If you're looking for a summer 'no worries' solution, specially when traveling with (young) kids in Abruzzo -nearby Pescara, this is the place!
This family driven (since two generations) Hotel is ON the beach: so no need to worry about walking under the burning italian sun with the pram charged with all the beach-toys whilst Junior is crying for an ice-cream, crossing the street every time you get to or from the beach, or getting crazy finding a parking spot each time you want to get a dip.
You check-in, park your car in the parking lot and...forget about it, unless you want to visit this nice region following the good tips given by a very professional and friendly staff.
We stayed over with the 'all-in' formula, for two weeks mid-August: grandparents (in their 70ies), children with spouse (30ies) and a toddler (1y1/2). And everyone found it's happiness.
Tasty 3-courses multiple-choice meals, a rich vegetables buffet and on-demand prepared meals for the little one got rid of any discussion about 'I don't like it'. The dining-room is always impeccable with fresh white tablecloth, the efficient waiters have a perfect timing in serving, always with a smile.
On all points (reception, bar, restaurant, beach, cleaning) service is hyper-friendly and if they can fulfill your request, they'll do.
The beach is equipped with a bar & terrace, a kid's playground, toilets/showers (a bit outdated though), rows of umbrellas/lounge chairs (billed separately depending on your needs). You can ask to have a 'Palma' (big umbrella palm-like) on the very first row, seafront: it's the solution we picked and it was perfect to keep an eye on Junior running after the waves or filling his bucket to do sand castles.
The hotel itself if made of two wings, one newer, the other one renovated -over 2 floors.
No elevator.
Most of the rooms have a balcony (haven't seen them all), air-conditioning, TV, minibar, safe and you can request sea-view.
A tip: If you are tall/in 'good shape', or need much space under the shower, make sure specify it when booking as some rooms/beds/shower cabins can be a bit tight. This said, we spent most of the day outside!
Cleanliness is top-notch everywhere and towels changed daily.
We were there for 'Ferragosto' (15th Aug) which is the big summer holiday in Italy: aperitivo drinks where offered on the restaurant terrace, there was a special menu and a dancing evening on the beach terrace. A quite nice experience, as the one we experienced a few days before the 'wish-lanterns night': all along the coast, on the beach-shore, thousands of paper lanterns were lit up and sent to the sky resulting in a magical evening.
Additional services: 1 hour a day free wifi access, kids animation in the afternoon, cradles & high-chairs available.
Francavilla al Mare, where the hotel is located is not really a night-life place.
But if you are with family you won't mind and will be happy not to have the club right under your window. ;-)
For after-dinner activities, you can go out like italians do for a walk (passeggiata) and have the ritual gelato. On the Place in front of the hotel there are two ice-creams shops: we loved the one on the left corner for it's natural ingredients and traditional production.
Another small shop not to miss is the shoe shop 'Piccola Positano' (right side of the place): there you can 'build' your preferred italian-leather sandals by picking between different soles, buckles, styles, leathers. They will be adjusted to your feet and ready within 24h.