I’ve recently returned from an incredible trip to Cosenza, a charming town nestled in the Calabria region of southern Italy. While many tourists tend to skip smaller towns for the usual big-city adventures, Cosenza offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and picturesque landscapes. The best part? It’s an ideal destination for families, with plenty of activities for all ages and a variety of child-friendly accommodations.
For this trip, I had the chance to stay at the Hotel Sea Breeze, a cozy, family-friendly hotel that proved to be the perfect choice for a relaxing yet enriching stay. In this post, I’m excited to share my experience staying at this lovely hotel, including the amenities, the location, and how it worked out for my family during our visit.
1. Hotel Sea Breeze: The Heart of Cosenza
Located in the heart of Cosenza, Hotel Sea Breeze stands as a great example of a family-friendly establishment, combining modern amenities with an inviting atmosphere. Situated just a short walk from the town center, the hotel offers convenient access to the main attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
One of the best things about Hotel Sea Breeze is its proximity to the city’s historic sites. In just 15 minutes, you can reach the famous Cosenza Cathedral, Piazza XV Marzo, and the breathtaking Norman Castle. The town itself is a delightful mix of medieval streets and modern spaces, perfect for a family stroll after breakfast.
The hotel features spacious rooms, all designed with families in mind. Each room is equipped with comfortable beds, a well-stocked minibar, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning—essential during the warm summer months in Calabria. My family and I stayed in a suite with two bedrooms, offering plenty of space for the kids to move around. The kids’ room even had a small play area, which gave us a much-needed break while they were entertained.
2. The Family Suite: Comfort and Convenience for Everyone
The family suite at Hotel Sea Breeze was absolutely perfect for our stay. We opted for the Superior Family Suite, a large, airy room with a living area, two bedrooms, and a balcony with a view of the surrounding hills. The suite was equipped with modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a small kitchenette (perfect for preparing snacks or warming up bottles), and even child-proofing features like outlet covers and corner protectors on the furniture.
One of the standout features of the room was the small “kids’ corner.” It was a designated space where our children could play with toys, watch cartoons on a dedicated TV, or read some books. The thoughtful attention to detail made us feel at ease, knowing that the hotel had considered the needs of families with young children.
For families traveling with toddlers, the hotel also provides cribs and high chairs upon request. It’s little touches like these that make a big difference when you’re traveling with little ones, as they can really affect the ease of your trip.
3. The Hotel’s Amenities: A Relaxing Family Retreat
Hotel Sea Breeze goes beyond providing just a place to sleep. It offers a variety of amenities that cater to families, making it a fantastic choice for anyone traveling with children.
Swimming Pool and Garden Area
The hotel’s outdoor swimming pool is perfect for families, especially on those hot summer days when you just want to cool off. Located within a beautifully landscaped garden, the pool area was spacious enough for the kids to swim and play while we relaxed on the lounge chairs nearby. There’s also a shallow area designed specifically for younger children, which made the experience even more enjoyable for our little ones.
The garden area also featured a small playground, with swings and slides, so the kids could burn off some energy after a day of sightseeing. This was a huge plus, as it allowed us to relax and enjoy some downtime while keeping the kids entertained.
Kids’ Club and Entertainment
For those looking for more organized activities, Hotel Sea Breeze also offers a kids’ club during the summer months. This service is perfect for parents who want to enjoy a little quiet time while the children engage in supervised activities. My children absolutely loved the arts and crafts sessions, as well as the outdoor games they participated in. It was a great opportunity for them to meet other kids, and it gave us some much-needed time to explore the town on our own.
Restaurant with Kid-Friendly Options
The hotel restaurant is another reason we chose to stay here. It offers a buffet-style breakfast with a range of options, from fresh fruit and pastries to eggs and cereals. The lunch and dinner menus are equally varied, with plenty of kid-friendly choices. I was particularly impressed with the hotel’s willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether it was gluten-free options, lactose-free milk, or a specific dish for our kids, the staff was always happy to make sure our needs were met.
4. Exploring Cosenza: A Family Adventure
When we weren’t relaxing at the hotel, we spent our days exploring Cosenza and the surrounding areas. The town has a rich history, and there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to do.
The Cosenza Cathedral and Piazza XV Marzo
One of the first stops was the Cosenza Cathedral, located in the heart of the city. This stunning church, dating back to the 11th century, is an architectural gem. The kids were fascinated by the intricate details of the interior, and it was a peaceful spot to reflect and take in the beauty of the city.
Afterward, we wandered over to Piazza XV Marzo, a lively square surrounded by cafes and shops. It’s a great spot to relax and people-watch, and we often stopped for gelato to cool off. The square was particularly charming in the evening, with its cobblestone streets lit by the soft glow of streetlights.
Norman Castle and Views of the City
A visit to the Norman Castle, perched on a hilltop above the town, is a must when you’re in Cosenza. The castle offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, making it an excellent spot for family photos. The kids loved running around the castle grounds, and it was fascinating to learn about its history dating back to the 11th century. The castle also features a small museum, which provided some educational fun for the whole family.
Riviera dei Cedri
For a more relaxed day, we ventured out to the nearby Riviera dei Cedri. This stretch of coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, where you can enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean Sea. The water is warm and shallow, making it perfect for younger children to splash around in. We spent several hours at the beach, building sandcastles, swimming, and enjoying the Mediterranean cuisine at one of the seaside restaurants.
5. Booking and Costs: Practical Details
I booked our stay at Hotel Sea Breeze through Booking.com, which I find to be a reliable platform for hotel reservations. The booking process was straightforward, and I was able to secure the family suite for a very reasonable price. The hotel often has special deals and discounts, particularly during the off-peak seasons, so it’s worth checking for any promotions before you book.
As for the cost, the price for our Superior Family Suite came to around €160 per night during the summer season. This included all taxes and breakfast. Given the range of amenities and services offered, I found the price to be a great value. For a family of four, the cost per night was well worth it considering the convenience, comfort, and proximity to the main attractions.
6. The Verdict: A Perfect Family Getaway
After spending several days in Cosenza and staying at Hotel Sea Breeze, I can confidently say that it was the perfect choice for our family. The combination of spacious, comfortable rooms, family-friendly amenities, and the hotel’s central location made it an ideal base for our trip. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-aged children, or teens, this hotel has something to offer every family.
From the beautiful swimming pool to the engaging kids’ activities, Hotel Sea Breeze truly made our time in Cosenza memorable. If you’re planning a family trip to this lovely part of Italy, I highly recommend considering this hotel. It will undoubtedly provide a comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Have you been to Cosenza or stayed at Hotel Sea Breeze? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!