La Locanda del Conte Mameli

This small, charming boutique hotel is housed in the historic villa of Count Mameli that was built on an ancient Roman aqueduct, which has been preserved and is visible in the basement breakfast room and spa. The hotel has maintained many of the building's original features, such as the vaulted ceilings and stone walls, and has decorated it with furniture that's a mix between classic and shabby-chic, in keeping with the idea of the old villa. Guests walk up three steps from the cobblestone street to enter through handsome wooden doors with big columns on each side. The small lobby is a cozy space with a fireplace and black leather chairs. A console displays an old manual typewriter next to a modern computer that guests can use, and a crystal chandelier hangs overhead. A vintage pink velvet sofa provides a place for guests to hang out next to a flat-screen TV that keeps everyone up-to-date on the latest news, sports, and weather. Magazines and books are available to read. The hotel is pleasantly fragrant with various scents throughout the rooms and public areas. It's most popular with couples, but all sorts of travelers are seen here. 

The hotel is situated in the historic center of Olbia, within walking distance of restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops. Attractions within a 10-minute walk include the Basilica of San Simplicio, Museo del Mare, and the Museo Archeologico di Olbia. Guests also can take the free hotel shuttle to the beach, or take a bus, with stops close to the hotel. The airport is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Expect a drive of about 40 minutes to reach the nerve-center of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, though there are plenty of hidden-gem beaches along the way. Check out Spiaggia Capriccioli for some truly picturesque scenery, though it's packed in the summer months.

Historic rooms are charming, with an Old-World feel tempered by modern styling that helps keep these rooms from being dated or stuffy. That's a feat on an island full of unattractive "historic" properties. Design details include hardwood floors, tall ceilings, and original exposed brick and stone walls from the 1800s. Color schemes are neutral, consisting primarily of beige, black, and gray. Leather benches, handsome wooden antique pieces, and sharp black-and-white photography add an even classier element to everything. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature marble countertops and showers, hairdryers, bidets, and toiletries. Junior Suites add living areas and terraces. The hotel also offers studios with kitchens, as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments. Keep in mind that rooms facing the street are likely to pick up noise.

There's not much in the way of features at this small boutique hotel, and we found no evidence of the lounge-bar advertised on the hotel's website during our visit. Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast served in the basement breakfast room. It's a cozy space with the original stone wall from the 1800s, an arched ceiling and doorways, and a tile floor. Guests with early flights can get a boxed breakfast to go. There's also a small spa downstairs where massage treatments are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there's a lobby computer for anyone who needs it. While parking is available, it's limited.