Post by davidc on Oct 17, 2011 16:29:54 GMT 1
Having just returned from Riccione yesterday I thought I'd share this on what is a relatively sparse forum. An excellent spot and I'll admit I did get a little carried away with my creative writing in this review...
You often hear folks talk of the holiday blues, the back to work blues if you like. I think this time it simply doesn’t do it justice. I remember Holly Golightly once referring to a phenomenon known as the ‘mean reds’ in the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffanys.
“The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible.”
Well here I sit. Once again trapped in the confines of my cubicle, nothing to do but reflect upon a fantastic 4 days I spent at the Belvedere.
I hate to be sensationalist about it all but I feel her pain. Those mean reds have bitten and… oh If only it were as simple as nipping to the jewelry shop with a coffee and a croissant in my favourite little black dress to control them.
Admittedly I’d probably have to do it somewhat earlier than she does in order to avoid upsetting the locals… but you catch my drift.
Anyhow, we arrived somewhat bedraggled and certainly hungover on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. Not in the mood for the administration and general hassle that comes with ‘checking in’. We were pleasantly surprised by the smiling faces, relaxed procedure and most importantly the welcome beer which greeted us.
Once we’d settled into our room (a requested twin – just in case my travel companion had any funny ideas), we headed straight for the wellness centre. I wasn’t sure what to make off the required dress code (this more a reflection of my sheltered living rather than the attire itself) but one could not fault the facilities. I myself had a personal affection for the salt bath and the Jacuzzi. I could get used to that of an afternoon.
The food, served in a buffet fashion, throughout our stay was of a quality also well beyond our expectations as was the evening entertainment provided by the flamboyant behaviour of ‘Jim Jam’. I’ll miss the concern he expressed for our loins and the constant soundtrack he provided to each ride. I’ll also miss the enlightening chats we shared with friendly barkeep Max, his Ukrainian street fighting tips and his horrific tales of Downhill MTB which make road cycling seem like Draughts.
Get to the cycling already! I hear you cry (if your patience has lasted this long).
Well the surrounding hinterland is a treasure trove of wonderful climbs, rustic hilltop villages and death defying descents [at least that was how it felt to a timid Irishman]. Those beautiful Piazzas, great cappuccino, I can only imagine the carnage that would have ensued had I had to negotiate the cobbles of afore mentioned villages through any sort of rainfall though. I would have been inconsolable had I damaged in any way the beautiful De Rosa bike provided. Damn you guys for my growing cycling related wish list!
Finally it would be amiss of me to ignore the contribution of the Desk staff who were more than helpful throughout, most especially Anna and Yohanna who were the facilitators of our stay. Chapeau girls, chapeau.
I should also mention Carl and Felice, the only men alive who have mastered the art of herding cats and our guides throughout.
In summary I could not praise the hotel and the experience enough. It was a level of hospitality I have seldom experienced. I look forward to my return… I may even slip into that little black number.
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g194878-d649132-r119393886-Hotel_Belvedere-Riccione_Emilia_Romagna.html
www.belvederericcione.com/en/
You often hear folks talk of the holiday blues, the back to work blues if you like. I think this time it simply doesn’t do it justice. I remember Holly Golightly once referring to a phenomenon known as the ‘mean reds’ in the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffanys.
“The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible.”
Well here I sit. Once again trapped in the confines of my cubicle, nothing to do but reflect upon a fantastic 4 days I spent at the Belvedere.
I hate to be sensationalist about it all but I feel her pain. Those mean reds have bitten and… oh If only it were as simple as nipping to the jewelry shop with a coffee and a croissant in my favourite little black dress to control them.
Admittedly I’d probably have to do it somewhat earlier than she does in order to avoid upsetting the locals… but you catch my drift.
Anyhow, we arrived somewhat bedraggled and certainly hungover on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. Not in the mood for the administration and general hassle that comes with ‘checking in’. We were pleasantly surprised by the smiling faces, relaxed procedure and most importantly the welcome beer which greeted us.
Once we’d settled into our room (a requested twin – just in case my travel companion had any funny ideas), we headed straight for the wellness centre. I wasn’t sure what to make off the required dress code (this more a reflection of my sheltered living rather than the attire itself) but one could not fault the facilities. I myself had a personal affection for the salt bath and the Jacuzzi. I could get used to that of an afternoon.
The food, served in a buffet fashion, throughout our stay was of a quality also well beyond our expectations as was the evening entertainment provided by the flamboyant behaviour of ‘Jim Jam’. I’ll miss the concern he expressed for our loins and the constant soundtrack he provided to each ride. I’ll also miss the enlightening chats we shared with friendly barkeep Max, his Ukrainian street fighting tips and his horrific tales of Downhill MTB which make road cycling seem like Draughts.
Get to the cycling already! I hear you cry (if your patience has lasted this long).
Well the surrounding hinterland is a treasure trove of wonderful climbs, rustic hilltop villages and death defying descents [at least that was how it felt to a timid Irishman]. Those beautiful Piazzas, great cappuccino, I can only imagine the carnage that would have ensued had I had to negotiate the cobbles of afore mentioned villages through any sort of rainfall though. I would have been inconsolable had I damaged in any way the beautiful De Rosa bike provided. Damn you guys for my growing cycling related wish list!
Finally it would be amiss of me to ignore the contribution of the Desk staff who were more than helpful throughout, most especially Anna and Yohanna who were the facilitators of our stay. Chapeau girls, chapeau.
I should also mention Carl and Felice, the only men alive who have mastered the art of herding cats and our guides throughout.
In summary I could not praise the hotel and the experience enough. It was a level of hospitality I have seldom experienced. I look forward to my return… I may even slip into that little black number.
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g194878-d649132-r119393886-Hotel_Belvedere-Riccione_Emilia_Romagna.html
www.belvederericcione.com/en/