Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle

Our room, the gardens and the surroundings were all excellent, and the staff were remarkably friendly. We only got to stay one night, which was a shame. If you're picking a hotel in Bonifacio, I'd strongly recommend this one over others in the region.

I arrived tired and stressed after five days here, I left feeling refreshed. The room was quiet even for a light sleeper, with no noise from outside or nearby rooms. It was comfortable and well appointed, with lovely bedding and toiletries, and housekeeping kept everything immaculate. There was plenty of space around the pool and outdoors, and no need to rush for a sunbed. The furniture was good quality, and the gym was well equipped for keeping up a routine. Breakfast had a generous range of options for different preferences, plus great coffee and tea. I also ate lunch in the main restaurant and by the pool, and dinner at the Italian restaurant. The food was consistently excellent. Staff were welcoming and went out of their way to make me feel cared for. The free shuttle to Bonifacio was easy to use, with staff ready to take you and pick you up. This is the best hotel I've stayed at in South Corsica, which I visit two or three times a year. The attention to detail made every part of the stay feel special. Highly recommended.

The stylish decor is comfortable, and the spa is a real highlight, with a nice pool and several saunas. I didn't try the treatments, though it looked well equipped. The complimentary car service is a nice extra, but it was often hard to reach them. There were several ways to contact the hotel, yet none worked reliably. Some restaurant staff were excellent, especially Lou and Margaux. One male server seemed uncomfortable when we asked about the premium wine we'd ordered, and stayed silent. His English was limited and more training might help. That felt unexpected at a five-star hotel. The food was decent, but portions varied a lot. A few dishes were surprisingly small and others very generous, so it was hard to know how much to order. The hotel has a lot of potential if the service issues get worked out.

Our room felt like a quiet little cabana tucked among the gardens, with no road noise and a great view of Bonifacio. It was spacious and laid out well, though the open-plan bathroom wasn't for me. There wasn't even a curtain between it and the bedroom. The spa was stunning in person, much better than the website suggests, so make time to see it. We also spotted tortoises wandering the grounds, one crossing our path and another eating in the garden. They're easiest to see in the morning and late afternoon. The hotel is small, a proper boutique place, and beautifully maintained. There are lovely raised paths winding through the gardens to the rooms, and the pool area feels magical. The grounds are green and peaceful, with a beautiful view of town. It's only minutes from the Citadelle, though not really walkable. We messaged on WhatsApp and a Range Rover arrived about five minutes later to take us to Bonifacio or pick us up. Such an easy service. Breakfast isn't included. It costs EUR35 per person for two hot drinks, buffet breakfast and eggs cooked to order. The setting is gorgeous and the food was high quality. Remember to reserve dinner: the restaurant gets busy, including with people who aren't staying at the hotel. The modern Italian food comes in generous portions and is well worth trying. At EUR600 in high season, we thought the price was fair for a genuinely boutique five-star stay in a beautiful setting on a lovely island. All in all, we had an amazing time and will return.