Hotel dei Pini

Designed to be environmentally friendly, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Dei Pini has a simple, relaxed design across its three floors. The lobby is large and spare, with uninspired white and brown furnishings, though faux-cobblestone tiling gives it some much-needed personality. This color scheme continues into the adjacent bar, which has several sections of bamboo couches with white cushions and extends to a terrace overlooking the sea. One of the more pleasant spots is the pool area, which has a pristine pool that pops against the dark-wood deck. This also enjoys those stunning vistas, and has steps that lead down to the sandy beach. The property draws nearly equal numbers of families and couples, but there are few kid-centric amenities, particularly as entertainment is seasonal.  

Dei Pini is located on one of Alghero’s most pristine beaches, Bombarde Beach, and also part of the Porto Conte Regional Park. There's not much in the way of nightlife around the hotel, but it's great for nature-related and family-friendly activities. It only takes a few minutes to walk to Le Ragnatele adventure park. The Alghero-Fertilia Airport is also close by, just a 12-minute drive away. Renting a car to explore the surrounding area would be wise, but there's also a bus to Alghero's historic center that stops right in front of the hotel. Alghero city center is about a 20-minute drive away; the hotel offers a free shuttle during peak season.

All of the 100 rooms at Dei Pini Hotel have a private patio or balcony with two chairs a table, and the sea views are worth the upgrade from those with garden views -- which also look out onto a parking lot. Most rooms are decorated in simplistic cherry-wood furniture, light-tile floors, and cream-and-blue bedding and curtains. There are also small, average-looking seascape artwork on some of the white walls. Some higher-category rooms have slightly more modern light-wood furnishings, but decor is the same.

All rooms have work desks, safes, minibars, phone, central air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, as well as dependable free Wi-Fi. Some of the rooms on the smaller side, however. Bathrooms are fairly spacious and some are more modern than others. They either have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, and all come with free toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers.

Lounging by the private beach is the most appealing feature of the hotel. There are free loungers and umbrellas along the beach, while a beachside bar is surrounded by well-manicured lawn and gardens. Another pleasant spot with views of the ocean is the pretty outdoor pool surrounded by tan loungers with built-in shades, as well as umbrellas. Spa treatments are available, as is a gym, but it only has a few pieces of equipment. There are also a tennis court and land and water sports equipment -- such as mountain bikes and a rubber dinghy -- available for rent. The outdoor play area for kids is disappointing, as it only a few small pieces of playground equipment. On-site entertainment is pretty minimal as well, although there is a mini-club for children during high season, and babysitting available upon request. Wi-Fi is free throughout and has a strong signal.

Both the restaurant and outside bar have incredible views; the restaurant has a buffet breakfast and meals throughout the day, making use of local produce and traditional Sardinian recipes. It also has a wide selection of Italian wines.