Hotel Brancamaria

The hotel’s interiors are rather generic and underwhelming, with some dated seating and cheesy accents like faux flowers and color-accented chandeliers, but the real draw at the Brancamaria is outside. The bar and restaurant terrace is shaded by a palm tree, and guests can eat and drink at rattan tables and couches with partial views of the Mediterranean Meanwhile, the pool terrace is better-located -- stand at one end and you’re looking up at the richly forested foothills of the Supramonte range, while in the other direction is the deep, blue sea. In the middle of all this is an unheated lap pool and ample decking from which to enjoy that view. The hotel mostly attracts couples without kids in tow.

The hilltop Hotel Brancamaria has a prime spot where the Supramonte range’s foothills begin, lending it a spectacular panoramic view that stretches from the mountains to the sea, although it does pick up a fair bit of noise from the main road leading to the town. It’s a 10-minute walk downhill along the road to the center of Cala Gonone, a quiet town with a number of shops, bars, and restaurants in the area, as well as a port where guests can take boat trips around the caves and beaches that dot the coastline. The town is also home to three coves with golden sand, each a 15-minute walk away. Farther afield, the town is in close proximity to the Gennargentu National Park, which has some spectacular terrain and well-marked hiking routes. Expect a driving time of between 90 and 105 minutes to Olbia Costa Smerelda Airport.

Much like the shared areas downstairs, the hotel’s 66 rooms feel pretty underwhelming, though they're decorated in a serene mix of neutral tones and blue accents. They're all large and bright, with pretty views and tiny French balconies. Rooms have terra-cotta tiling, white or tan walls, and light-wood furniture, plus artwork and dated couches in some. All rooms have a desk and chair, small wall-mounted flatscreen TV, and wardrobe with a safe. Deluxe Rooms and higher add a couch, while Grand Deluxe Rooms are far larger and have a hot tub in one corner. Bathrooms are decorated with cheerful cobalt or emerald tiles in a pattern, or more sophisticated neutral tiling in higher categories, and outfitted with a shower, bidet, hairdryer, and toiletries. A minibar, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning are also provided. There have been occasional reports of noise in rooms facing the road.

The Hotel Brancamaria has a brief list of amenities, lacking both a spa and gym, but guests generally are satisfied with what’s on offer. The free breakfast buffet receives positive reviews, and the buffet dinners consist of regional and international cuisine. An outdoor dining terrace has stunning views. The large, unheated lap pool looks out over the mountains in one direction and the sea in the other, and there are loungers on the deck. A free shuttle service is provided for transport to and from the center of Cala Gonone. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property.