Via Tre Monti, Baia Sardinia, Italy | 160
Private beach in secluded, pretty cove
Five-minute walk from tourist attractions and restaurants
Quaint rooms with Sardinian style, AC, and toiletries
All rooms have furnished terraces -- some with sea views
Several pool areas with loungers and water vistas
Free breakfast buffet with continental fare and eggs
Restaurant serves well-reviewed regional cuisine
Free Wi-Fi
Traditional Sardinian look won't appeal to some
Somewhat sleepy location (pro for some)
Complaints of beds being too hard
Reports of loungers getting reserved early in the morning
No spa or fitness facilities
The 162-room Grand Hotel Smeraldo is an upper-middle-range property with its own private, secluded beach cove. Multiple restaurants and a public beach are within a five-minute walk, but the area is largely quiet. Rooms are done in a simple Sardinian style of painted furniture and embroidered linens, and they come with air-conditioning, minibars, hairdryers, and furnished terraces -- some with lovely sea vistas. There are no spa or fitness facilities, or entertainment, but the hotel has multiple pool areas -- including some cascading down multiple levels and with sea views. All rates include a hot and cold buffet breakfast, and well-reviewed Italian fare is served for lunch and dinner. On the downside, some guests have complained of pool loungers getting reserved early and too-firm beds. Travelers wanting a more lively setting may prefer Cervo Hotel in Porto Cervo.
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Scene
Traditional Sardinian hotel with quiet atmosphere and stunning Mediterranean views
Although the Grand Hotel Smeraldo attracts its fair share of families, most vacationers tend to be couples looking for a secluded beachside getaway. Like many hotels in the area, this property is done in a traditional Sardinian style that's homey but not quite modern. Expect lots of distressed wood, robin egg blue accents, and embroidered linens, plus paintings of the area. Wicker furniture with patterned upholstery is showing wear in the lobby and maroon seating on top of rust-colored carpeting at the bar clashes, but overall, everything feels charmingly and appropriately Sardinian. While on-site, most guests spend their time on the private beach or at one of many pools that have sea views. Several lounger-equipped terraces and the quiet vibe help create a romantic stay.
Location
Along private beach and five-minute walk from tourist attractions
The hotel has an enviable location set along a private beach in a scenic, secluded cove. The area is quiet but a five-minute walk will take guests to the popular public beach and town center, where few shops and restaurants are located. The nearest large town is Porto Cervo, a 10-minute drive away. Expect a 40-minute drive to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport.
Rooms
Spacious, homey rooms with furnished terraces
Like common areas, rooms are outfitted in traditional Sardinian style that feels a bit outdated, though is homey and quaint. Design varies a bit by room, though generally guests can expect floral carpets, distressed wood furniture painted pale blue or with orange trim, pastel walls adorned with floral or island-themed artwork, and blue-and-cream embroidered linens. Unfortunately, some past guests have complained that the beds are hard and uncomfortable. All the hotel’s rooms have furnished terraces, many of which have at least partial views of the sea. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, desks, and closets. Straightforward bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and a good range of toiletries.
Features
Private beach, four pool areas, and free breakfast at the restaurant
The Grand Hotel Smeraldo’s main selling point is definitely its private beach, a secluded and sandy cove. Chairs and sunbeds under umbrellas are available here, as well as at the four different pool areas. A lap pool, hot tubs, and tri-level pool resembling a rice paddy are all found here, and they enjoy lovely sea vistas. However, some past guests have complained of loungers being reserved early. The all-day restaurant serves well-reviewed regional fare all day, and all rates include buffet breakfasts with typical continental fare, plus hot options such as eggs and bacon. Two restaurants are on-site, but the one by the beach is seasonal. Travelers may be disappointed by the lack of a spa and fitness center. Wi-Fi is free.
