An extraordinary scenery in Federico Fellini's eternal Italy...

In all of Federico Fellini's films, there are reminiscences from his childhood in Rimini that have often been said to be inexhaustible because they were largely invented. Invented, inspired or actually experienced, the life of the great movie director, enlightened by the wonderful music of his friend Nino Rota, looks very much like his home town of Rimini: a fascinating beach resort with a thriving nightlife celebrating the dolce vita, co-existing with an ageless slow-going ancient Roman town. Perhaps, the uniqueness of Rimini and the Best Western Premier Hotel Milton, lies in the peculiar authenticity of the people who, like Fellini in his movies, made it similar to their dreams, souvenirs and expectations.

Ermete Novelli, the famous fin de siècle Italian actor and playwright, owned the building in which the hotel welcomes its guests today and definitely was one of those very special characters, just as, in the 60s, the artist/painter/writer, who gave the hotel its current name in honour of the eponymous English writer.

Rimini actually mixes the wonders of the dolce vita together with rich remnants of its Roman and medieval history. With more than 32 kilometres of pristine sand and dozens of nightclubs, it is the most popular resort on the Adriatic. It attracts sun worshippers and partygoers from around the world … who may as well visit the Arch of Augustus, Tiberius's Bridge and the Amphitheatre!

The best place to start exploring both sides of life in Rimini is the Best Western Premier Hotel Milton. Tucked away in a private garden on a quiet street just a few steps from the beach, its eccentric pink façade with faux Byzantine windows rises up like a wedding cake.

In the privacy of the garden, the terrace of the Best Western Premier Hotel Milton, with its tables and flowers, invites you to a glass of wine. The sounds of the sea and the beachgoers are barely audible. Flowers greet you at every turn, from the planters on the terrace, to the magnificent arrangement in the lobby and the paintings on the walls. Soft pastels contrast with rich hardwood floors. The rich reds of the cosy salon stand out against the bright and clear atmosphere of the hotel's bar. Behind each white door of the guest rooms, is a spacious place, tastefully decorated with red floral furnishings with golden accents, and proposing a balcony from which you can admire the sea.

Get up early and take a relaxing stroll on the beach as you watch the colourful fishing boats head out to sea. Explore the town's many street markets, including the main market held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the Piazza Cavour, located in the Old Town. You might recognize the Piazza Cavour and the Cinema Fulgor on the Corso d'Augusto that leads into the Piazza, as settings of Fellini's Amarcord. You will for sure enjoy the unique atmosphere that wells from this marvellous place.

Piazza Cavour is the centre of daily life for people who live in Rimini. It is surrounded by buildings that symbolize the Italian art de vivre: shops and cafès, beautiful architecture of medieval palaces, the majestic Neo-Classical Teatro Comunale, inaugurated by Giuseppe Verdi in 1857 and the old fish market (it houses an enormous marble table, which was used to sell the fish). The renovation of the Old Town, with its pedestrian zones, cobbled streets, squares and elegant shops, is the best example of Rimini's recent revival. The cultural offering is vast. Discover the Fontana della Pigna on the Piazza Cavour, the gorgeous frescos of the 13th century San Giovanni Evangelista church, the Gothic interior of the Malatesta Temple.

Later in the day be sure to head to any of the fantastic restaurants, including the hotel's, which is considered one of the best tables in town. And be sure to try canocchia, a thin transparent crustacean that is a local delicacy. Legend has it that it was also the nickname given to Federico Fellini because he was so skinny.

Best Western Premier Hotel Milton

Viale Cristoforo Colombo, Rimini, Italy - I-47900

Phone: +39 (0) 541 54600 Fax: +39 (0) 541 54698