Hotel La Plage

We have just returned from our trip in Cattolica and I can highly recommend this lovely family run hotel. I booked the triple room based on the italian reviews on trip advisor (translated by google...) and this hotel proved to be clean and tidy, staff were friendly and management just couldn't have done more for us (incl. picking up from the station etc.) The room was good and included aircon, safe, tv, fridge, balcony to the street (incl washing line and pegs) and a clean bath room with lots of towels. There was some street noise from the pedestrian street which however did not last that late nor disrupt our sleep so it was no problem for us. Breakfast was good and included for example a variety of croissants, buns/cakes, yogurt, juice, cappucino, cheese, eggs and some meat to name a few. The guests were mainly Italian and included families and pensioners, at least who we came across. Some of the staff speak English, the rest are eager to help regardless :) The hotel location was handy, overlooking the busy pedestrian street viale Dante, it is just about 5 mins walk from the beach, so don't let it put you off that it is not right on the beach. For the beach the hotel recommends either Malu beach (90-93) or Altamarea (100). We spent 3 days on both and the price was the same for 2 sun loungers and an umbrella, €53. I would, however, recommend the Malu beach as the establishment (toilets, pool, changing rooms etc) seemed newer than Altamarea, the beach was also closer to the hotel and the beach bar selection was better. Altamarea also charges for the over crowded pool, in Malu it is included in the price. For kids, the aquarium is only about 200 meters away from the hotel. For shoppers, we visited the Le Befane shopping center near Rimini. There is a free shuttle bus (at least in summer time) to Le Befane from Cattolica, the stop is near the aquarium. I would definitely go back to La Plage and anyone thinking of booking it, I'd say go for it.