If you’re planning a cycling trip to Italy, don’t overlook the Adriatic Coast. I first visited what many credit as the world’s first “bike hotel” — Hotel Dory in Riccione — more than a decade ago, but only for one night while chasing the Giro d’Italia. This year, I finally returned for a proper stay: five days of late-summer sunshine, the la Gialla gran fondo , the la Gialla gran fondo , and long rides through the hills and coast of Emilia-Romagna.
What I discovered again was why the Hotel Dory remains one of the best cycling hotels in Italy — blending local hospitality, expert ride organization, and all the comforts a cyclist could ask for.
The view southeast to the Adriatic Coast and from the hills near Riccione – this is where you’re riding.
Getting There: Gateway to Italy’s Adriatic Cycling Scene
Riccione sits on Italy’s East Coast, just 90 minutes south of Bologna via the A14 autostrada. Bologna’s airport is ideal for international travelers — large enough for easy connections, but small enough to navigate quickly. And Bologna is a great place to spend a couple of days on either end of your trip.
Hotel Dory lies only a block from the beach, positioned between the Adriatic coastline and the rolling Emilia-Romagna hills. This area became a favorite summer escape for Italians in the 1800s when Europe discovered beach culture. Today, Riccione offers wide, sandy beaches, stylish promenades, and direct access to some of the most scenic cycling routes in Italy.
This beach is literally a block and a half from the Hotel Dory
The Hotel: Family-Owned Warmth and Italian Charm
Family-owned and operated for decades, Hotel Dory is run by Stefano Giuliodori, whose father founded the property. The hotel’s name comes from the end of their surname — a personal symbol of the family’s pride and attention to detail. Stefano’s love for hospitality is obvious, as he’s often mingling with guests at meal time or joining a ride. Further proof is the fact that 25 years ago, Stefano founded Italy Bike Hotels – an association of more than 50 hotels across Italy, all with a high level of amenities and services designed just for cyclists. (Read more about Italy Bike Hotels on PEZ here.)
Stefano (left) shares a joke with our guide (also named Stefano) before the morning ride.
When I arrived late after a long travel day, I was greeted with the kind of warmth that defines Italian hospitality. The night clerk arranged a one-off early breakfast and cappuccino before the kitchen opened so I could fuel up for my early start at the gran fondo. That thoughtful gesture perfectly captured the hotel’s spirit.
The normal breakfast buffet is generous — from buttery croissants to cappuccinos freshly brewed from one of the amazing Italian coffee machines — and the staff’s friendliness feels genuine (because it is). Many have worked here for years, creating a sense of community and continuity that’s rare in the hotel industry.
When to Visit Riccione for Cycling
The best cycling months on Italy’s Adriatic Coast are April to June and September to October. July and August bring high heat and family beach holidays, but spring and fall offer mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and excellent riding conditions.
Cyclists from around the world come to Hotel Dory, on my recent trip in September I met guests from Canada, the U.S., Luxembourg, Portugal, and across northern Europe. Many are return guests — one rider I met was on his eleventh visit, which says a lot about the experience.
Rooms and Amenities
Hotel Dory offers a range of accommodations — from standard rooms to spacious suites and apartments with kitchenettes — spread across three well-maintained buildings. My room was peaceful and comfortable, heavy doors block noise from the hall, and excellent blackout blinds, quiet air conditioning, a balcony and a perfect setup for post-ride recovery.
Guests typically book in for a week of riding, and most cycling packages include:
Accommodation and all meals
Daily guided rides for all levels
Airport transfers
Secured bike storage
Full mechanical support
Laundry service for cycling kits
Access to wellness center and massage services
There’s a full on spa on site as well with everything you could want, including this cold plunge tank.
Cycling at Hotel Dory
Guided Rides for Every Level
The region offers a complete mix of riding terrain, and seemingly endless new roads to discover – which almost always lead to an ancient hilltop town. Hotel Dory’s guided group rides run daily (except weekends, when guests check in and out). Each evening, route maps and GPX files are posted, and guests sign up based on their level — from seasoned road racers to recreational e-bike riders.
