Palazzo Tirso Cagliari Mgallery

“The Real “Princess Treatment””

Upon arriving at Palazzo Tirso, a good few hours before the guaranteed check-in time, because my flight was early in the morning, I was informed that my room (a Prestige Suite) had been upgraded to the Presidential Suite. The room was also almost ready, barely at 11 am, and I was offered a welcome … more

Upon arriving at Palazzo Tirso, a good few hours before the guaranteed check-in time, because my flight was early in the morning, I was informed that my room (a Prestige Suite) had been upgraded to the Presidential Suite. The room was also almost ready, barely at 11 am, and I was offered a welcome drink in the meantime, but I had to wait 15-20 minutes at most. This stay in Cagliari was part of a trip that was part tourism and visiting a Sardinian friend and part work on my book: needless to say, the accommodation ended up being so wonderful, that I was happy to stay in every morning and a couple of evenings, too, merrily typing away on my laptop, either on the suite’s beautiful leather sofa or the bed, both with stunning views on the sea, port and Cagliari’s medieval heart, the Quartiere Castello, from a huge floor-to-ceiling window. It was very tempting to sleep in every day, as the Hotel offers all-day room service for breakfast and options for lunch, dinner, desserts, and TV snacks (a few of which are available 24/7). Whenever I emerged from the comforts of my room, though, the rest of the Hotel proved to be just as great: the all-day dining restaurant on the rooftop, Cielo, is another excellent spot for panoramic views of the city, has a great lunch/dinner menu and lovely tapas, mezzes and aperitivo options. I recommend their signature cocktail, Mystic River, which was very good, and spending a couple of hours at the end of the afternoon lounging by the pool (with or without a cocktail). It’s a very peaceful oasis and the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of walking around Cagliari, with all its uphill routes and the still very sultry heat of September. The SPA on the -1 floor is an equally good choice for some me-time. Unlike the rooftop pool area, access to the SPA isn’t included in the room rate, but I found the price (50€) fair for what it had to offer. It’s a city spa, so not especially large in size, but the heated pool and whirlpools were delightful. The sauna and steam bath were also fantastic, spacious, clean and kept at the perfect temperature. The selection of dried fruit, nuts, and herbal tea or water was lovely—the Helichrysum-infused water, which I was told was an exclusive preparation for the Palazzo Tirso SPA, was especially good. I’d add that the extra charge and needing to book for a SPA pass (which also offers treatments and massages, and a gym; the latter free of charge) makes sure the space is never overcrowded: the evening I used it, from 6 to 8 pm, I had it all for myself. However, this review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the wonderful, wonderful staff of Palazzo Tirso: everyone was nice, friendly, professional, happy to assist, and always doing so with a smile or a kind word. I felt they were very good at adapting their approach to each guest as well. I was travelling alone, so I was happy to exchange a few words at meal times, at the SPA (before and after my stay), and at the reception desk. But if you were in company or simply wanted to be left alone, they were very discreet and respectful, without ever coming off as stuffy. There is more than one staff member that I’d love to mention by name, but I always forget to check with them twice or ask them directly, so that I can actually remember them. I do remember Federico, from the Cielo restaurant staff; but I can also simply say that my experience with everyone was extremely positive. I had selected two or three hotels before finally booking at Palazzo Tirso and, as I made my choice, I thought that maybe I would try one of the other places another time. I usually like to change things up when I travel. However, I ended up being so happy with my stay at Palazzo Tirso that I’ll probably measure my stays at other hotels against it for quite a while. And of course, whenever I’m in Cagliari, this is the place I’ll stay at.

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