La Florentine

The private stony beach and outdoor pool are nice, and the rooms are pleasant if you get one with a sea view. The location is great, just outside St Florent. Breakfast is the only meal served, and while it’s good, there’s no restaurant or bar.

The breakfast buffet was nice, but seeing people smoke at the tables was a major turnoff. The hotel had ashtrays on every table, which encouraged it. There was no WiFi, in 2023! Our room was large, though very sparsely furnished. It could have used a couple of chairs and a table in the empty space. The bathroom had no working ventilation and smelled like a sewer, and there was no toilet roll holder.

What made the stay for me was the staff. Jean Claude Rossi, the owner, lives on site and had breakfast downstairs early each morning. I’m an early riser, so we’d meet for coffee and talk about the island, places to see, and our families. I know very little French and his English was only passable, but we managed. He was a gracious host and always checked that I was comfortable. The four other staff members were young, enthusiastic, and incredibly helpful. Solene at reception was lovely. She translated information, suggested dinner spots, and even joined me for a drive to Calvi one afternoon, where we had dinner together. It felt like staying with family, and I’ll definitely return. I was travelling solo in Corsica for a short holiday and picked La Florentine Hotel for its spot right on the water, outside the main town of St. Florent. It was a great choice. The hotel is on a peaceful stretch of beach, away from the town’s noise and traffic, with comfortable loungers facing the bay for lovely morning and evening views. I went in early June, before high season, so it was especially quiet. My huge room had a king-size bed and double doors opening towards the parking area and mountains. The bathroom was a nice size, with a generous shower and tub and wonderful bath products.

Our room had just been renovated, and breakfast was simple but tasty. The hotel sits right on the beachfront, on the edge of the city.