Review Sofitel Golfe d'Ajaccio (Porticcio)

First, for those of you who doesn’t know this location, it is in Corsica, France. Porticcio town is on Ajaccio bay, facing the city of Ajaccio. AJA airport is exactly half-way between Ajaccio and Porticcio, so the hotel is easy to reach.

Corsica is really one of the most beautiful island on this planet. Going to Corsica was one of my 1st trip post France unlocking in june, and I wanted to go to the Sofitel but it was still closed and I stayed at a Mercure and you can find the review here :

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/accor-all-accor-live-limitless/2020158-review-mercure-ajaccio-centre.html

Planning another extended weekend in Corsica, Sofitel Porticcio was on my radar. This hotel is likely from the 80’s and the hotel standards were quite different at that time. Rooms and bathroom are not very large for current standards and the building is not so nice from outside, but it’s OK don’t worry ;). But what makes this hotel truly exceptional is the site where it is located and the stunning views it offers. And the product is overall solid.

I have stayed previously in this property maybe 5 or 6 times, but the last time was at least 8 years ago. Why this ? Pricing. This hotel has always been expensive, but in the past, it was possible to have it at around 150 EUR/night in advance booking rate when staying in may or late september/october (summer was at least in the 300-400 EUR range). But for many years now, they decided to charge more premium prices, while having also increased the luxury of the hotel to be honest. And so, unfortunately it was always in the 400 EUR range, even outside the peak summer time. Too much for me and clearly, this is totally overpriced. But I believe they are successful because I suppose they would have dropped their price if no one was paying that. 

Wanted to return there after so many years of absence, I looked at some september dates and the hotel was fully booked most of the dates. But I finally managed to find a suitable date for me mid-sept. The hotel was 100% full during my stay.

There were only 2 room categories for my dates : Superior or Deluxe (I don’t remember) and a suite with terrace. Both were at the same price because there was a special Sofitel offer for suite bookings with 30% off. So I booked the suite, this is a better deal than using SNUs ;).

Price was of course very high (ca 400), booked for 2 nights, so I used a LOT of points to decrease the bill very significantly. But it was worth it, sincerely, this was a great stay and Diamond treatment was top notch !

I was landing at 10 am so asked for an early check-in at 10:30. I knew that it would be challenging as the hotel was shown as full on the app (and it was) and because the suite I booked is the only one in the hotel. 

I was very nicely welcomed at checkin. I could immediately see that some renovations were done since my last visit. As expected, the room was not ready, but they promised me to place it at the top of the housekeeping list as soon as the previous guest was leaving and to call me. In the mean time, I could of course enjoy all hotel facilities. There is a changing room near the pool, so this is where I went immediately to put the swimming suit on ;). Weather was splendid.

Drink voucher (valid for 2) was given along with a note mentioning the 20% off any spa treatment as a Plat/Diamond benefit. Drink voucher is unfortunately not valid for Champagne (but some Champagne will come later in the story ;) ). It is valid for every cocktails, wine, beer, fruit juices, soft drinks.

I received a call at 13:00 to let me know that the room was ready, so it was not bad sincerely knowing that the hotel was full and this is still an early checkin.

It is important to mention that every room at this hotel has sea view. 

The suite was certainly small by current standards, but it was more than enough and quite nice.

Minibar was empty (Covid). Plenty of local spring water (St Georges) in the room, Espresso machine (Lilly) with 4 capsules replenished as needed. 

Large bathroom with separate bathtub and shower. Plenty of Hermès products !!. Toilets were in a separate room. Bathrobes and slippers + some plastic shoes for the pool or thalassotherapy were also supplied.

The private terrace had 2 levels, with a table +2 chairs on the upper part and 2 loungers and a dining-style table with 4 chairs on the lower level.

Very nice view from the room and terrace.

Turndown service every evening

On arrival day, coming back to the room in the evening, we had the nice surprise to find a bottle of Champagne Laurent Perrier in an ice bucket with a welcome note from the GM and a nice beach towel as special welcome gift. Very nice attention for a Diamond member who likes Champagne ;)

Housekeeping was as usual (I mean no Covid restrictions like in some hotels)..

The outdoor part of this hotel offers spectacular views. There is a large sea-water swimming pool and plenty of loungers around facing the Mediterranean sea and the city of Ajaccio.

As you can see the temperature of the pool water was not too bad ;)

When staying there, and if the weather is nice, it is mandatory to have a drink outside and look at the beautiful sunset on Ajaccio bay (S.

Dining options are :

Breakfast in the main restaurant (including the outdoor part). Due to Covid, no more buffet. You order what you want (they propose you bakery basket, fresh fruits plate, cold cuts, salmon and cheese, eggs, crepes, etc. You won't be hungry after !

On the picture below, you have an example of the view you can have during your breakfast. 

Lunch is either at the bistro/snack (including the outdoor part) or at the pool. 

Dinner in the main (gastronomic) restaurant (including the outdoor part)

Room service is available 24/24.

It is also important to know that it has an integrated thalassotherapy center & Spa. The hotel proposes some interesting packages stay+thalasso. I didn’t have it this time, but already did it some years ago at this hotel and it is really nice

You can also have a spa treatment facing the sea

There is also a small private beach, but I don’t have picture of it

You can also come with your private helicopter if you wish ;)