Hotel Airone

Unusual but nice and well situated for the Costa Smerelda

Slightly unusual, designed like a mini-village but with character and the feel of a family run hotel. Nice pool, food ok. A car is essential. Well situated for exploring the lovely coast.

Drive around the Costa Smerelda, visit and walk around Baia Sardinia and Puerto Cuevo (unless you envy the rich!)

Need a car to get anywhere - including the beach

While the pictures look nice and the pool is nice, the hotel location leaves a lot to be desired. Fantasic beaches are minutes drive away there is nothing close by and all things require a car trip. The room we had was very basic and unwelcoming. The staff were at times rude and unhelpful.

We had an excellent stay, but be careful to specify your room

On arrival, we were shown to our room, which was very disappointing. Whilst the bedroom was clean and adequately furnished, the bathroom was below par. Worse, the external door had a clear glass panel that was covered only by a soiled piece of cloth. The hotel’s own web site stated that all rooms had either a terrace or a private garden. This room had neither. We returned to Reception and complained. The response was excellent - they said that they had become aware of the error on their web site in July (after we had booked) and had subsequently changed it. They moved us to another room, which we could not fault, and which had a lovely balcony looking over the swimming pool. Most of the rooms are of a very good standard. However, we would not have wanted to be at the front of the hotel, as there is a busy road outside. There is only Italian terrestrial TV in the rooms. There is free internet access. The swimming pool is superb, and big enough for serious swimmers. The views are sensational. The gardens and large grounds are well maintained. The staff were all friendly and attentive. The food was good without being outstanding. Breakfast was the typical Italian cold meat, bread and pastries, and a very good fruit bowl. The hotel is quite remote, so a hire car is essential. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, but we were (eventually) lucky with our room. We would recommend anyone intending to book to insist on a room overlooking the swimming pool.

Traveller's tip on local attractions

Good beaches and shops at Cannigione, Baia Sardinia, and S. Teresa di Gallura. Nice marina, restaurants and shops at Portisco. Be prepared for the prices if you visit Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Garibaldi’s house on Caprera well worth a visit. Alghero an interesting day trip - about 2 hours each way - and has great beaches. If you want to go to the Gola di Gorropu canyon near Dorgali, you need a whole day, and take stout walking shoes. It is a 2 hour walk each way from the car park..