Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in the Italian Riviera

A grand, old-world atmosphere defines this hotel, built in 1897, but it has plenty of modern touches, such as hot tubs on a rooftop terrace and themed suites. Directly across the street from the main railway station (and a short walk from the Old Port) the hotel also features the Pirate's Garden, a kids' play area with a wooden ship, the Novecento Restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner, and the Tralalero Trattoria, which is open for lunch and dinner. All in all, the Grand Hotel Savoia is a good value for one of few true luxury properties in the city.

Located right in the center of the town of Alassio, this upscale beachfront property offers excellent sea views. Some of its 61 contemporary rooms have large living areas and balconies or terraces with seating.The hotel has a private beach (which is open to non-guests for a steep fee, so it can get crowded) and several on-site dining and drinking spots, plus a free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and kids' club.

This 80-room, family-friendly hotel offers splendid Ligurian Sea views from its hillside perch. Its private beach is rocky, but not unappealing, and has paved flagstones with orange loungers and a beachside restaurant and bar. There's also a kiddy pool, tiny playground, beachside sandbox, a kids' club with activities, and free Wi-Fi. Bicycles and snorkeling gear are available for rent.

Hotel Medusa is a small three-pearl property with a fantastic location in the old town of Finale Ligure. The hotel doesn't have a private beach, but guests receive a discount at Bagni Ondina. There is an on-site restaurant with a lovely outdoor terrace and a play room for kids with toys and activities. Rooms are generic but clean; some have partial sea views and balconies (family-style rooms come with cribs).

Loano2Village is an upper-middle-range resort-style property popular with families and tour groups due to the apartment-style rooms complete with kitchens and balconies (traditional hotel rooms are also available). There is a huge outdoor pool and several smaller pools, including a family pool. Additional features include soccer fields, archery, a kid's club, and a sandy beach area. Meals aren't included, but packages are available and the Bikini bar and breakfast buffet get good reviews. The location is outside of the city center and not within walking distance of Loano's beaches, but there's a free shuttle.

Kids' menus, a kids' club, free babysitting, and playgrounds are just a few of the abundant family-friendly features at the 52-room Hotel Rosa, a mid-range option in the center of Alassio. All of the rooms are pleasant and have balconies (some with dazzling sea views), but they vary in decor. The hotel has a seasonal rooftop terrace and offers a slew of freebies: Wi-Fi, an American buffet breakfast, afternoon snacks, and rental bikes (including ones with child seats).

This 12-room boutique hotel run by a mother and son is more like a bed and breakfast, providing clean accommodations in a quiet area that’s a short walk to the center of Santa Margherita. The rooms are tiny, but many have been updated and come with small terraces. Amenities include a children’s play area with a swing, slide, and ping-pong table; free bike rentals; an outdoor whirlpool; and a restaurant that serves a large breakfast buffet and dinner.

The 35-room Hotel Savoia is directly on the beach in the historic section of Alassio. The location and its gorgeous views are a definite highlight, and the hotel maximizes this with its rooftop solarium and terrace dining. Rooms are chic and inviting, with flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, though some are more up-to-date than others. Freebies include Wi-Fi and the kids' club.