The Grand Hotel Rimini is an impressive hotel. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time – everything about this place is opulent. The liberty style building stands out on Rimini’s promenade and we love the marble floors and chandeliers in the lobby. Rooms have stunning parquet floors and antique pieces of furniture. The light furnishings and soft mattresses make them feel really homely. The most impressive feature though has to be the ball room. It’s the stunning setting of the La Dolce Vita restaurant where you can order some great local dishes. Emilia Romagna is one of the best foodie regions in Italy so we recommend trying as much as you can while you’re there.
The outdoor areas are as equally impressive. Established gardens have lots of places for you to sit back and relax. Our favourite is next to the pool. There’s lots of soft loungers here and a nearby bar for a refreshing drink when it gets too hot. You’ve also got the option of the beach where you can rent a lounger and enjoy the sea views. There’s a beach bar here too so it’s well-equipped for a nice day out. If you need to kick the relaxation up a notch, head to the Dolce Vita Spa where there’s an indoor heated pool, Turkish bath and sauna (entry is payable locally).
It might be difficult to tear yourself away from the hotel and its wonderful ambience, but when you do you’ll find yourself well-placed to explore Rimini and the surrounding areas. It’s lovely to walk along the beachfront promenade where you can browse the shops or stop in a café for a coffee. Head into the centre and you’ll find a rich history and plenty of interesting sights. The station’s only a 20-minute walk away so you can head to some of the other towns along the Adriatic Coast or even to the region’s capital, Bologna, for the day.
Transfer time: approx. 1 hour 25 mins by private car from Bologna airport.
