Les Hauts De Porto Vecchio

Preamble: This review is not intended to be malicious, but simply to avoid a BIG disappointment for future guests (we cut our mountain trip short to spend what we hoped would be an exceptional late afternoon and evening by our small private pool). The accommodation we rented was the "Luxury Gîte" with a private pool (not a "Villa"). - Upon arrival, we were given a key with a broad smile, pointing out that... the bay door didn't lock! We were only required to leave our clothes and our toothbrush :) (we took the rest with us for dinner). - Upon accessing the small terrace (be careful, the wooden railing was no longer holding up well), we were greeted by the intense electric crackling of the high-voltage line just above. But that didn't cover up the terrible gurgling of the pool system. And for good reason: the pool was missing a good 10 cm of water. The skimmer is no longer doing its job, the pool is full of leaves on the surface and dirt at the bottom. "I'll call the pool technician, he's coming." He did come by to take care of the necessary, but goodbye to late afternoon swimming; we left for dinner at 7 p.m. without getting wet (the large shared pool, in average condition, was not our goal). - The wooden deck of our pool is completely rotten in places (watch your feet) and a joist is threatening to give way (be careful if you are overweight). An attempt at varnishing it "with a pig" doesn't solve the underlying problem: the poor little spotlights that must have been lovely once were now stained (in any case, they don't work any more than the pool's porthole light). - The rest of the equipment is very neglected... The pool enclosure is "messy" and dirty, as is the BBQ. The view of the gulf is now obscured: nature has reclaimed its rights, and we can't blame it (but what's the gardener doing?). It's a bit hot and humid inside: we had to ask for help to start the air conditioning (no more shutoff valve)... which makes a hell of a noise (it sounds like an old 70s photocopier), making it unusable at night. In the bathroom, you can't get seasick: the floor slopes strangely (and the parquet flooring in some photos on the website was covered with gray bus-style linoleum). The shower mixer tap is in a strange state (I saw the same photo in a comment from 2023: not replaced) and the joints have been "redone" with the same care as the deck varnish. Oh, the shower also slopes: what can't drain through the drain goes... through the joints! So that's why the bottom of the bedroom wall is so damp!!! In the morning, we weren't unhappy to leave even without breakfast (ordered at reception before even checking into the room): it was never delivered. To explain our dissatisfaction, we suggested to the receptionist (presumably the owner) that we come see "La Cabane" (that's his name): he couldn't because of his arthritis... But he seemed so surprised by every point raised, saying that it had been rented "every day since March" without having received the slightest comment, so happy people! Even if the term "Luxury Gîte" is marketing, the discrepancy is far too great not to be annoyed. Honesty on our part: the gentleman finally accepted a new discount, but pointed out that he had given me a 30% discount when I booked by phone on a room priced over €250 (I would never have even checked availability at that price!!!): the price displayed on Booking.com was €186 (he knew it). A fair price??? Well, he wanted it in cash... But even at that price, it's unworthy of a supposed 3* hotel. The entire property is in dire need of maintenance. What a shame: it was certainly a beautiful place once upon a time and could still be with a little TLC.

We had a pleasant stay, nestled in the middle of this wooded park with a magnificent view. The cottages are a little dated but well-equipped and clean (access via stairs). There's an outdoor pool whose equipment is also a little worn, but it's fine for a quick dip.

Great place, welcoming owner.