After reading several negative reports about the Moby Dick, we arrived at this hotel with some trepidation. Except for the issue of the smell from the lagoon we found everything to be very good. Even the smell, which has been reported on several previous reports, was not constant but would waft accross the bay every so often.
We were booked one week, half-board. This is a smallish hotel with about 40 rooms. Most of the guests were French families, several with young children. I think the original hotel dates from the 1970's, some Corbusier-like features about the architecture, but has undergone several refurbishments. The rooms were on the small side, whilst the toilets have been modernised to a very high standard. The hotel is two storeys high but does not have lift - so the disabled may have a problem. We asked for a sea view room but ended up with a garden view which overlooked the lagoon and faced westward so we were able to enjoy the sunsets.
We both loved the evening meals in the Restaurant which were al fresco overlooking the bay. The food was of a very high standard and well presented although there did not appear to be Vegitarian options on the menu. Wine was expensive at 29 euro for a bottle of the local Terascio available in the nearby market at 8 euro. Breakfast was buffet style and satisfactory.
We were the only English speakers in the hotel but after some initial reserve we got on well with both the staff and other residents.
This part of Corsica is quite lush indicating that rain can be expected and there were 2 thunderstorms during our visit which only lasted until lunchtime.
In terms of location, Bonifacio (a must vist) is about 30 to 40 mins away whilst Porto Vechio is about 20 to 30 mins away. A trip into the mountains to Col de Bavella is another "must". Public transport is almost non-existent so car hire, or expensive taxis, is yet another "must".
The population of Corsica rises from about 1/2 million to about 3 million during the summer season so parking is a nightmare in August.
We loved - the food, the ambiance, the beach.
We hated - finding a parking space.
- Moby Dick Porto Vecchio
