Hotel Costa Salina

Even though the Hotel Costa Salina is near the harbor and ferry terminal, it’s a quiet place where guests can enjoy the large pool and waterfront views in peace. During the warm months, the lovely pool area is the center of activity, with a poolside bar that serves food and drinks. The breakfast room stays busy in the morning year-round, as guests come to enjoy an extensive buffet. Plenty of space between the tables makes the room a pleasant spot to enjoy breakfast despite the low ceilings and rather plain beige motif. There are ample places to dine outside as well, weather permitting. The modest lobby has fuchsia pillars that clash a bit with the more subdued beige tile floors and light wood reception desk. A white leather sofa gives a hint of '80s datedness. But overall it’s a casual and relaxing atmosphere that attracts vacationing families and couples. 

The hotel has a scenic setting overlooking the harbor at Porto-Vecchio. Even though it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the harbor and its bars and restaurants, it’s a quiet spot between the sea and salt marshes. Snorkeling excursions and boat rentals are available at the marina. It’s about a five-minute walk to a car rental agency and the terminal where ferries run to Sardinia and mainland Italy and France. It’s approximately 10 to 15 minutes on foot up a hill to the center of Porto-Vecchio, where guests can find numerous shops and restaurants. Several excellent beaches are within a 15- to 30-minute drive, while the town of Bonifacio can be reached in about 35 minutes. The Figari-Sud Corse Airport is about a 25-minute drive away, while Napoleon Bonaparte Airport is two-and-a-half to three hours away by car.

Guest rooms here are clean, modern, and well maintained, with simple contemporary decor that includes white walls and beige tile floors. Gray and/or red bed throws and decorative pillows accent the white duvets and provide a needed splash of color. The matching light wood furniture includes one-piece headboards and nightstands. Simple plastic chairs provide seating at desks in the Standard Rooms (215 square feet or 20 square meters), while the Superior Rooms (270 square feet or 25 square meters) have extra upholstered chairs and small tables. Superior Rooms also have padded gray leather headboards, as well as added amenities like coffeemakers, robes, and slippers. Some of the rooms connect to create Family Rooms. The four Suites are quite spacious at 645 square feet (60 square meters), and have separate living rooms and added perks like Nespresso coffeemakers.

Bathrooms are quite nice, with white or beige tiling, wood vanities with white ceramic basins, and walk-in showers with clear glass partitions. Suites have larger and more upscale bathrooms. Every room also features a private furnished balcony or patio with lovely harbor or pool views. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, heated towel racks, and magnifying mirrors. Free Wi-Fi is available, but past guests have reported it to be spotty in some rooms. 

Other than its convenient location and clean and spacious rooms, this modern hotel’s key attraction is its exceptionally large, heated outdoor pool. It’s located in the back of the hotel and surrounded by wood decking lined with lounge chairs, plus there's a hot tub. Tables with umbrellas are available as well, but pool towels must be rented. A seasonal poolside snack bar serves salads, sandwiches, and other light fare, along with alcoholic beverages and other drinks throughout the day. The lobby also has a bar, and the hotel offers a daily breakfast buffet with an extensive selection of mostly continental-style options. A covered patio provides an alfresco dining space. Room service is available, but only to serve continental breakfast.

Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry as well as assistance booking tickets for various area tours. The hotel has one meeting room that can accommodate up to 45 people. Free Wi-Fi is offered, but several past guests have reported that it can be spotty in certain areas of the property. Secure parking is free and plentiful, and pets are welcome with a surcharge -- but not year round.