Hotel Sarti

The property's angular but simplistic exterior doesn't leave much of an impression from the street or beach, but the well-placed entrance right at the boardwalk announces the Sarti in large white block letters atop a covered walkway. The lobby is bright, with a white front desk that curves gently into a spacious lounge area filled with huge leather chairs and couches. The south end of the property is somewhat unique, nestled between the road and a roundabout that branches off from it, forming a triangle in which the hotel's garden sprawls out from the pool area.

Located at the southern end of Riccione on Viale San Martino, Hotel Sarti is about 15 minutes walking distance from the center of town. The beach and the Adriatic Sea beyond is just outside the property, though you have to walk across a public circle to hit the sand. Viale Ceccarini's popular stretch of boutique shopping and the Riccione train station are both about 20 minutes away by foot.

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 well-known 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.

Hardwood floors, blond wood furniture, and white curtains in most rooms lend an airy, modern feel, but the simple bedding and lack of adornment prevents them from feeling upscale. The clean bathrooms are large, fitting in bidets with plenty of extra space, though many of the showers are relatively small walk-ins; others are shower/tub combos. Single Rooms are available for solo travelers on a tighter budget, but they're only able to fit a twin bed and a desk, with just enough space to walk between them to the bathroom. Almost all the rooms have balconies with sea views, though some are only semi-private with a low wall separating them from a neighbor. A mini-fridge is in every room, but there are no coffeemakers. TVs are small and often inconveniently located.

Hotel Sarti's secure garage fits 170 bikes and has a maintenance corner for repairs, as well as a dressing room and lockers. A variety of road bikes are available to rent and the hotel offers the professional, daily guided tours which are so ubiquitous to the region. The outdoor grounds feature one of the larger pools in the area surrounded by a sundeck with ample lounge space, a whirlpool, and a garden. The restaurant offers an a la carte menu with table service in addition to the large buffet. Dinner includes free house wine, and the breakfast buffet is also free. The spa is on the small side, but has a sauna, hot tub, Turkish bath, and even a tiny, standing-room only frigidarium. For children, there's a supervised indoor kids’ club with an outdoor playground and separate kids’ restaurant with theme dinners and flexible menu options.