere are east and good. Plus Gardaland is handy if you need it.

Yea Riva is larger but it’s just as pretty. It’s much better connected.