Rimini, September 5, 2026 – A ‘long’ season for many hotels, but not for all. While it is true that many seasonal hotels in Rimini will close on September 13 or 20, there are also those who have already decided that “it’s no longer worth staying open.” This is the case of Matteo Castiglioni, owner of a small hotel with 23 rooms in Viserba, which he manages together with his partner Simona.
The Carmen hotel closed its doors on Sunday, August 30. “Last year we stayed open for a few days in September as well, but we had few tourists. Doing the math, and since fixed costs have increased, we thought it was better to close the season at the end of August this year.”
What weighed most on the early closure?
“Fixed costs and bills, above all. This applies to us as well as many others. The electricity bill is increasingly expensive, as are the other utilities. We told ourselves it wasn’t worth staying open for a few customers, especially since many people come to Rimini only for the weekend during this period.”
Yet many seasonal hotels are extending their activity this year.
“Of course, everyone does their own calculations. But ours is a small hotel, with only 23 rooms, family-run. If you don’t have at least 10 rooms occupied, you lose money… And not all areas are the same. At this time, Marina Centro and Rimini Sud are still very lively. But Rimini Nord is different.”
Fewer tourists in September?
“There is less activity, there’s little to do. After Ferragosto and the Meeting, bookings have clearly dropped. We’re a bit sorry to have closed so early: there are still nice days and some customers still call us because they would like to come for the weekend. We only offer overnight stays and breakfast; during this period we would charge 70 euros per night per room: to break even with all expenses, we would need to fill at least half the rooms.”
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Yours is a small, one-star hotel. Facilities like the Carmen hotel are increasingly struggling today…
“But this summer actually wasn’t bad. We are in line with 2025. We opened for Riminiwellness, we had a bit of a drop in mid-June, but all in all, we worked. We are small, but we try to make improvements every year. Like the bathrooms: we completely renovated them this year. Then it’s clear that today, for facilities like ours, more than really upgrading, you mostly spend to stay compliant.”
Have you ever thought about selling?
“My grandfather created the hotel and my family has always managed it, except for some summers when we rented it out. I work as an employee in a large company, but I still enjoy being a hotelier and I am attached to the Carmen. As long as I feel up to it, I will continue. But to revive tourism in Rimini Nord, one thing is especially needed.”
What is it?
“That the Fair continues to grow, because it brings wealth to the whole city. We are strongly in favor of expanding the Fair, because it will mean more events and more well-being for everyone.”
