Like most reviewers, I'd have to say the Calamosca is a little tired and worn around the edges, but that said I certainly wouldn't say "don't go".

The sea-view was wonderful, the rooms clean , the staff friendly enough, the bedlinens spotless and the white bath towels were the amongst the softest and most luxurious I've ever come across!

The hotel isn't in town, so unless you like to hike, a car, a Vespa or lots of cab fare is required if you want to see anything more than the hotel. (Actually, there's a bus service into town too). The lack of transport only proved to be an issue at night when it came to eating. The hotel has a restaurant and a pizzeria, but there are no other eateries (that we could find) within walking distance, thus forcing you to eat at the hotel. The menu in the restaurant and pizzeria was the same (oddly enough), and whilst the choice was fairly good, the service was fairly lacking. One evening, it took us three hours to have a two course meal! Not that we were slow eaters, just the wait staff seemed to be overly busy rushing about doing ... who knows what. Now, I know - it's Italy - relax! But there eventually comes a point where you just want to shout at someone!!

Restaurant aside, the plus points also included a nice sun deck for lounging and a clifftop terrace bar for after dinner drinks.

Overall, I'd say it was pleasant stay, but wouldn't rush back there.

We stayed here for 4 nights on our 3 week round-the-island trip by rental car. The hotel is located on a small bay a short distance from the bustling city of Cagliari. Driving directions are tricky however, especially when driving back into the city from the hotel. But there’s plenty of paid and free parking right at the harbor (or Marina) within close range of the restaurant district in the old quarter.

The hotel’s location is quiet with a large garden and comfortable sun chairs. There’s a small sandy beach as well.

Sea view rooms, which cost extra, have a balcony and offer a wonderful panorama of the bay guarded by a lighthouse perched on the top of a small mountain.

The reception is friendly, helpful, and mostly English speaking. There’s plenty of free parking in front of and surrounding the hotel. There are 3 floors but no elevator. There’s no pool either.

For Italy, the breakfast “buffet” was adequate, but not outstanding. There’s a restaurant onsite, but we didn’t use it since there are so many good trattorias in the city. Don’t miss Lillicu on Via Sardigna 78. You’ll need a reservation for both lunch and dinner.

Our room was large enough, but with no coffee maker, fridge, or hair dryer. The TV is small with only a few Italian channels to choose from. TV reception was not very good even though it was hooked up to a cable. The bathroom and the shower were fine. The room was clean and maid service was very good.

The hotel, while repainted on the outside, is worn and a bit run-down. It’s obvious that the management has not been reinvesting money to keep it up. The bed was comfortable but the pillows felt very hard. A couple of mosquitoes made it into the room so we slept in our portable mosquito tent for the last 2 nights.

Our room was not cheap costing E 94 for a double in May. The hotel was only partially full when we were there.

Despite the somewhat run-down nature of the building, we still found the hotel to be a good value, primarily because of the convenient, quiet, and relaxing location on a beautiful bay only a couple of kilometers from the city. The view is wonderful and the garden is a good place to enjoy the afternoon sun. The free parking, decent breakfast, and helpful reception were also plusses. We recommend this hotel to other travelers, but be prepared for the fact that it’s a bit worn around the edges.

Cagliari was the first stop on the trip around Sardinia that my wife and I took in 2007, and this was one of the most difficult places to decide on a hotel. I have to say this is probably the first and only time that I had a different opinion from the reviews I read on TA at the time. The main reason why I picked it was that it was the only hotel I could find in Cagliari right in front of a beach. When I got there, at night, I found the hotel in very, very bad shape, with very simple rooms with no comfort at all. When my wife and I got there, we looked at each other and remembered that we were only going to be there for one night. It was way more expensive than it should have been for what it is, and I have to say that I didn't go to the beach in the end. We left early to hit the road and try the many beautiful beaches in southeast Sardinia.

Spent four days in Sardinia, two of which at the Hotel Calamosca.

Wasnt sure what to expect following a number of mixed reviews but with hindsight it was definately the right choice!

im not sure how old the building is and it is a fair comment to say that they need to spend a bit of money of updating it but that kind of adds to the charm. The rooms are basic but clean and the overall feel is quirky with a slight feeling of an italian Fawlty Towers but all of this pales into insignificance when you see the view from your balcony!

A brilliant view at almost Travellodge prices. Definately recommended. The restaurant next door is pretty good as well. Would love to return in summer.