Atlantic Hotel Riccione

Built in 1960, the all-white building, with its red and white striped awnings, has a timeless look. Inside, rich blue tiles line the floors, contrasting with the bright white interiors where marble columns rise to ceilings covered in mirrors. A white grand piano and white upholstered chairs fill the lobby, with red carpets and potted plants adding splashes of color. Wicker chairs with blue cushions fill a sun room with picture windows that look out toward the sea, where many hotel guests are usually lounging on a private beach.

Located in Riccione on Lungomare della Libertà, the hotel is right on the beach boardwalk, a block away from the noise of cafes and bars. Viale Ceccarini's popular stretch of boutique shopping is within walking distance as is the Riccione train station. In the center of the Eastern Riviera, Riccione is a major coastal tourist destination with popular beaches and a vibrant nightlife filled with theme parks and discos. It's also a popular cycling destination with paths winding between vineyards and castles along cobbled streets. By car, the hotel is four hours to Rome, under three hours to Venice, and less than 15 minutes to Federico Fellini International Airport.

The rooms feature similar decor as can be found in the rest of the hotel, with white and blue Vietri ceramic flooring and white furniture. In fact, many of the flat-screen TV's are white instead of black, and even the small standard rooms are full of mirrors. Most units have small balconies with views of the sea, though some Economy Rooms only have a wall of windows with no balcony. The bathrooms continue the classic Mediterranean white and blue theme, with bidets and walk-in or shower/tub combos outfitted with rain showerheads. The handful of thematic suites available part with the blue and white motif and are individually unique, with frescos, large lounges, and en-suite bathrooms. All rooms have mini-fridges, but no coffeemakers. The beds are comfortable, though the bedding is perhaps not as plush as some may expect for this category of hotel.

The hotel's beautiful outdoor space includes a rooftop garden and a large pool filled with purified, heated seawater. In fall and winter, the whole pool courtyard is covered with a telescoping glass roof, creating a heated atrium where guests can still enjoy the Adriatic waters. The full-service spa offers massage, hydrotherapy hot tubs, and a Turkish bath, but its futuristic decor may not put everyone at ease. (Think flashy nightclub, rather than Mediterranean sanctuary.) Green Restaurant serves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine with a stocked wine cellar, but extra restaurant services like catering are only available from April to October, aside from conferences or other special occasions.

On-site car and bicycle rentals are available as well and the hotel offers currency exchange services. There’s a fee for beach access and accessories such as umbrellas may cost extra. Also keep in mind that in Riccione, each section of private beach has an assigned number and a corresponding attendant.