Description of hotel: Hotel Garden in Cosenza

Set on the Praia a Mare seafront, the family-run Hotel Garden has its own private beach and is a short walk from the towns center and nightlife. It features a bar and restaurant serving Calabrian specialties. Offering balconies with views of the beach or hills, rooms here have furnishings that were handmade by local craftsman. They are all air conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The buffet breakfast is continental and includes croissants, fruit, cereal and homemade local produce. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and Calabrian dishes and wines. Meals can be enjoyed out in the garden and at the beach. Staff at reception can organize boat trips up the coast to Maratea or across to Dino Island. Other activites include white water rafting own the River Lao or hiking in Pollino National Park. Trains to Naples and Reggio Calabria stop at Praia Train Station, a 3-minute walk away. Guests have discounts at some partner shops in the town.