came to Cala Gonone on a bus in the late evening and hotel was difficult to find, especially when you have three (or maybe even four) bus stops to chose from. hotel is situated at the sea side, along the promenade.
The clientèle is mainly of German origin. The owner is ever so present and can speak fluently Italian, German and English. Beer from the mini bar €4, water €1.5. Free of charge beech towels or key to the safe. Internet €1/ hr, free postcards at the reception. Three-way plugs unlike the English or European ones so had to use a socket in the bathroom. A small-ish TV as you open the wardrobe, cannot watch it from the bed (sky + payable channels avail); the bathroom (room C) was rather damp and smelly; a nice sea view though. The rooms two floors down, without the view, were of much better quality. The cleaning ladies kept on leaving the window in the bathroom open as it was so smelly inside. However it was a big security risk (the window was big enough to fit an adult and was easily accessible from the terrace) so had to leave a note for the staff attached to the window so they don't forget to close it behind them. bad lighting, especially in the bathroom, a noisy air con unit next to bed, no full length mirror, nor any space in the fridge, room has been cleaned twice a day.
Breakfast was simple, with a view onto the sea. I think the gentleman who was making omelettes/ scrambled eggs was the nicest member of staff there.
The area has got a lot to offer, in terms of restaurants and activities; ideal for hiking, trekking and cycling. bar/pub Roadhouse on the promenade- very good food, according to couple of the locals I met it serves the best fish/food in town. horse meat on the menu too, not that I dared to try.
The highlight of the holiday was a boat trip around the Orosei bay. The owner of the hotel tried charging me €250 for the pleasure! Only at breakfast, some 20 mins before scheduled departure, I was told that the trip I booked for that very morning was lacking participants and I have to go on my own and pay the full price! It was too late to go to the port and catch one of the regular €35 gulf trips.Needless to say, I was not happy.
Upon departure the owner tried to overcharge me for a taxi to the airport by €15 claiming his quote was different.
I went to the gulf boat trip after all and it was THE most amazing experience ever! And I've seen THE best beach ever. I will go to the area again, not to this hotel though.
- Costa Dorada Cala Gonone
- Costa Dorada Hotel Cala Gonone
