Hotel review for Hotel Ala Birdi

Hotel

Large hotel covering four main blocks plus bungalows. Main hotel blocks of varying standards, some more recently constructed than others. Reception area impressive but unfortunately rest of hotel does not live up to this. Cleanliness left much to be desired, particularly in bar and restaurant areas. Hotel appears to target families, but entertainment is exclusively aimed at Italian speakers. We had a full board package.

Location

Four kilometres from Arborea, nearest village, no transport other than on foot or through hiring bicycles from the hotel. No other surrounding village/town within easy access without hiring a car. Shopping and entertainment possibilities outside the hotel complex are totally non existant, within the sole shop was small and supplied little other than a few gift products. No neighbouring hotels. Despite being told the Hotel was 90 mins from Olbia Airport, it was actually 2. 5 hours distant. There are Hotel organised excursions, on two days these are half day trips to the market of Oristano, other excursions included Alghero and Thassos. Public transport is not available, and one couple at the hotel took a taxi into Arborea at 20 euros.

Service

The staff at the hotel seemed to work hard and certainly tried their best, however response to complaints was poor, particularly in response to problems in the restaurant. We complained about the fact that the doors opening on to our terrace would not lock, and the next day a maintenance man came out to deal with the problem however these doors remained quite insecure. There was no shuttle bus available.

Gastronomy

There are two bars, Tropicana at the Pool, and Cedro's, and a beach bar. While the Tropicana bar was clean, I felt the Bar Cedro's was untidy, not welcoming in appearance, and the behind the bar area looked untidy and dirty. I found it almost impossible to get a chilled white wine. On one of the busiest days at the beach, the beach bar didn't open, apparently because the barman didn't turn in for work. The main restaurant was inadequate for the size of hotel, and frequently felt like a chaotic Factory canteen. Half the restaurant was reserved for certain groups of holiday makers, hence finding a table was difficult. If you came to the restaurant later, it was a complete mess, with uncleared tables, and food spilt on the floor. It was a totally un-appetizing experience. The food itself consisted of cold cooked vegetables and a choice of one meat or one fish main course.

Sport & Entertainment

With the availability of horse riding, tennis courts, table tennis, bicycle hire, and a health spa, this area was reasonably catered for, but more is required in a complex so remote.

Room

Although the room was large, the furnishing was basic, certainly not up to 4 star standard as we had expected. The terrace faced on to a dusty access track, and was not private from neighbouring rooms. Furnishings included Queen size bed, single bed (if there was a third person sharing room), two hard upright wooden chairs, TV, poorly stocked mini bar, and safe. There was no tea or coffee making facility. The bathroom contained a shower cubicle which was old, untidy, did not seal, and the side panel had been glued back together. This was a standard room.

Tips and recommendations

Most useful tip is to go elsewhere in Sardinia, to Alghero or Costa Smeralda areas.