Ride maps are posted the night before, and gps files can be downloaded via the QR codes.
Rides depart around 9:00 a.m., beginning with a short roll from the hotel to the meeting point at the intersection just down the street. Each group is led by expert guides who know every small road and café in the region. My guide, also named Stefano, was a former champion — impressively fast and missing one leg, yet riding with total confidence and charisma, and always at the front.
The Classic San Marino Ride
One of the area’s must-do rides climbs up to the Republic of San Marino — the famously independent principality perched 749 meters above the land and sea below. The approximately 10 km ascent is a mix of grades – depending on which route you take, but once up top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views in all directions.
The view looking east from atop San Marino
After our coffee stop in the town, we descended back towards the coast and rode a short distance to Stefano’s family’s country house, where a huge barbeque lunch was waiting for us.
Looking west from San Marino, that’s the famous Carpenga climb in the distance – Marco Pantani’s favorite training climb.
The copious amounts of food were freshly prepared – roast pork, chicken satays, sausages, and of course pasta. All washed down with enough red and white wine (lots of water too), followed by shots of espresso and their homemade limoncello. Luckily the ride back from here was downhill and flat. It’s a holiday… you gotta have fun, right?
The staff was never short of ways to make the group laugh – here with an impromptu round of acknowledgement for .. themselves. Right from the opening evening’s orientation meeting, the staff’s jokes set the tone for a fun week ahead.
The Bike Room & Rentals
Hotel Dory’s bike room is the largest I’ve seen in any hotel. Fully secure and spacious, it houses over 200 Scott bikes — road, gravel, mountain, and e-bikes — all current-year models and meticulously maintained.
While you can bring your own bike, renting on-site saves the hassle of airline fees, assembly, and transport damage. The quality of the fleet makes it easy to travel light without sacrificing performance.
I rode one of their Scott Addicts, and didn’t need to worry about set up as their mechanics work long hours to ensure each guest’s bike is adjusted and ready to go for the next morning.
Dining: Authentic Italian Fuel
Dinner time for me always starts with my favorite Italian classic – the Negroni. The Hotel Dory dining room opens promptly at 7:00 each night for dinner, but the hotel bar is always open for an aperitivo. Even though I was usually starving after a 5 hour bike ride, I transitioned nicely to the Italian rhythm of having the pre-dinner cocktail, then eating later – like 8:00ish, followed by a stroll along Riccione’s lively Via Dante.
Meals are served buffet-style, with menus designed around cyclists’ needs — abundant salads, seasonal vegetables, fresh fruit, proteins – fish, pork, beef, chicken, and of course, plenty of pasta and carbs for recovery. No one goes hungry here.
This wine fridge – strategically located in the center of the dining room – stopped me in my tracks. So much wine, so little time… I liked that I could buy a bottle, then drink it over several nights, thanks to the staff holding it for me.
Adding to the personal touch, the Giuliodori family also produces their own balsamic vinegar, crafted in small batches at their home near San Marino — available exclusively to guests.
Atmosphere and Community
From the opening orientation to spontaneous toasts after rides, Hotel Dory’s atmosphere feels like a blend of bike camp and family reunion. The staff’s humor and enthusiasm set a lighthearted tone that carries through the week.
Everyone — from solo travelers, to couples, to large groups — can find their rhythm here. And since most of the staff speak English, it’s easy for international guests to feel at home while still savoring that authentic Italian experience that makes Riccione so special.
Why Choose the Hotel Dory
My adhoc survey of returning guests confirmed many people consider the Hotel Dory as Italy’s best bike hotel. And it’s easy to see why they think so. It’s not just a place to stay — it’s a complete cycling experience combining:
Whether it’s your first cycling trip to Italy or your eleventh, Hotel Dory delivers the perfect mix of riding, relaxation, and real Italian culture.
Learn more or book your cycling package at HotelDory.it and Italy Bike Hotels.com
Like PEZ? Why not subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive updates and reminders on what’s cool in road cycling?
Dining and Cooking