Porto Istana Holidays from £249

Wonderful breakfast with great espresso and cappuccinos! The Wi-Fi didn't work and the staff was not able to help us get connected.

Staff were friendly and polite. Pool area was ok - clean but looked tired and some areas needed weeding. Pool was nice. Breakfast was ok - there were pastries, fruit and some cereal. Bar was ok but we were there for 4 days and on one day it was closed until tea time. Artwork on the building was good. The room was ok - there was a fridge, but no tea/coffee making equipment. Air con worked fine. The shower was small. Beds were comfortable. Location wise, it was a bit of a walk to get into the town - would have been difficult for someone with minor mobility issues and very difficult for someone either more challenging mobility issues. There is a good supermarket right over the road. Didn’t use the gym, but there were a range of exercise machines and weights available. It was a pleasant stay but nearer 3 stars than 4. One big tip - if you want to go on the beach, you have to book and pay to go on in advance - we weren’t able to go on the beach until after 6pm as it was fully booked everyday of our stay - plan that in before you go and book well in advance. You must also take a baboo cover to put down under your towel if you’ll be moved on. The beach was €3.50 per person per day when we went and you could hire sunbeds separately but also in advance.

The hotel doesn’t have a drop off area or any luggage trolleys, pity the receptionist was curt, abrupt, non informative and dismissive. The hotel appears old and struggling to keep up with travellers requirements. The room was old cashing a good size and clean with aircon. The bathroom was big but the window didn’t work and was screwed open, I asked straight away for the window to be fixed and a handle put on the window as it was also missing. I was told the engineer would come but six days later nothing changed. I saw no management at all. The breakfast staff and cleaners were all delightful. The biggest problem was the pool was discoloured and cloudy and staff had put up a sign (probably weeks before) advising it was still safe to use. We and several others were not going to risk health conditions. The weather was 35 degree plus and we desperately need a pool. In the end we travelled about 15 minutes outside Castelsardo and found lovely beaches. I would recommend using a different hotel. The other reviews said about paper thin walls, this is true. Good point was the seaview and the breakfast.

Breakfast was good on the first day. On the second day it was not. The eggs were in a plate on a table. They were cold. No hot plates. The rooms are very dated and could use a refresh.