Airone Hotel

While this hotel looks similar to other upper-middle-range hotels in the area, it benefits from a secluded location. Brick paths from the main cluster of pastel-colored dwellings cover roughly 10 acres of grounds, manicured around buildings and natural countryside farther afield. Inside, the traditional tiled floors and faux patinaed walls lined with shelves of local handicrafts read as either charming or dated, depending on your perspective. 

Modeled after a Sardinian village festooned with flowers and olive trees, this Mediterranean property attracts couples with its look, but its plethora of on-site activities is a draw for families with kids in tow, too. The lobby bar with a piano tends to sit empty, as much of the action takes place outside, with an attractive pool area, tennis courts, biking, and horseback riding.  

The hotel sits in a rural area between Baia Sardinia and Cannigione, bordering the wetlands at the base of the Gulf of Arzachena (also known as the Gulf of Cannigione). An unmanaged public beach roughly seven minutes away on foot and nature trails is all that’s within walking distance. It's a six-minute drive to Cannigione, where restaurants and bars can be found along a waterfront with a large marina, and a seven-minute drive in the opposite direction to beaches around the sleepy town of Baia Sardinia. Porto Cervo is the closest large town, and it's a 30-minute car ride to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. 

The hotel's 70 guest rooms are housed in one- and two-story Mediterranean-style buildings. Traditional decor is heavy on faded pastels and ornate metal scrollwork, and some may find it stuffy or outdated. Most rooms are located on the ground floor and open to the pool or garden, and higher categories afford private patios or balconies, and partial sea views. All are outfitted with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, small tables, and minibars (beverages only). Larger family rooms have double beds and two twin beds tucked into corners, and seating areas with loveseats draped in embroidered covers. The bathrooms are fully tiled, with matching pastel accents, bidets, and small walk-in showers.

The Airone Hotel offers free shuttle service to Baia Sardinia, and to a private beach that's about a mile away. There's also a scruffy public beach called Lu Postu within walking distance along a path on the grounds, and the hotel has a pleasant outdoor pool and hot tub set in a sundeck with loungers, tables, and umbrellas. But the lack of an on-site fitness center is a drawback.

Much of the property is devoted to sports and activities, with a soccer pitch, two bocce courts, and two tennis courts. Free weekly tennis lessons are a major perk, and classes and private lessons are available for a fee. Rates also apply to horseback riding and to bike rentals from an on-site company that gives guided tours. 

The buffet restaurant serves local and international cuisine, and has free breakfast with freshly baked treats and themed dinners like Sardinian Night and Seafood Night. Not much goes on at the lobby bar, but there's a piano in the lounge around the corner. 

Kids won't lack for things to do, as there's a kiddie pool, a playground with swing sets, a kids' club, and plenty of space to run around. The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout, is pet-friendly (fee), and has a meeting room that can accommodate events for up to 140 people.