Riccione

JWSurrey
JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
edited April 2008 in Workshop
Hi,
Anyone cycled round Riccione?
Wondered what Hotel Belvedere and Dory were like, or whether there were any others that were good/better.
Any tips on parking/restaurants/rides/routes/things to do on your day off.

Comments

  • socrates
    socrates Posts: 453
    I was there this time last year. I won the Cycling Plus competition and stayed at the Belvedere. The hotel is terrific - rooms maybe a little small but what the hell, you only sleep in them. The food is a total experience. I have never had its equal. If you are going on any of the guided rides I must warn you that the expert ones are quite hard going. The surrounding area is worth a little exploration as well. Go and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. The Belvedere is second to none.
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,550
    I've stayed at the Belvedere twice and, like socrates, have nothing but praise for the quailty and levels of service. Marina, the hotel manager, is a force of nature and ensures everyone is happy during their stay. The buffet meals are fantastic too. I'd definitely go back. If you visit during their cycling season, March to May and September/October then they are likely to organise a number of excursions for partners/people having days off. I went on one to a local organic farm where we got to taste local produce washed down with fine wine.

    The riding around Riccione is pretty good with a mixture of short, steep climbs and longer, steadier climbs inland into the Appennines. There seems to be a lot of roads so the guides are very useful for finding your way out of town and onto the quieter roads. The coast road from Cattolica, just south of Riccione, to Pesaro is a must do as the riding is as superb as the views.
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    Out there in May at the Belverdere having been twice before The Dory tends to attract 'panzergruppens' of German riders. You'll see what I mean if you go. the Belvedere is top-notch. Marina is the owner and runs a tight ship. There are different levels of rides slow,medium and fast all guide led which normally get you back for the afternoon buffet at 2.30pm, but you can get the map and go off on your own. It's not mountainous nor madly steep, but there are some long climbs (8km) but the countryside is lovely with Renaissance towns eg Urbino and castles aplenty and of course coffee shops that have espresso and pasticceria (cake!). The hotel has a deal with De Rosa and you can hire a bike from them,normally with a triple ring. Take your own saddle and pedals. The evening meal is just stupendous. It's a self service buffet with a great selection of dishes. if you go for the upgrade package it includes free wine which may/may not be a good thing.
    M.Rushton
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    Cool - Thanks for the replies - Do I need to carry a lock? What's it like for leaving your bike whilst sitting in a cafe? Keep it in sight?
    Am booked in for 6 days, but suspect I'll take a few days out to go touring with the wife.
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,550
    I've travelled all over Italy without a lock - I think the horror stories about it being full of thieves is a) outdated and b) probably only relevant to areas like Naples (which even other Italians will warn you about). I always try and keep the bike within sight but that's more to do with my cautious nature than anything else.
  • morrisje
    morrisje Posts: 507
    I've booked 8 days at the Belvedere for the family holiday. They can lie in the sun and I'm hiring a De Rosa and taking to the hills. Hopefully everyone will be happy.
    Good to here that everyone thinks the hotel is a nice place to stay.

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