Hotel Punta Negra

The hotel, built right next to the sea, was designed to take advantage of its beautiful setting -- the restaurant, bar, and some rooms offer gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Shady pine forests surround the three-story white building with arches and a terra-cotta roof. Guests enter the reception area through arched glass doors with colorful potted flowers on each side. Painted tile accents the front desk, and there are decorative inlays in the tile floor as well. Just off the lobby, a rattan loveseat and a couple of chairs give guests a place to perch. Tourist brochures and posters are all around, and there's a bookcase with books in multiple languages. A larger wicker seating area gives groups a place to gather. During the summer months, couples and families make up most of the clientele. In the off-season, the hotel attracts mostly groups. In any case, the majority of guests who arrive here aren't the see-and-be-seen type that can be found elsewhere on Sardinia, as the hotel is decidedly a place for peace and quiet.

The hotel is situated on the northwest coast of Sardinia, overlooking the sea and surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Porto Conte area. It's located outside the small village of Fertilia, which has a supermarket, a bank, and a few bars. The historic town of Alghero is about 15 minutes away by car, which is home to plenty more restaurants and shops. Capo Caccia, a protected natural area, is a 15- to 20-minute drive west and is home to the Grotto di Nettuno, a cliffside cave that opens to the sea and makes for a spectacular day trip. Alghero Airport is less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel, or about 25 minutes away by public transportation. It will take about two hours to reach the famous Costa Smerelda on the island's east side. 

The 91 rooms at the Hotel Punta Negra are decorated in the colors of the Mediterranean, including soft shades of blue, green, gray, and sand. In some rooms, red piping on bedspreads and paintings of sea add pops of color, and floors are tiled. Some rooms will appear dated -- a fact not helped by the old tan bedspreads, cheap chairs, and terra cotta tiling. Others look more modern and fresh, like the Family Room that we visited, which had nicer antiqued furniture in aqua hues. All have fairly unattractive rounded, upholstered headboards.

Amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and flat-screen TVs. Family Rooms have two separate bedrooms and can sleep up to five people. Bathrooms have mosaic tile and come with hairdryers, shower/tub combos or just showers, bidets, and toiletries. Balconies and terraces are furnished, and some have spectacular views of the sea. Others face fenced rock walls and trees in the distance. Bathrooms generally have eye-catching mosaic tilework in green or orange shades with modern fixtures, decent-size vanities, and walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, some of which have rainfall showerheads. Rooms are well-insulated from outside noises, but interior noise -- especially from the bar -- can sometimes reach nearby rooms. 

Despite its three-pearl category, there are a number of features here that almost give this hotel the feel of a resort. The restaurant serves an American buffet breakfast and regional fare for lunch and dinner. Outdoor barbecues are held weekly in season on the large terrace, allowing guests to experience the local cuisine and beautiful setting. The casual bar has rattan sofas and chairs, and a piano for live entertainment. Open-air seating on the terrace by the sea is available in nice weather. The views are spectacular. Half-board options are available.

Two outdoor pools and a whirlpool also offer beautiful views of the sea, and lounge chairs and umbrellas encourage relaxing poolside. Trees and large rocks add to the Mediterranean atmosphere. The hotel's beach is fine enough for a dip. It can get crowded in the high season and many guests have complained of the smell of decaying algae and seaweed that can, at times, be overpowering. There's also a tennis court on-site, and staff can arrange outdoor activities such as diving, trekking, horseback riding, and sailing. A library, next to the reception area, offers books in many different languages, which guests can borrow. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.