We saw the disappointing reviews before we visited this hotel but are glad we ignored them. The low-rise hotel is in a lovely situation overlooking the emerald sea and beach 3 kilometres from Olbia and a 10-minute drive from the airport.
We had a lovely room - free room safe and beach towels; big terrace overlooking the sea; flat screen TV.
The bus to Olbia passes the hotel door several times every day and there are good onward links from Olbia. We had no problems with bus travel.
The hotel also has a people-carrier and we used this too - just a bit cheaper than a taxi and ideal for trips to neighbouring areas such as Porto Rotundo.
We liked the really friendly multi-lingual staff, especially in the restaurant and at reception. Although there isn't much activity locally, they even managed to locate daily newspapers for us (newsagent just 1.5 kilometres from the hotel)!
The pool and surrounding gardens are immaculate - the owner keeps a watchful eye on things.
The Persian rugs, pictures and ornaments in the hotel have been chosen by him from trips far afield, and add a nice touch.
Although breakfast on offer is 'continental', there is a good choice - and my husband had a full cooked breakfast one morning. Cost is extra but is quite reasonable.
There were visitors staying from all over the world, which is interesting. A receptionist told us some were actually returning for the 15th time.
We would like to return - but my only criticism is that I didn't like the food in the smart restaurant used for evening dinner. The restaurant could be brilliant -good ambience, experienced waiters - but the food, both on the daily menu and the a la carte menu - really doesn't match the high standards everywhere else in the hotel.
- Stefania Hotel Olbia
