Hotel Belvedere

From the street, a break in a wall of foliage reveals the Hotel Belvedere and the foot of a small bridge that spans its outdoor pool, providing a mini-overpass to the property’s entrance. An adjacent staircase curves around the hotel’s white exterior up to a rooftop terrace. Once inside the lobby, the elegant atmosphere is tempered by warm earth tones and a friendly staff led by the owner, who personally attends to her guests. Cyclists and adventurous groups looking to tour the countryside from a luxurious base camp are some of the most regular visitors.

Located in Riccione on Viale Antonio Gramsci, the hotel is surrounded by shops and bars that get packed during evening hours. The beach and the Adriatic Sea are just two blocks away, but you have to cross a congested road on the way to the seaside boardwalk. Viale Ceccarini's popular stretch of boutique shopping is also within walking distance, as is a 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 locale 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.

Each room at the Belvedere is different, both in terms of decor and architecture: Some spaces are open with high ceilings, while others have skylights and low vaulted ceilings. Some units have hardwood floors, while others are tiled. Balconies vary in size and arrangement as well, with ocean views offered. The Basic Rooms are small with minimal amenities, but uniquely styled with a modest and homey aesthetic. The larger Glamour units live up to their name. Each has been updated with designer furniture and decor that varies from monochromatic and futuristic to gaudy and glittering. Bathrooms are clean and modern with boutique toiletries. All rooms have Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a safe, and mini-fridges, but oddly, no coffeemaker.

Biking is big here, and the hotel caters to cyclists with everything from on-site rentals of state-of-the-art De Rosa race bikes to free, daily guided touring of the area's popular bike routes. Cyclist facilities include a secure room with a small workshop and bike wash area with cleaning equipment free of charge (though repairs cost extra unless you’ve rented from them). The hotel also provides a packed lunch with an energy drink for your ride if you booked as a biking guest. Some guided rides even feature a barbecue lunch stop at the country home of the hotel owner.

The on-site spa features an array of massage options and body treatments as well as a scented sauna, cold cavern, and Dead Sea salt bath. The Belvedere’s weekly party night is also a happening affair with dinner and drinks, held either at the pool or down at the beach with live music and DJs. Rates include a free breakfast buffet and dinner with house wine; full board options are available as well. For children, activities include an on-site playground and off-site, supervised theme park excursions.