Just a few minutes’ stroll from the historic Marina quarter, Casa Clàt is a rare, design-led hotel in Sardinia’s vibrant capital. The 19th-century palazzo was reimagined in 2003 by talented local architects Studio Pilia. The result? An immaculate blend of history, elegance and art inspired by the island’s natural beauty. Each spacious suite is achingly stylish – from the dramatic dark hues of Aurora to the round bed and bathtub of Isola – fusing original brickwork and antique timbers with sleek polished concrete and hardwood floors. Sophisticated couples will love it.
Creativity flows throughout the property, from the lounge bar cocktails to the buzzy open-kitchen restaurant, where beautifully plated dishes include Nieddittas mussels fresh from the owners' farm (best paired with a local Vermentino). Outside, there’s a courtyard garden complete with small pool, and a private rooftop terrace with fabulous views across the skyline of ancient churches and golden-hued domes to the Bastione di Saint Remy rising majestically over the port. For those who don’t know Cagliari, this bustling and authentically Sardinian city has it all: a colourful medieval castello with cobbled lanes, a genteel seafront with classy restaurants (and sailing excursions), a Roman amphitheatre and Neolithic necropolis, and 7km of sandy beach a short drive or bus ride away. Gorgeous Casa Clàt makes an ideal base for exploring it all – just ask the excellent concierge team for insider tips – and a welcome retreat when you get back.
Highs
- Spacious suites with original features and upscale furnishings, crafted by Sardinian artists
- Prime location, just steps from Cagliari’s Marina district with its historic landmarks and city buzz, a short walk from the Bastion of Saint Remy
- Superb restaurant serving fresh, local seafood and Sardinian specialities, all beautifully presented
- Tranquil courtyard garden, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration or pre-dinner cocktails
- The wine cellar has an impressive selection of labels and vintages from across the world
Lows
- Prices can be steep, especially in the summer months, but it's well worth the splurge
- Some rooms may pick up some noise from the busy street outside, especially on weekend evenings in summer
- Due to the building’s historic nature, it may not be suitable for all mobility needs; it’s best to check before booking
- The swimming pool is small but wonderful for a cooling dip
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique hotel
- 9 suites
- Restaurant and bar (open daily); restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry Service
Rooms
Casa Clàt’s nine suites are individually designed masterpieces, combining Sardinian artistry with pared-back elegance. Expect features like suspended king-size beds, antique beams and custom furnishings by a local co-operative, all set against a backdrop of historic architecture.
Each suite surprises with bespoke elements. Conchiglie opens onto a serene garden terrace perfect for peaceful evenings, while Mediterraneo reflects dappled sunlight through its elegant French doors. We loved the sleek black hues of Abissi and the sinuous design lines of Dune, not to mention the fabulous Turkish bath with chromotherapy settings. For sheer indulgence, Smeraldo has a hydromassage tub right in the middle of the living room and Isola wows with its circular bed and central soaking tub. Spanning the entire top floor, the opulent Éclat Suite enjoys 360-degree city views, a cocktail bar and a striking four-poster bed.
Every suite has luxury bath products, spa showers with aromatherapy, and BO sound systems, ensuring a restful, sensory experience.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Bluetooth sound system
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Dining at Casa Clàt is a highlight and the restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner. Through the glass-walled kitchen, you can watch the skillful chefs at work as they conjure up creative plates of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine – a feast for the eyes and the palate. The colourful dining room showcases works by Sardinian artist Giorgio Casu, and opens up to the shaded garden in summer.
The menu celebrates Sardinia’s rich culinary heritage. Fresh seafood is a speciality – a tribute to the owners’ family roots in Nieddittas mussel farming. Signature dishes include slow-cooked leeks in Vermouth foam and caper powder, and seared snapper with balsamic chia seeds and a vernaccia emulsion. Or opt for the five-course taster menu paired with excellent wines from the extensive cellar.
The bar and bistro offer more casual options, while breakfasts are a banquet of fresh fruit, artisan pastries, local cheeses and meats, with a la carte omelettes or avocado toast, organic juices, speciality coffees and Prosecco.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Stroll down to the Marina quarter, the beating heart of Cagliari, to soak up local life in the lively piazzas or browse Via Roma’s elegant arcades
- Cagliari has good nightlife too, with bustling restaurants, beach clubs and rooftop bars
- Climb the hill to medieval Castello where Bastione Saint Remy and the Torre dell’Elefante offer sweeping views of the city
- Head to Poetto Beach, a 7-km stretch of golden sand, 15 minutes from the capital, which is live in the summer; keep an eye out for flamingos at the nearby salt ponds
- Hike or cycle through Molentargius National Park, a protected wetland home to thousands of nesting, migrant and wintering birds; dawn and before dusk are the prime time for birders
- Delve into Sardinia’s history at Cagliari’s Roman Amphitheatre, which hosted gladiatorial games; further afield is the Phoenician site of Nora dating to the 8th century BC
- Take one of the worthwhile tours offered by the hotel, including sailing trips along the coast or e-bike rides through Corru Mannu where the Nieddittas mussels are farmed
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Nightlife
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Spa treatments
- Swimming
Kids
Casa Clàt caters primarily to adults and couples, but older children are welcome. While it’s not specifically designed for families, the team can provide cribs for infants, and the suites are spacious. Families with teens may enjoy exploring Cagliari’s culture and nearby beaches together.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Eclat Suite has a sofa bed in the living area and can sleep up to four people. For families of three Conchiglie, Mediterraneo, Dune and Corallo Suites can have a bed made up on the sofa in the living area. All suites can take a baby cot.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Families Should Know:
The hotel’s focus on sophisticated design and tranquility makes it less tailored to families with young children.Distances:
- Airport: 20 minutes
- Shops: 1 minute
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Casa Clàt is centrally located in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital city. You’re within walking distance of the Marina quarter, filled with historic landmarks, lively piazzas and local cafés. The Bastione Saint Remy is just minutes away and Poetto Beach, with its golden sands, is a 15-minute drive or bus ride.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Cagliari Elmas Airport, 10 km north, which is the largest airport on the island and takes around 20 minutes by taxi.
By Car:
For car hire, see our car rental recommendations. Off-street parking is available near the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Cagliari Elmas 9.5 km CAG
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
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Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests