As regulars at the Hotel Giraglia over many years, we were extremely disappointed on this visit to find the hotel not really ready for opening. The swimming pool – which is a key feature – was cloudy and full of sand and other debris. Clearly the pumps were not functioning. But in response to my queries about what was wrong with the pool, I was twice told (and once quite curtly) that the pool was cleaned every morning. It was certainly topped up with water from a hose every morning, but I never saw it being cleaned. I subsequently managed to find someone who honestly confessed that the pool was not working and they were trying to find a technician.

Similarly, the hotel has a wi-fi connection in the bar, although not in the rooms, but this was also not functioning during our stay. Again, a technician was being hunted down.

The rate for a buffet continental breakfast has gone up to 21Euros pp, which is rather too high even allowing for the poor exchange rate of the pound against the European currency. That is the more usual rate for a full cooked breakfast buffet, and we took ourselves into the village for a coffee and pain au chocolat instead.

In addition, it must be said that the guestrooms must surely be due for a re-decoration. The same décor has been in place for some years now and while it is still attractive, there are areas where it is beginning to look a little tired. The bathrooms could certainly do with a makeover.

When we raised our concerns with the on-site manager, he agreed that things were not up to standard and tried to offer us a free lunch. In fact we had a flight to catch and could not stay, but I think a little more than a free lunch is due by way of an apology.

We have never minded paying the above average room rates that the Giraglia charges for the quality and standards of this exclusive little hotel. But we don’t feel it is fair to charge guests the full season rate during what is clearly a shakedown period. The hotel is mothballed for the winter months, but it should be opened up early enough for the technical glitches to be sorted by the time paying guests are accepted at the start of the season.

Our real concern is that the Hotel Giraglia was a real diamond when it was one of just two hotels (the other being the ski-season property in Courchevel). The group now consists of 12 hotels and restaurants and the overall perception we got is that the Giraglia has become a poor cousin and is somewhat neglected in favour of the more trendy St Tropez properties. We really hope not, because it has always been a real gem, a well-kept secret. It would be a great shame if its best years were now behind it.

It may improve over the season, but if the hotel insists on charging full rate at opening date then it must live up to the expectations of those high rates and offer a full level of service, not a work in progress.

We stayed for 5 nights on the recommendation of a friend who lives in Port Grimeaud.
The welcome was lovely and all the staff are super, efficient and friendly.
The room was a little small and is is not cheap , but then look at the location and it is the South of France.
It is situated in the Port Grimeaud development right on the sandy beach which was cleaned every day, very nice sun beds and service.
All meals were taken outside, the breakfast is not a huge selection but quite adequate.
The chef has been here 10 years and produced the best food I think I have ever eaten in a hotel on half board, the flavours and presentation were superb.
Just by the hotel a boat goes to San Tropez every hour, and Port Grimeaud has a very nice market twice a week.
Get the half board deal which includes, breakfast, dinner and a sunbed.

We stayed at the hotel the first week it opened for the summer and it was excellent. The staff were first class and always willing to help, nothing was a problem. We took the Half board option which turned out to be excellent value as the food was first class and you have the choice of eating at several of the hotels and restaurants the group owns. We booked a junior suite which was spacious and had all we needed in it ( a nice bath for my friend ) and a big bed for me. (however there isn't a view from the suites of the ocean ) , so if you want a view, better to take a smaller room on the second floor.
The location is amazing and right in the heart of Port Grimaud which is lovely and romantic. If however you want nightlife etc, St Tropez is only 10 mins away.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone..It is a very good 4 star hotel and the food is excellent .

We spent 4 days in september and we had the time of our live. The hotel is fantastic, superbe location in the marina of Port Grimaud. The staff have been really nice. The rooms were plain, and really clean. The beach was the best part of our vacations in south of France. We will come back again.