Grand Hotel Rimini

The food and service were a real highlight. The restaurant had an elegant feel, the dishes were delicious and portioned well for three courses, and the wine list was extensive. Breakfast was generous too, with Champagne, juices, cold meats, vegetables, hot dishes, breads, pastries, yogurt, fruit, cakes, and other sweets. You could also order extra items à la carte. We had a large family room in keeping with the classic grand hotel style, with comfortable beds and a very good bathroom. Some upkeep is needed, though: the doors were scratched and the wardrobe doors squeaked. Staff helped with our luggage when we arrived, and check-in was quick and welcoming. The building has lovely early 20th-century character and stands out among its surroundings. There are spacious grounds, a well-kept garden, a large pool open in summer, and plenty of parking. It has the feel of a grand historic hotel, though more consistent maintenance would help it live up to its luxury five-star promise.

The 4-star room was small, dated, and very simply furnished, though it was clean. We could have breakfast in the 5-star part next door, which looked lovely from outside, but the meal itself wasn't special. Some staff were friendly, while others ignored us when we came into the building, and they seemed to favor Italian guests. Access to the private beach cost a lot, while just a few meters farther along the road it was a third of the price. The hotel is split between 4-star and 5-star sections, and we stayed in the 4-star one. We wouldn't return.

We spent a lot on a two-day package with dinners, plus the private spa and massages, because we wanted to stay in the hotel for the New Year's Eve gala and dinner the following day. Instead, on arrival we learned that our room was in the “residences” next door, a separate building that meant walking outside and down the street to reach the main hotel. That wasn't what we'd booked. The residence felt like a cheap, rundown motel, with no services, a tiny room and bathroom, and everything in disrepair. We complained at the main hotel's front desk that the room was unacceptable and not what we had booked. They apologized, then said a room in the main hotel would cost another 600 euro for the first night and 900 euro for the second. Nothing during booking had said we'd be put in a separate building. We had to bundle up and walk over for every event. It was extremely disappointing. Make sure you know which building you'll be in before booking.

The rooms are lovely, but management lets “small private parties” run in a space below the guest rooms on weekends, with club-level music playing until midnight. That doesn't feel like a five-star stay. It's a shame to watch a revered landmark go downhill. So disappointed.