Gran Sasso d'Italia

Europa hotel is literally right on the beach so if you want to be close to the beach, this is it. The building is extremely well maintained and clean. Staff spoke English as well as Italian. The bed was very comfortable, the room safe was usefull and there was lots of storage opportunities. Their location on the beach (Area 51) is very clean and well maintained but if you want to use their beach area, it is 15 euros for a half day and 30 for a full so you should be aware of that when budgeting your vacation. There is no parking on site but there is ample street parking less than 500m away and you can park when loading and unloading luggage very close to the side door when checking in or out. Doors are locked at night with staff on site all night and the breakfast included is very generous with many options to meet all needs.

Great location on the beach among other six and seven story hotels. Likely was an elegant, refined hotel when it was built now slightly worn and out of fashion. With that said, the rate I paid was so low I was surprised how nicely kept the place is. Included in the very affordable rate was an extensive, very good breakfast Buffett that offered scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, an array of meats, fruits, yogurts, breads, and pastries and coffee to order in a dining room with panoramic views of the Adriatic. That alone was worth Euro 15-20. The staff was exemplary.