Parco Vacanze Piccolo Paradiso

This little place across the road from the beach is part campsite and part hotel, making it a popular choice with domestic Italian tourists looking for a simple place to spend a few nights. It's relaxed and casual with a friendly vibe that's due in large part to Gabriella, the owner who's deeply involved with all aspects of running this property. The style is exactly in line with its wooded, beachside setting, and includes unpretentious common areas that will be familiar to families and friends traveling on a budget. There are lots of lawns and open areas, plus additions like a small playground, mini-mart, and casual pizzeria that help create the property's laid-back atmosphere. It's popular with self-sufficient families, groups, and couples who don't need lots of amenities and who want an unfussy place to unwind on a lovely beach. 

This hotel is situated in front of one of the most beautiful and extensive beaches of Albenga, on the Italian Riviera. The area immediately around the hotel is filled with supermarkets, restaurants, pizzerias, and windsurfing and sailing schools. It's popular with surfers and sailors, as well as divers and rock climbers, and is a strategic starting point for hikers and cyclists. Other nearby recreation includes tennis, paddleboarding, and golf. It's a 15-minute walk into town from the property, for those seeking more dining and drinking options. The town is also home to historic sights like the Battistero and Museo Civico. The closest airport, Cristoforo Colombo in Genoa, is just over an hour away by car, or an hour and a half by public transportation.   

In addition to campsites, this property offers apartments, villas, and bungalows. The style is the definition of simple, and rooms are brightly colored with vivid shades of orange, red, and citrus green. Floors are tiled, and furniture has the clean and modern lines reminiscent of IKEA. Eye-catching abstract art hangs on the walls. All have furnished balconies or terraces and simple kitchens with modern appliances including cooking ranges and refrigerators, but no microwaves or electric coffeemakers (we spotted moka pots, though, for those looking to brew their coffee in an old school way). Kitchens are also stocked with dishes and cookware. Bed configurations vary, but may include a double and a sofa bed, or a double and bunk beds. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are compact and a bit dated, but come with bidets and a shower or tub.  

Given the unpretentious nature of this half-campsite, half-hotel, it's maybe no surprise that features are slim. What is on offer, though, is generally great. A pizzeria serves delicious pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven -- they're popular with previous guests. It also has a bar, and diners can sit inside on wooden benches or out on the patio. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are provided for guests on the private pebbly beach. An on-site mini-mart sells sundries, and the terrace outside has a foosball table and a mini-playground for the youngsters. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and dogs are allowed. The owner, Gabriela, is also full of tips on the local area and is a true asset to the property.