Hotel Select Suites & Spa

The hotel's exterior would be unremarkable if not for the large QR smart codes emblazoned on the facade in several places. At the entrance, the poster signage advertising the spa does the property no justice, and in general the signage throughout the hotel cheapens what are otherwise attractive interiors. Airy curtains and sleek white furniture, including all-white and blond wood Eames chairs, fill the bright lobby and cafe area. Loosely tied, billowy white fabrics add flair to the great rooftop terrace with its view across a busy street to the beach and a sea of umbrellas.

Located in Riccione on Viale Gramsci, the hotel is within walking distance to the many local cafes and bars that get packed at night. The beach and the Adriatic Sea is 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 the 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 discos and theme parks, such as Aquafan. The region is 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.

The 2012 renovations left all rooms clean and updated, but the Standard Rooms are small and decorated on the cheap -- think prefab IKEA furniture on a dorm room budget. A curtain clumsily hides free-standing closet space, with small TVs resting on tables or desks. Some rooms do have balconies, but they're tiny with awkward seating for two. The renovations didn't make it into the bathrooms, which have dated tile and old walk-in or tub showers, though they're still big enough to fit a bidet. The fully renovated suites (including the bathrooms) are a different story, and though they vary in decor, all are modern and stylish. The top-floor suites are particularly extraordinary, with vaulted ceilings and walls made of cut logs, stacked floor to ceiling. Free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, and a tiny wall safe are standard, but there are no coffeemakers.

The hotel has an outdoor sundeck with comfortable loungers, pool, and hot tub, but the spa is by far its best feature. Down a flight of candle-lit stairs is a large hydro-massage pool spanned by a small footbridge that leads to the rest of the facilities -- including a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, a small salt cave, a Kneipp trail, and an ice fountain. Beware: The hotel charges a fee for spa access unless it was included in a package at the time of booking.

For refreshments, the indoor bar has a covered outdoor patio adjacent to the pool, and the lobby houses a small cafe with an espresso machine. The rooftop terrace hosts evening events and has glorious views of the sea. The buffet-style restaurant serves local cuisine and a free daily breakfast. There's a kids’ club with games and activities as well. Secure parking is available on-site for a fee.