Hotel Stefania Boutique Hotel by the Beach

Returning guests are welcomed with bottles of wine here, and it's that kind of detail that draws older couples and families to the property. The local flavor is reflected in common spaces' traditional decor, which many travelers find charming. For others, it's a bit dated and stuffy, and the clutter of Sardinian objects and medley of plants, books, and vases make it a challenging place for young kids. The popular seafood restaurant, with plaster walls, tables covered in white tablecloths, and terra-cotta floors sees the most action. There's also a peaceful outdoor pool area and sunbathing lawn, which provides another gathering spot, with lovely views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. 

The hotel is located in the seaside town of Pittulongu, about a 10-minute drive from the center of Olbia. It's a quiet area where guests can walk to the beach in about three minutes, and to a few restaurants, bars, and a supermarket. There's also a bus stop right around the corner for easy access into downtown Olbia, though most guests rent a car for exploring the surrounding area rather than rely on limited public transportation. Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is 11 minutes away by car, as is the Olbia ferry, which travels to Livorno on the coast of Tuscany. 

The traditional decor found in the rest of the hotel carries over to guest rooms. The majority are located in the main building, and a quarter are housed in an adjoining annex, called Villa Stefania. There are terra-cotta floors, headboards and drapes done in nautical fabric, and furniture that's painted in soft, pastel hues, with Moorish decorative accents. Rooms in the annex swap wooden furniture for rattan. All units feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi, plus small desks and seating areas with plush chairs. Most rooms look out to the garden, and some offer partial sea views, and balconies or patios. Bathrooms are a little dingy, with skimpy bath products and stall showers, but they have colorful aquamarine tile, and bidets. Larger units add shower/tub combos. 

This hotel offers enough amenities for a comfortable stay -- but some facilities are aged and look worn. Views of the ocean and the countryside can be seen from the outdoor pool, which is surrounded by gardens and a sunbathing lawn with loungers. There's also a kiddie pool, an above-ground hot tub set on the grass, plus a second hot tub next to the main building. Inside, a fitness center has a variety of older cardio machines, plus some free weights. For food and drink, there's a lobby bar for cocktails and espresso, and an on-site restaurant and bar that's popular with locals for its rich, Sardinian cuisine and its ambiance. Highlights on the seafood-heavy menu are spaghetti with lobster, locally made gnocchetti, bass with Vernaccia wine, and refined Sardinian pastries. A free breakfast that includes bread baked in-house is served in a covered porch that overlooks the pool. There's also free Wi-Fi throughout, and on-site parking.