The Phoenicia Malta

Having been fortunate to stay at other leading hotels around the world, this hotel is up there with the best. Rooms are very comfortable, beautifully decorated and have every amenity. You feel at home very quickly. The complimentary hot drinks and minibar are a very nice touch. All the staff we encountered were friendly, attentive, professional and focused on their guests' needs The breakfasts are very good especially for those who prefer traditional British favourites with a very wide choice of hot and cold items. The dining room and terrace are very nicely decorated and make for a special and relaxed dining experience. Dinner was a highlight with good food and service. We loved the Palm Court for afternoon tea or an aperitif - the service was excellent and the ambience is very special. Also liked the Club Bar and terrace with excellent pre and post-dinner drinks. The infinity pool is also a very special spot with excellent service, lots of loungers and towels and a lovely pool bar - views are stunning and the infinity pool is lovely set amongst the ancient fortifications. Food at lunch was good here too. we also enjoyed the Cafe Phoenicia. The gardens are lovely and the location at the gates of Valletta is unbeatable - two steps from everything including a bus to anywhere you want to go. All the hotel's public rooms are stunning and there are some great historical photos in the Club Bar. The concierge, porters and door staff were all superb giving a friendly welcome and recommending some good restaurants and excursions. On one evening the management held a drinks reception to welcome guests in the Palm Court and we thought this was a nice touch. Can't wait to return. Only one area for improvement was that our room was not always serviced until between 2 or 3 each day which was a little late for us when returning from a morning by the pool or sightseeing to find the room still unmade up. Just a minor preference. Housekeeping was excellent and a very good turn down service replenishing towels etc each evening. Excellent all round.

Would endorse all previous positve comments. Rooms have all the right things in the right places sockets mirrors etc and are beautifully furnished. Step out of the front door and you are virtually in Valletta which is fast becoming the place to be in Malta. Only one niggle, the infinity pool is fantastically appointed by the bastion walls. The sunbeds are the most comfortable ever and you are given two towels, one fits over the sunbed and the other for drying. We expected the pool to be like walking into a warm bath, it was more like a pool in the highlands of Scotland. We were advised the heating system was off and arranged for it to be turned on. After 4 days the difference was marginal, very marginal!

Went back again & thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. Thought I would share my thoughts on a few of the popular 'dislikes' concerning the Phoenicia. The Spa. When it is done it will be a great addition. Work is hopelessly held up owing to archeological investigations taking place due to the proximity to the original city walls. Take a trip to the Excelsior for a spa. The Breakfasts. Great choice in a relaxed environment. I don't rush my breakfast; I am on holiday. If I have to wait 10 minutes after sitting down, so what!? The staff do a great job; some people are picky. If there is a slight breeze blowing then it becomes unsafe to use the terrace; no need to argue the point. The hotel will have performed a risk assessment for the safety of all. The Staff. Some are in training but most middle managers are time served & experienced. Can you remember your first day at work? Now remember what it was like & try translating it in to French, German, English..... The high plastic plant pot stands in the foyer. If you can't see them, see an optician.