Hotel Castel Brando - Erbalunga Bastia

5.2

The hotel is smaller and closer to village congestion than the photos imply. We were initially put in a ground level room by the small pool, which was absolutely miserable for us, as the room was like a cave filled with old musty air and the smell of cleaning supplies. Because it was August and very hot, no fresh air ever came into the room, and it felt actually toxic (mold, weird smells). We would have left, but there were no other rooms on the island, and our travel (ferry and rail) was prepaid. After much confusion (yes, we can move you, no we cannot move you), we were moved to the third level room in the same building. This permitted a cross breeze, and was much, much better. Thank you staff! This room was fine, although small, and with uncomfortable beds, linens and astonishingly lumpy pillows. U.S. travelers--do not expect boutique hotel standards here, but this is an old building, and the restoration is loving and careful. 90% of the staff was excellent: professional, helpful and responsive. The grounds are lovely, if small. I do not recommend traveling to this location at all in August; the heat is oppressive and unremitting. We stayed here for nine nights, and spent far more than we expected due to the high cost of meals in Erbalunga. This is a nice property for a couple of nights touring the island during the cooler months, depending upon which room you are given.

8.6

Our room was ready when we arrived at the hotel, but unfortunately water was dripping into the room from the room above. The receptionist quickly found us an upgrade to a room within the main complex on the top floor with a sea view. It was lovely. The only drawback was the 64 stairs to reach it! However this did not ruin our stay. The staff were very pleasant, and the breakfast was excellent. The hotel has two swimming pools. The smaller one is unheated but is in a quiet area with comfortable loungers. The outside heated pool and jacuzzi were lovely and we made use of them both. We stayed in the hotel for 4 nights and had a very enjoyable time there. The hotel does not cater for evening meals but the nearby beautiful square by the harbour has enough good restaurants there to go to a different one each night. Erbalunga is a quiet place and is perfect for a base to explore the north coast or mountains of Corsica. A note in the room showed an extra 5 euro per day for servicing the room but I am pleased to say this was not requested of us. We would have been disappointed if it had been as we feel any service charge should be in the room rate. Near to the hotel there was a post office, an ATM, a supermarket as well as a couple of gift shops. We would recommend Hotel Castel Brando and its location.

9.1

Lovely small village, on the coast with a tiny romantic harbour, quiet (in the spring). A tasteful, stylish hotel with friendly staff. A perfect stay for our first and last night on a tour of Corsica.

9.9

Our Nice-Bastia ferry arrived very late in the evening, so we arrived at the hotel very late and were greeted with a warm welcome and a huge smile, the young woman saying she'd been waiting for us. All employees at the hotel were charming, models of hospitality, found too rarely in the hospitality industry these days. Our room was simple but large and nicely though sparsely furnished, and the gardens and pool were lovely. The hotel is well-situated near all the jolly activity in and around the main square on the port but far enough that the noise from there doesn't disturb. We thought we were too late for any fun the evening we arrived but found the square full of happy people enjoying ice cream or cocktails, with live jazz on the terrace of one of the cafes. Had lunch the next day at Le Pirat, on the water, an outstanding Michelin one-star restaurant. We'd go back to Erbalunga for a week, enjoying the hotel, the village, the area.

8.6

Beautiful gardens, spacious clean rooms and good breakfast. Free internet access in hotel public area. Plenty of parking. If you are in the garden rooms at the back during term time you may experience noise from the school next door. Lots of restaurants close by although quite pricey. Good base for exploring Cap Corse.

9.0

excellent property in lovely area although very close to main road, double glazing was effective with air con - however the boulangerie,patisserie across the road was excellent as were most of the restaurants nearby. Pool was delightful and all staff were very helpful and pleasant. Our room was on the top floor in the main building which meant a lot of stairs to climb but the views from the window were lovely across to the sea .

10

wonderful hotel - the service impeccable The hotel is fantastic.couldn't be bettered. Erbalunga is very very pretty,with good walks in the surrounding hills; but, like the rest of Corsica,( thanks to a surfeit of Brussel's aid )is expensive If you can afford it try 'the pirate' restaurant. Otherwise stick to one course in the others as they serve what amounts to holiday resort cooking. There is an extremely friendly bar opposite the hotel where a coffee or a snack can be had

3.7

We had a fridge,in the room, it did not work, we were woken up in the night, by 2 mice ( mouse, live animal) on our open suitecase, we closed all our belongings in the suitecases but were again awoken 2 times by the mice. This was extremely unpleasant. We live in Africa, but do not have mice in our bedroom. When we indicated this the following moning, the only reply was sorry for that...... we would have stayed there for Easter, but after this...The hotel just opened, after the winter, but nothing was unpacked and made a very unwelcoming impression, we can not recommend.

9.8

This was the first time we were in Corsica & Erbalunga, and the first time staying at Castel Brando. It was an excellent hotel and a great location. The staff were friendly and bi-lingual (French/English), and went out of their way to make reservations for us, call places to get information, etc. The rooms were cozy and rustic, with beautiful views. Our only complaint was that the pillows weren't to our liking (but we're a bit picky, so it might just be us).

9.9

Hotel is very beautifully situated and is very stately. It is accross the street from the historic port area of Erbalunga, which is absolutely charming, although small. Staff was attentive without being obsequious. I travelled with my wife on vacation and would very much recommend Erbalunga and this hotel.

10

Tutto Perfetto ma l'ultimo giorno di soggiorno,e non per colpa dell'Hotel, una famiglia di italiani ha fatto molto rumore in piscina rompendo il silenzio naturale del luogo:Un padre maleducato e tre bambini isterici che cantavano a squarciagola canzoni di de andrè nella iacuzzi che oltre ad averla rotta era pure vietata ai bambini. A volte c'è da vergognarsi ad essere italiani. IN OGNI CASO L'HOTEL E'FANTASTICO.