The Proto Cervo Hotel is a 5-star property but, based on the room decor, feels more like a 4-star stay. Of the five-star hotels in this area, this one is by far the least expensive choice. If you aren't looking to break the budget on your hotel and if you're someone who thrives on being in the heart of the action, surrounded by people-watching, shopping, restaurants, bars, and energy without needing to drive, this is the place for you. While it was my third favorite hotel during my Sardinian stay, my mom enjoyed it the most, as she prefers being in the middle of the scene, unlike my preference for a more off-the-beaten-path vibe.
The rooms are nice and clean but have an old-school Italian charm, without the marble bathrooms you might expect from a 5-star hotel. Each room is unique, and navigating the hotel involves navigating a labyrinth of stairs, with some rooms tucked away in remote alcoves and others on higher levels, which are the way to go, as my mom's lower-level room flooded during a rainstorm (though she still loved the hotel).
The pool is pretty basic but situated in a quiet courtyard, which the kids loved. To reach the beach, you need to take a small boat to a rocky shore with beautiful views of nearby anchored yachts. During our stormy stay, the boat ride back was a nerve-racking experience with 3–4-foot swells, but we made it back safely.
The real advantage of this hotel is its proximity to shopping and restaurants within steps of the entrance. While we tried numerous restaurants in both "shopping centers," our favorite meal was actually at the hotel's Cervo Bar, with creative drinks, perfect pasta, and live piano music creating a delightful ambiance. The service was beyond excellent, the most attentive and friendly of any hotel we visited on the island, making this place a little more special. The concierges were also excellent, very helpful and knowledgeable.
