Hotel Relax

Hotel Relax made a two-week holiday with my son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters into a wonderful family experience. Most guests were Italian families, and we were among only a few Americans. Children are at the heart of the place, with a terrific young staff arranging activities. Our three-year-old granddaughter didn’t speak Italian at first, but they made sure she could join in, from beach sandcastle building to nightly baby dance parties. She even appeared in costume on stage in a mini Peter Pan play. The soft inclusive package included a baby buffet for all three meals, with baby foods and child-friendly choices. Adults had plenty of options at pranzo and cena, including regional favorites like olive ascolane, fritto misto, salumi, and the chef’s surprisingly creative daily entrees. Breakfast always had fresh fruit, squeezed orange juice, pastries and cornetti, plus scrambled eggs, cereal, toast, and familiar choices for the kids. The waitstaff were wonderful, especially our waiter, Hamdi, who was patient with our needs and those of the two babies. The hotel sits along the palm-lined “lungomare,” a short walk from the beach. Our inclusive package covered umbrellas and chairs at the LaSerenella chalet. The rooms are small, and the beds much firmer than we’re used to in the U.S., but we weren’t there to spend time indoors. My main complaint is that the showers are tiny and slippery, especially for toddlers and older people. My respect and congratulations to Nicola Mozzoni, who handles the general manager, event coordinator, nightly master of ceremonies, trouble shooter, and other roles. He has created an exceptional setting for family vacations. I assure you, there’s nothing like this in U.S. resort areas.

Families with young kids seemed to make up most of the guests, and the atmosphere was friendly. There were plenty of staff around to help, and the hotel arranged activities guests could join. The food was good too. For a relaxing beachside stay, this is definitely the place.

The staff were really nice, and the food was great. We had a lovely time on our first visit in May with our 16-month-old son.

Five stars from me. It’s worth it.