Melia Olbia - Olbia, Italy     

Once you have driven through the industrial estate the first view of the Melia Olbia is a good one. Reception area very plush, although sofas starting to look a little tired, service at reception good, however we had trouble finding our room as it was the very last one in the building on the top floor. The room was excellent, very spacious, clean and had a very private balcony although no view. Bathroom excellent, two sinks, full size bath and power shower. Meals were served buffet style, plenty of choice at both breakfast and evening meal. Drinks were very expensive, non-alcholic especially. Stick to cocktails as they are about the same price as home. Very friendly staff especially if you try and speak Italian. The downside to the hotel is that if you do not hire a car you will feel a bit isolated. There is a bus service to Olbia but once there, there is not a lot to see, a morning or afternoon should let you see everything. Once you have a car however you can then explore more of the island and you will see the real beauty of Sardinia. The hotel pool was excellent, plenty of sunbeds, free towels and parasols. All in all if you want to relax then this is certainly the place to do it. At the back of the hotel is Geo Village which houses excellent sporting facilities, the gym is free to guests. There is an excellent restaurant and a cafe where the drinks are half the price of the hotel. Worth a five minute walk in my experience, you can sit there with a beer or soft drink with a book and while away a few hours.