A real treat
by schampismate about Le Meridien Phoenicia
We stayed here for a week in May a couple of years ago. From the moment we arrived and made friends with the concierge our stay was a glorious experience. The Hotel is right at the entrance to Valletta. Of course, being a five star hotel, this experience does not come cheaply, but whenever we travel we use this as the standard to be achieved. A hotel may be good, but, we will often say, it is not the Phoenicia. The sheer extravagance of the place, particulary the reception area, is breathtaking. Breakfast on the terrace is a great start to any day.
Best location in Valletta
by sswagner about Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel
This 5 star hotel is located adjacent to the bus terminus in Valletta just before the main city entrance. Therefore, you are within easy walking distance of anything you want to see in Valletta. The price is very reasonable for a hotel of this class. True, it is still somewhat expensive, but we were willing to try the hotel. The decor is beautiful inside and out. The staff was excellent and very knowledgeable concerning the questions that we asked them. The hotel grounds contains gardens, miniature golf, and a pool area. You also have great views of the harbor towards Sliema. The room was comfortable and had all of the amenities you would expect from a nice hotel. Sure, we could have paid less and stayed elsewhere, but I think that the experience with the hotel and its immediate area was worth it.
Stylish and excellent location
by TripAdvisor Member lylbf98
Stayed here for my honeymoon earlier this month. Superb location, only seconds from Valletta's city gate and bus station, so excellent for exploring both the capital and further afield.
Very grand inside, with cavernous communal areas and dramatic dining room with terrace. Rooms were slightly disappointing, perfectly well equipped, but a little lacking in character. Good views though, and all the service you would expect from a hotel of this stature.
Forget dinner in the main restaurant and go for the brasserie - pretty much the same food, but cheaper, and in a more intimate environment. Breakfast on the terrace recommended - overlooking the old city walls.
Swimming pool is tucked away at the far end of the large and well-maintained grounds. Snack bar with friendly waiters and a selection of books to entertain you! Lovely views over the harbour to Sliema.
Crazy golf rather shabby and needs urgent attention, but still fun.
Clientele appeared to be mixture of businesspeople and retiree holidaymakers.
Perfect base for Valletta
by TripAdvisor Member markmark
Stayed here over Christmas 2005. Great location - being just outside the Valletta city gates and next to the bus station - ready access to the rest of the island in bright yellow yesteryear buses. Ours was a corner room with a nice view towards Sliema; because of its prominent location, I suspect most rooms actually have reasonable views. Quiet due to double glazing - also not too much plumbing noise. The room itself was fairly spacious with simple Mediterranean decor. Phone but no clock radio. Cable TV with channels in several European languages, BBC world but no CNN. Good sized electronic safe provided. No hairdryer. We found the shower was tricky to operate unless we used the handheld rose. Interestingly, power sockets were provided in both British and Euro styles. The room was clean and there is a turn down service (can't take this for granted even in 5*s nowadays!
Staff were professional and very helpful. The buffet breakfast was more English/American style than European, read: mainly hot food. You can order omelettes to taste. Tried the Pegasus Bar for dinner once - OK, but nothing special. The overall ambience of the hotel was fine - classy for Malta, but I do understand previous reviewers who do not feel this is a true 5*. Probably the rooms could be modernised a bit - I have to say they really should have electronic room keys in this day and age! The lift was a bit pokey too. Can't comment on the pool area (winter!)
Overall we had a very pleasant stay. If you want to experience the history and architecture of Valletta then I don't think you can do better. Other places we really liked were Mdina (Silent city) and Mnajdra temples.
Forum Posts
Malta/Gozo vs Canary Islands
by formykatz
Hi, can anyone suggest which one is a better place to spend a one-week holiday this April/May, either Malta/Gozo or the Canary Islands? My husband and I are in our mid to late 30s, we like history as well as outdoor stuff. We don't like crowd too much. Looking for something relaxing but also fun. Thanks.
RE: Malta/Gozo vs Canary Islands
by Harmony_here
I've been to Canaries and I'd personally opt for Malta/Gozo. You can still have beaches but on a smaller scale and there is lots more history in Malta.
Also keep yourself entertained with all the outdoor activities and watersports.
RE: RE: Malta/Gozo vs Canary Islands
by ray_d
I would opt for Malta.
The time is right.
Your age is right to appreciate the Island,
And the History is overwhelming.
Have fun.
RE: Malta/Gozo vs Canary Islands
by maity1607
i would definatly go to malta, it is a really beautiful country with friendly people and wonderful italian influenced food & wine. you must go to valetta, especially the cathedral - it is so beautiful.
buggiba is great if you like lots of bars & restaurants & little tourist shops, sliema is queter - the advantige is how close it is to valleta.
we went last year mid june & it was very hot so may is probably ideal. have also been to the canaries but no where near as much atmostphere or history.
any questions email me maity@ah1607.freeserve.co.uk
RE: Malta/Gozo vs Canary Islands
by schampismate
I also would suggest Malta. If you really want peace go to Gozo and take the ferry back to Malta. But in April/May you can find peace on Malta itself. I don't think you can beat St Julians, provided you avoid staying in Paceville. Balutta has the new Le Meridien which, although pricey, is ideally located. Alternatively, choose a hotel in Sliema, and enjoy the occasional trip on the ferry to Valletta. If you really want to push the boat out Le Meridien Phoenicia at the gates of Valletta has got to be your choice. Valletta is not a night city, but is trying to change. But the sheer delight of strolling from the hotel across the bus station to the gates of Valletta without having to worry about parking is a real plus. And the location of the pool is fantastic!
RE: Malta/Gozo vs Canary Islands
by collr001
I am Maltese...so I will have to say Malta...... but the other replies say the same soooo.....
Malta is very nice and very rich in history. If you do not want too much crowd do not stay in a hotel in Paceville. It is the place where there is lots of nightlife. If you decide a hotel let me know. I will tell you if it is good or not. Send me an email on ruben@maltaproducts.com if you need more info.
Ruben
