Malta hotel choice

[AY]

Looking to go Malta 31/3-04/4 normally would just book through FHR but the Phoenicia is the only recommendation and reviews are mixed and rooftop pool is closed. Any other recommendations? I have seen Intercontinental (rooftop pool also closed)/Corinthia and Hilton all with mixed reviews too.

Will be looking for suite so not sure if joining the Ambassador programme might make the intercontinental the one to go for, how does the free night work?

Any advice would be great.

[squawk7700]

Can’t answer questions on Ambassador sorry, but I lived in Malta for several years.

All of the branded hotels are in my least favourite part of the island – typically around St Julians. The Intercontinental is practically on top of “Paceville” which is the islands main nightclub/strip club area. Corinthia, Rad Blu and Hilton – all of them around the same location.

The nicest of the chain hotels is probably the Marriott, which is around the corner on a slightly quieter strip of seafront near Balluta Bay.

But honestly, Malta is one of those islands where I would forego hotel status/perks and instead opt for something smaller and boutique in the heart of Valletta. You’d be on the doorstep of all the nicer bars and restaurants, plus the backstreets of Valletta make for a lovely jaunt early mornings/late evenings once the day-trippers have gone home. You’re also at the main bus terminus, which you can use to visit the likes of Mdina (Old City) and Marsaxlokk (fishing village) if you fancy.