The Phoenicia Malta

Recently stayed at the Phoenicia Malta while we explored the island. Overall we were very happy with our experience, and would consider returning on our next trip. The Good: - The hotel is wonderfully appointed and pleasingly decorated. The staff is by and large professional and friendly. - Housekeeping did a great job. Only once did we leave in the morning and return in the afternoon to find that the room had not yet been made up. Turn down service is a nice touch. My husband left the safe open one morning and we returned to a note that they'd locked it and to call the desk for the code to unlock it. Very thoughtful. - We visited in winter so your mileage may vary, but the grounds were wonderful and pleasant. I have seen complaints that the pool is too far from the hotel, and I suppose if you are wet you'd like a shorter walk, but as a guest I would appreciate the lack of pool noise and wet footprints through the hotel lobby. It is a tremendous view and when we visited, quiet and restful to just sit and enjoy. - Breakfast each morning was what I would expect from this class of European hotel. Service was prompt and courteous. Could be better: - I have enjoyed high tea in various countries, and I suppose it is time to have a disappointing experience. The tea was fine, but service was incredibly inattentive and slow. Sandwiches were 90% bread, and they were not prompt about clearing plates, refreshing tea, or bringing the next course. I think they expected me to ask for each thing, and if that's the case, then tell me that up front because I did not expect to be left for half an hour staring at dirty plates and an empty tea pot. As I told the staff on my way out (skipping the promised mulled wine which they never brought) it took way too long and is just tea - not a meze dinner. - The concierge was helpful with arranging transportation, but when I asked about a spa recommendation he responded with "We're building one." Ok, but will it be open in time for me to get a massage on Saturday, because if not, that isn't a helpful answer. With further prompting he did recommend what appears to be a chain but nothing close enough to walk do so I didn't try it. Good to know: - This year there was a Christmas market just outside the hotel and it included a ferris wheel and an ice skating rink. It was delightful and if they bring it back might be fun for families with kids. - We used the Bolt app for taxis to Mdina and elsewhere - it was around 15 euro to Mdnia. - There are plenty of restaurants in Valetta. We were able to walk in most of the time because we were early in the evening but I encourage a reservation for the more popular places. We also had dinner in Mdina and it was worth the trip.

The staff at The Phoenicia offer you genuine hospitality, not a trained formula version. What lovely people who seem proud of their hotel. Positioned just outside the gates of Valletta everything is convenient. Despite the Christmas fair still being on at the beginning of our holiday and the bus station just next door the hotel was quiet and peaceful. Breakfast was a grand spread in the elegant restaurant with baroque music in the background so relaxed and elegant. Indeed the spread was so good that we needed no lunch apart from coffee and cake! The cafe offered a good location for an evening meal if you prefer not to venture out again after a day of sightseeing. The infinity pool looked great but was not heated. An indoor heated pool and spa is coming this year and we look forward to enjoying that when we visit again for more much needed winter sun in 2021. It was good to meet the manager over bubbles and canapes, a great approach. We will be recommending The Phoenicia to one and all.

The location of this hotel is absolutely fantastic. Stayed here at the end of November and it was a great base for exploring as it is just a few steps from the city gates and the bus station. It was quick, cheap and easy to get to Mdina on the bus and we walked to the ferry to get across to the Three Islands. The views from the rooms are beautiful and the pool area and grounds of the hotel are immaculate. Our room was very comfortable and the complementary mini bar was a lovely touch. Reception staff noticed from my passport that I was celebrating a special birthday and left a plate of delicious sweet treats and a nice bottle of bubbly in our room. Afternoon tea in the elegant Palm Lounge was a memorable experience. The manager is often visible, making sure things run smoothly and one evening he hosted a very pleasant complementary drinks and canapés event for hotel guests. We found all staff very helpful, polite and fluent in English. Valletta is a beautiful, safe and fascinating city with an interesting history. There is lots to do and see there in such a compact area. I would most definitely return to this hotel if and when returning to Malta.