Gabbiano Azzurro Hotels & Suites

This three-story, family-run hotel along the beach has a mix of modern and charming decor. The chic terrace restaurant with gorgeous ocean views sets a romantic ambiance. Common areas are decorated in mostly neutral tones, with pops of beachy blue. The large lobby has gray granite floors topped by comfy white couches with blue embroidery and white coffee tables housing candles and pottery. Sea-themed artwork decorates the walls, while windows peek through to the gardens outside. An indoor restaurant is decorated in a similarly elegant all-white color scheme, while an outdoor terrace feature terra-cotta tiling and wrought-iron accents. The vibe throughout is largely romantic and most guests tend to be couples. 

The location is one of the top selling points of this hotel. Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro is situated in the middle of Golfo Aranci, a gulf in northeast Sardinia famous for archaeological attractions and a beautiful sea ideal for water sports. The property is also close to a beautiful pine forest and surrounded by greenery. Unlike many seaside hotels in northeast Sardinia, this one is less than a 10-minute walk to a variety of bars and restaurants, so a car is not a necessity. The contemporary underwater art museum MuMart is an eight-minute walk from the hotel. The Olbia Costa Smeralda airport is a 24-minute drive, and the hotel offers airport shuttle service for a fee. 

The 80 rooms are almost all decorated in an old-fashioned style consisting of reddish-brown furniture, beige tile floors, white walls, and cream-and-peach patterned linens. Though a bit dated, they're pleasant and reflect the classic Sardinian design. The Charming Suite has more contemporary and elegant light-wood furniture and floors, airy neutral-tone linens, and attractive sea-themed accents. All rooms have private furnished balconies or patios, most with stunning views looking out onto Golfo Aranci’s gulf and the island of Tavolara. 

Standard amenities include minibars, small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and heating, safes, and phones. The decent-sized bathrooms come with stall showers or jetted bathtubs, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Wi-Fi is free.

The white-sand beach directly outside the hotel is one of its best features, plus the gorgeous sea views that can be found throughout. The outdoor pool is circular and connects to the circular whirlpool of the same size. They're surrounded by a stone deck lined with cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas -- these are free at the pool but require a fee at the beach. One downside is the hotel's lack of spa or gym facilities, though there are meeting space and free Wi-Fi. The hotel can organize excursions to nearby attractions.There are two restaurants on-site, one of which is a gourmet eatery with stunning seaside views and highly regarded cuisine that fuses Sardinian, Italian, and international dishes. A more casual grill serves fresh fish plus offers equally beautiful views. All rates include a quality breakfast.