Rimini, Rim Rimini
Wednesday 17th August 2023
We had plans to leave the hotel early so as to get to Rimini before 12 our time, in time to watch the Matildas. So we got up early and went down to have breakfast and pay etc at about 8.15am. However there was no movement at the station. No sign of life whatsoever, probably after their big day the day before.
Interesting as we needed to leave our key and pay and everything was locked shut. No stress at all as you can imagine. Paul eventually rang Carmine who was also leaving early to go somewhere today so luckily was up. He said he would contact Maria Rita, basically wake her up so we could leave.
A few minutes later, some of the staff started to arrive and we could go in but nothing could happen without Maria Rita in terms of checking out.
She came around 9ish after we managed to have some breakfast . She was so gracious and lovely and had been throughout our 8 day stay and Ben and Izzy as well (in the honeymoon suite). And she had provided the best ever gluten bloody free pasta twice. We said goodbye to this lovely lady who had been so kind to me and so welcoming. The hotel felt like home with Maria Rita and all the hotel and restaurant staff. It was kind of sad to leave. It hadn't been a perfect hotel but as Maria Rita said, it was all done from the heart. Big hugs, but quickly.
And then it was on the road again to Rimini. Our quest was to watch the Matildas at Rimini somewhere. The GPS said we would be there by 11.56am. After a couple of navigator errors, our arrival time changed to 1205, 12.10 etc. Partly to blame was the GPS which was not up to date with roundabouts and new roads. Using my google maps was the better option.
One of our big 'learnings' from the trip is about petrol. You have to pay first which was hard to get your head around. At the petrol station, the attendant had to tell us, then show how to use the machine, and then actually do it for us. Another motorist also helped. My Italian was useless.
Finally we were on motorways and managed to get through the tollway thing with no issues this time. Old hands now.
A couple of missed turns in Rimini made it difficult but we got there soon after 12 but before checkin at 2. Paul even managed to park in front of the hotel to sort out a park etc. We left the luggage and had lunch at a nearby ristorante. The hotel is amongst many restaurants and not far from the beach.
the hotel de Londres
Paul at lunch, can you see my rice cakes, the gluten-bloody-free replacement for bread
Paul's pasta
My salad as even though they said they did gluten-bloody-free pasta, it was going to take 30 to 40 minutes to cook it. I went salad with prawns and nectarines. Very nice.Our room
bathroom
bedroom/living not that big
bathrobes and slippersWe did a bit of exploring before booking a spot for the beach the next day. You have to book or take your chances to find a spare spot but some beaches get full and are closed.
There is a path down to the beach between the umbrellas which stays cool.
Paul close to the AdriaticThen back to the hotel for our booked time in the spa/pool area
Paul in the sauna
The sitting area in the pool/spa area
the pool/spa
the pool spa was really just a big spa
The spa was on the roof of the hotel and this shot is looking out over all the umbrellas on the beach and then ocean
Paul under a waterfall in the spa. Was a bit of a surprise initially
Paul in the spa
Interestingly, you have to book a time for the spa and you can only wear your bathrobe and slippers up there. They wouldn't let us in when we got there before our time and with normal clothes over our swimmers.
.
Our table did not have a sea view but one of young volleyball players
My meal of prawns and calamari was cooked separately after they cleaned the grill to avoid contamination. It was lovely.
Paul's was huge and had great mix of seafood
The name of the resaurant and their desert menu.
Paul and i shared a gluten free cheesecake with berry topping. It was fantastic. Photo is of after. sorry
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