On-going refurbishments within existing properties and new openings continue to raise the standard of accommodation on the Maltese islands.
Malta boasts nine five-star hotels, with a further three located on Gozo. Among the list of international hotel chains are Inter-Continental, Westin, Radisson SAS, Hilton, Kempinski, Accor, Sol Melia and Le Meridien. This is in addition to the Maltese international chain Corinthia, which has five properties on the islands.
Catering to all tastes and budgets, accommodation ranges from a 17th century palace in Mdina that has been restored and converted into the five-star Xara Palace Hotel and is a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, to quaint, rustic farmhouses or self-catering apartments.
The buzzing resorts of St Julian’s and Paceville are where the majority of five-star hotels are located. Both resorts offer great nightlife and a wide selection of restaurants and shops.
Just along the coast at Sliema the pace is slightly slower. It’s in this up-market residential town with its seaside promenade where you’ll find a good selection of four-star hotels.
Malta’s longest-established resorts are found in the north. With great views of Comino and Gozo, Bugibba, Qawra, St Paul’s Bay and Mellieha offer a choice of three and four-star hotels and self-catering apartments.
The countryside gets more rugged the further north you go with larger sandy bays including Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Paradise Bay.
Meanwhile, the opposite side of the island remains largely undeveloped. In fact, southern Malta is characterised by its fishing villages and quiet bays. As well as several farmhouses offering bed and breakfast, there are a few hotels in the charming fishing harbour of Marsascala.
Surprisingly, unlike most European capitals, Valletta offers limited accommodation. Those wishing to stay in Valletta have a choice of the long-established five-star Le Meridien Phoenicia hotel, a couple of three stars, a two-star property and a handful of guesthouses.
Self-catering accommodation is found in all the main tourist resorts, predominantly in apart-hotels up to four-star classification. Apartments generally come equipped with a kitchenette and maid service.
Gozo
Accommodation on Malta’s sister island of Gozo is characterised by its rustic charm. In unspoilt, rural surroundings, holidaymakers can stay in a 300-year-old Gozitan farmhouse offering all the creature comforts of home.
Alternatively, instead of self catering, they can opt for a pampering holiday in one of Gozo’s three five-star hotels. Each are built in spectacular settings, with all the modern facilities available without compromising any of Gozo’s old-world charm.
Hotel News
The five-star Inter-Continental Malta Hotel opened in January 2002 in the popular resort of St George’s Bay, offering 450 deluxe rooms, extensive conference facilities, a fitness centre and a number of food and beverage outlets.
Close to £9.25 million is currently being invested in the expansion and refurbishment of the four-star Fortina Spa Resort in Sliema. Work started in February 2002 and is expected to be completed by September 2003. The project includes the expansion of the current spa facilities making it the largest in the Mediterranean. The construction of a 17-storey tower. will increase the number of rooms from the current 213 to 350. This will include 63 spa bedrooms in which facilities for in-room spa treatments will be available. Some 16 rooms will feature private swimming pools. On completion the property will have nine pools, tropical gardens, 10 restaurants, six bars and a VIP guest lounge.
Did you know?
Manchester United and England footballer Gary Neville and comedian Billy Connolly are among a handful of celebrities to have bought a holiday home on the Maltese islands.