Le Dimore del Sole

We'd booked three nights through the Smartbox "Prestige box" five months ahead and paid for a prestige bedroom. But when we got to Cagliari, our "guest" said no Smartbox confirmation had reached him, even though everything was paid for. He offered us a low cost bedroom instead. We got in touch with Smartbox, and they refunded the money. Avoid !!! There are much better places in Cagliari. In June 2023, it was 150 €/night without breakfast !!

The rooms are spacious and modern, with air conditioning, a flat screen TV, drawers, and a large shared bathroom with a bath. Breakfast is available, and you can book excursions through the hotel. Patrick greeted me when I arrived and was great with local tips. He's Sardinian and enjoys talking about the island, and his English is fairly good. Le Dimore Del Sole sits between Cagliari Centro and Poetto Beach, with bus stops right outside that go directly to both Poetto Beach and Centro. I had a really relaxing stay and would highly recommend it.

The bathroom setup was below standard, with no bidet and a tiny shower. We also found the airport location details unclear. Breakfast was at an inconvenient time, so we had to sort it out ourselves. That might be fine if the price were a lot less than €100 per night.

Patrick and his gracious mother and father made this stay feel like coming home. In a short time I became close to this lovely family, and the room was perfect. It was always nice to return and catch up with Patrick about what I'd done that day on this gorgeous Mediterranean island. Sardegna is a beautiful, relaxing place, with remarkable food, amazing cultural sites, and beaches that are sublime. As an American who has traveled extensively, I found it easy to forget meetings and deadlines here. Time feels like a friend, and you mostly notice it when distant church bells ring. Getting here is easy, with a 35-minute flight from Rome, or a cruise as I took from Genoa back to Sardegna on my way from London and Paris. Visit Bonaria Basillica, the National Cathedral of Cagliari in the ancient area of Castello, and drive 30-40 minutes out of Cagliari to one of the many wonderful beaches. Fresh vino is a must. The food, culture, nature, beaches, and friendly, peaceful, happy people all help you unwind from modern city life. My fellow over-stressed Americans, call Patrick and come see Sardegna. I fell in love with it, and I promise you will too. You'll see why Sardenians live so long. Leave your iWatch at home, time stands still here. Simply Perfecto! Cheers from my European home on the Med, Cagliari, Sardegna, Stephen Bainton. P.S. What, you haven't called Patrick yet? :))