Hotel San Marco

The hotel has a modern look, starting with the white exterior and entrance terrace with dark wicker seating overlooking the street. In the lobby, white furniture, black leather couches and armchairs, and modern light fixtures create a comfortable yet stylish ambiance. There’s chic decor in the buffet restaurant -- dark wood against cream and white walls and dangling chandeliers -- and the rooftop pool has a wooden deck that ups the luxury a bit. The hotel has some unique spaces, like the Shark Room -- a guest room for families, with bright blue marine scenes painted on the walls -- and the moms' kitchen, a great convenience for traveling families with picky eaters in tow.

Set in the resort area of Rimini on the Adriatic coast, the hotel is in the small town of Cattolica at the Piazzale I Maggio, a busy area with lots of nightlife. The property is not directly on the sea, so guests have to cross a street in order to reach the beaches. There are beautiful examples of Roman and Renaissance art and architecture in the historic center of Rimini, about 15 miles north, and the entrance to pristine San Bartolo park -- with gorgeous seaside walks -- is about a 10-minute drive south. The Rimini airport is a 25-minute drive or taxi ride away, while the Bologna airport is an hour-and a-half away.

The hotel's 90 rooms vary a bit: Economy Rooms have a slightly older style, with floral bedspreads and plain furniture, while trendier Family and Superior Rooms have a sophisticated palate of grays and creams against light wood accents. The shark-themed room, a suite-style space for families, is bright blue with cartoon murals and seashell accents. The rooms have large bathrooms with stall showers -- some Family Room showers have bluish lighting. Amenities include flat-screen TVs and small balconies, overlooking either the street or the sea.

The hotel’s rooftop pool is a unique amenity, with expansive views of the area and the sea. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style, with some dishes, including homemade pasta, prepared in front of guests. Breakfast is substantial and tasty, with a good variety of homemade cakes and pastries. The hotel caters to kids with a colorful playroom with Playstation and movies, and a mascot providing entertainment. Babysitting is available, and there's an on-site pediatrician. Guests get free bike rentals, and parking in a garage under the hotel is available for an extra fee. The hotel offers a few different all-inclusive options, with add-ons like drinks at the restaurant and sun beds on the beach.