August in cagliari
Great location in the middle of the historic city centre, facing the harbour. staff were friendly and helpful, though inconsistent (they couldn't agree what time they stopped serving breakfast!) the rooms all seem good value, but vary hugely (more than any other hotel i've ever been to) in size and quality. we had the most basic room, which was fine for the price, but essentially had the ambience of a boutique youth hostel (which is ok by me - i don't come on holiday to stay in the room). the bathroom was clean but cramped and the shower didn't drain properly, although had limitless hot water which is not always the case in old buildings in italy. the bed was firm and comfortable and the air conditioning worked. but the real suprise was the other rooms - after we showed an interest, the receptionist showed us larger rooms which were stunningly refurbished historic suites - more money of course, but would have been well worth it. they had chandeliers, antique furnishings, but were all very tastefully done; truly atmospheric and superior to most historic hotels i've seen. unfortunately they were all taken so we couldn't upgrade, but next time i'll know to book the suite. like everywhere in italy breakfast is not part of the culture so they do it badly - here it was coffee, cold bread roll and a plate of traditional biscuits from the deli round the corner... my girlfriend loved it, but for those of us who don't want to start the day with a packet of shortbread is it too much to ask for some cereal or a toaster? but at least breakfast was included in the price, and was no worse than most italian hotels. overall a cool bohemian boutique gem - the average american would hate it i imagine; for us londoners it was perfect. our friends in cagliari saw the hotel and said it was one of the nicest they knew in the city.
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