Hotel Ollastu Residence

While this isn't exactly a fresh or cutting edge property, the classic, colorful, and homey style tends to please most guests who pass through this small boutique hotel. The main building is a lovely Mediterranean-style pink stone structure with an arched entrance way and windows. Large potted plants flank the glass doors into the lobby. Inside, it's all about cozy, and the lobby is done with a terra-cotta tile floor, white stucco walls, and a couple of chairs where guests can pause before moving on. There's also a seating area with a sofa and chairs where guests can hang out -- local handicrafts are on display in the shelves behind it. The hotel has been run by the same family for a couple of decades, and its expectedly intimate. The gardens outside are a particular highlight, and the pools stay calm throughout the day. Ultimately, this is a peaceful, relaxing place that attracts mostly couples and families looking for a quiet getaway and who don't mind driving to see most sights.  

This hotel is located in Costa Corallina, a residential area between the village of Porto San Paolo and Porto Istana. Surrounded mostly by beaches and the countryside, certain spots in the hotel have great views of the sea. The immediate area is fairly isolated, and there's not much to see or do within an easy walk. Most guests staying here will want to have a car. It's a five-minute drive to the town of Porto San Paolo, and the hotel runs a free shuttle to a small nearby beach, where they have a restaurant and chairs on the sand that can be rented. Olbia is about a 20-minute drive, and the airport can be reached in 15 minutes by car or 55 minutes by public transportation. Expect a one-hour drive to the center of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo. 

While classic decor certainly has its niche -- and most guests here seem to embrace this hotel's old-school style -- the rooms are undeniably dated when it comes to their looks. Architecture is Mediterranean style, with interior furnishings in keeping with the Sardinian Gallurese taste of the region, including antiqued walls. Decor includes tile floors, pastel color schemes, iron bed frames, and painted white wood furniture. Standard features include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, electric kettles, minibars, sofa beds, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are colorfully tiled and come with bidets, hairdryers, toiletries, and large walk-in showers plus large marble vanities. All rooms have a furnished terrace or balcony, most of which have views of the garden, though some of which have glimpses of the sea. Suites are larger and add tubs. Honeymooners are welcomed to their room with sparkling wine and a fruit basket. 

The hotel operates two restaurants, one on-site and a simple cafe on the beach, where diners can eat inside or out on the beach with their toes in the sand. The on-site Restaurant S'Ollastu serves seafood, as well as breads and sweets that are made in-house. Breakfast, while not included in all room rates, has a wide selection and includes many of those homemade options. Ice creams and sorbets are also made on-site. The charming pool bar serves drinks all day as well as lunch.A small beach is accessible by the hotel's free shuttle. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, and the hotel has free bikes that make for a pleasant ride down to the shore. The hotel's outdoor pools are small but lovely, with stone decks and grassy lawns surrounding them. There's also a hot tub up on a hill with rocks around it, and another hot tub under a hut. Lounge chairs and seating are available under thatched huts, or guests who prefer to be in the sun can pull chairs out onto the lawn. An open-air fitness center offers cardio and weight training equipment, as well as free weights and exercise balls. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Weddings and other events can be held at the hotel outdoors or in the restaurant and bar areas. Dogs are also welcome on the property.