The Phoenicia Malta

You expect the best from a 5 star hotel and the Phoenicia delivers on all fronts making our stay there special. Outstanding staff & service delivered with a smile & nothing was too much trouble. Our bedroom was very spacious & the bathroom big enough for a football pitch. Everything spotless. Breakfast just wonderful & I especially enjoyed my freshly made omelettes. We borrowed umbrellas (one I lost) & beach towels & we felt if we needed something they would find a way to get it. The Bastion pool had a stunning view over the harbour. A hotel with a Wow factor. Loved it. My thx to all the staff.

My girlfriend and I have just returned from our first visit to the island of Malta and its historic capital, Valletta. In choosing The Phoenicia, we could not have picked a better place to stay. The hotel is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection (of which I???m a member) and thoroughly merits its place among this group of elite hotels. It is perfectly located just opposite the famous Triton Fountain and the main entrance to the old walled city of Valletta. Exploring the alleys, byways, shops, restaurants and museums of this lovely city is therefore an absolute doddle when staying at The Phoenicia. For those seeking travel further afield, the bus terminus is just across the street from where you can get anywhere on the island. There is also a stop for the Hop-on Hop-off bus just to the right as you exit the hotel. The hotel itself is grand to look at. Recently refurbished, it stands out as the grande dame of Maltese hotels. This extends to the interiors with the beautiful Palm Court offering a peaceful, elegant haven from the heat and tourist bustle outside, The hotel restaurant - The Phoenix - is 5* standard in its own right. Offering breakfast, lunch or dinner both inside or on its stunning terrace overlooking the fragrant gardens, service is polished, professional and expertly supervised by the restaurant manager. Food here is outstanding, so much so that we opted for dinner on both our first and last nights in Valletta. For me, it ranks as the best restaurant we visited, and we visited some very nice ones indeed! The garden is abundant and leads to a fabulous pool area offering tranquility combined with views across the harbour. You can eat and drink here courtesy of a modern and very pleasant pool bar/restaurant staffed by pleasant, efficient waiters. Our bedroom was very nice indeed. We chose a Harbour View Deluxe room with balcony. Located on the top floor, the views across to Sliema were stunning, particularly at twilight with the setting sun turning the sky a radiant pink. As a LHW member, we received numerous in-room gifts (wine, fruit, chocolates) and could not have asked for more. Housekeeping was highly efficient. On Wednesday evenings, the hotel hosts a ???welcome??? drinks party for new guests. A full choice of drinks and canap??s are offered and it was very well attended during our visit. It???s a great way to meet other guests and senior members of staff, including the excellent General Manager who always appeared to be on hand to ensure smooth running. Finally, I must offer a very special mention of the hotel???s ???Club Bar???. I absolutely loved this place and began and ended every night of my stay here. Overseen by the excellent Ivan - bar manager and mixologist extraordinaire! - the room is colonial in style and boasts a wonderful collection of photos, prints and naval artefacts. A full American Bar is offered and Ivan???s dry martinis are legendary (I should know, I drank plenty of ???em!). The clientele comprises hotel guests and visitors alike. During my visit, most were of the slightly older vintage (35 years old +) and generally very smart, even glamorous, in appearance. This, for me, simply enhanced the bar???s appeal. There is direct access to the terrace, and here drinkers can enjoy the views together with a cigarette or cigar. All in all then, I cannot praise The Phoenicia and its staff too highly. If your budget stretches to it, do visit on your next visit to Valletta - if only for one of Ivan???s cocktails.

The main spaces of this hotel are so beautiful, and the staff are generally most helpful and gracious...but it has its oddities! Amenities in the bathroom vary in quality from cheap to a little more elegant on some days. Housekeeping staff can be haphazard in their presentation of the rooms too. The rooms are small for the price charged, with no lounge chairs, more like desk chairs. Balconies are tiny, and the combined bath- shower is almost dangerous. It has a high entry to a very narrow bathtub, only the fittest should try! The complimentary mini bar is a nice touch, but would be improved by offering a small wine bottle as well. The room charge should surely cover this. Staff were very helpful with providing a laptop computer and a link to the hotel printer, at no charge. Ask for a Harbour view room, with such a busy and famous harbour to watch, it certainly adds to the experience.