Right off the main drag of Strada Statale 125, Hotel Speraesole is a simple mid-range hotel. Outside, the modern pool area has a small crossing bridge, as well as a bar and large garden for sunbathing. While family-style rooms and amenities like a free breakfast buffet attracts budget-minded families, the resort also attracts couples with its overall tranquil vibe and generally value-packed rates.

Hotel Speraesole is centrally located in the northern Sardinia city of Olbia, a vital sea port during the Middle Ages. Still a central hub, Olbia is home to the airport, railway, and passenger port. Murta Maria, with sights like the ancient church Basilica di San Simplicio, is 15 minutes by car from the hotel. The Spiaggia Pittulongu beach is an 18-minute car ride.

For a night of karaoke, a beer and/or a bite to eat, visitors recommend The New York Cafe, a 14-minute drive away, but the hotel is also just one-minute walking from Pizzeria Insalateria Il Tucano, an eatery recommended by guests for its tasty pizza. Authentic Sardinia cuisine at the open-air Ristorante Il Portolano is right across from Tavolara Island -- an 8-minute car ride. Boat rides, kayaking, and bike rentals are all less than 20 minutes by car from the hotel. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Olbia Costa Smeralda airport.

Rooms here feature simple (bordering on bland and dated) decor. Walls are nearly bare and accents are few; picture fake flowers, stenciled wooden furniture, and tiled floors. Each comes with a balcony or a veranda that includes contemporary furniture and views varying from those overlooking the roadside, pool, or garden. Many guests recommend upgrading to a room that overlooks the garden or pool to avoid roadside noise that rooms in the back reportedly experience.

Family rooms have an extra bedroom with bunk beds. Suites are two-story detached residences with little design considerations inside other than a lovely balcony, garden and porch. All rooms include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and some rates include free daily breakfast.

The Cafetteria della Nonna, the hotel's on-site restaurant, has a charming bakery display case filled with Italian pastries, and an ice cream station that serves an ample selection. The restaurant can accommodate many inside and outside, where there is veranda seating. The hotel also features an (unheated) outdoor pool, as well as a free shuttle service to a nearby beach. There is no fitness center or on-site activities.