The hotel is in the old corner of Santa Marinella by the Odescalchi castle, over the grounds of which it has views to the sea. There was a warm welcome from Francesco - all his staff were just as friendly and interested in you, and it was a real pleasure to stay there. I was given a fantastic room with a terrace overlooking the wooded gardens and the sea, as well as a balcony facing onto the square. (The hotel proper has additional accommodation in adjoining houses on the square). The room and en suite shower were immaculate, well appointed, spacious and comfortable. At the height of two very hot days with no breeze on the beach, it was ideal for staying in, alternating between the cool inside and warmth in the sun or shade on the terrace. Breakfast modest but exactly right - including freshly baked rolls and croissants, fresh fruit etc. Good wifi and parking immediately outside. But be warned that if you are staying on Weds night, or coming/going on Thursday, there is a market, no car access to the hotel, and you have to find somewhere else to park. In the square outside there are three restaurants, a café that serves light food and a wine bar. There's a fantastic ice-cream and cocktail kiosk in the middle of the main piazza 3 minutes walk away, as well as the high quality Glem restaurant. If you forget to bring anything (corkscrew, glasses, bathing gear, anti-mosquito stuff) there's an Aladdin's cave shop on the Piazza as well as a supermarket round the corner.