As we approached the hotel, there was a stunning view of the Portomaso Yacht Marina which is connected to the hotel complex.

After opening in the 1960s, Hilton Malta was re-built and re-opened in 2000. The hotel was refurbished last year (2016).

Check In

As soon as we stepped inside the hotel, we were captured by the modern lobby. Thanks to the large glass windows (overlooking the outdoor pools) and the white furnishings, it felt fresh and inviting.

The front desk associate was extremely friendly and welcoming. She offered me a glass of orange juice while she completed the check-in formalities.

As a Diamond member, I was upgraded from a standard room (deluxe room) to a Panorama Suite.

The corridors in the hotel had a marine motif:

Panorama Suite

The Panorama Suite (82 sqm) consisted of a living room (with a WC by the entryway), a balcony (with access from the living room), a bedroom, a terrace (with access from the bedroom) and a bathroom (behind the bedroom). The design of the suite was simple, yet elegant.

The living room was very spacious. As I was sharing the suite with my friend and we each preferred having our own bed, housekeeping set up the sofa bed in the living room.

As you can see from the photo, there was an interconnecting door to the adjacent room.

There was a welcome letter from the GM, as well as a welcome gift (a small box of Belgian chocolates). There were also three bottles of complimentary mineral water.

The WC by the entryway:

The sliding doors in the living room led to the balcony overlooking the Portomaso Yacht Marina.

The bedroom was also very spacious. There were sliding doors between the bedroom and living room which could be shut.

There was a Lavazza espresso machine in the bedroom:

There were two sets of sliding doors from the bedroom leading out to the terrace. The terrace was massive and had a table with chairs, as well as two sun loungers.

The panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and Portomaso Yacht Marina from the terrace was mesmerising.

View at night from the terrace:

The bathroom (situated behind the bedroom) was very spacious with a bath tub and a separate shower box.

Executive Lounge/Quarterdeck Bar

Unfortunately, the Executive Lounge was shut for maintenance work during our stay. Instead, eligible guests were able to access the Quarterdeck Bar as a temporary arrangement, where complimentary tea/coffee/soft drinks were available from noon onwards.

Afternoon tea was served from 3 to 5:30pm and evening drinks/canapés were on offer from 6 to 8pm. The evening drinks selection included prosecco, wine, spirits, beer and soft drinks. The food selection included smoked salmon blinis, onion bhaji, duck spring rolls, olives, crudités, dips, breadsticks, a cheese platter and fresh fruit. There wasn’t any dessert. I am not sure if the regular evening drinks/canapés in the Executive Lounge has a more extensive range of food.

There was a wonderful view of the Portomaso Yacht Marina from the outdoor terrace of the Quarterdeck Bar:

The Executive Lounge re-opened at noon on the day of departure, so we were able to visit the Lounge and check-out at the reception desk there.

Seating area:

On the balcony you can sit at one of the tables and enjoy the view of the outdoor pools and the Mediterranean Sea. You can also see the Westin Dragonara Resort/Dragonara Casino in the distance (on the far left).

There is a dress code in the Executive Lounge (‘smart casual’ – no tank tops (for men), bathrobes, beachwear and flip flops/slippers are allowed).

It is possible to check-in/check-out in the Executive Lounge, but key card access is necessary to access the 9th floor in the lift, so you would have to ask to be escorted by a member of staff from the lobby to the lift if you want to check-in there.

Breakfast in the Oceana Restaurant

The breakfast buffet is available from 7 to 10:30am daily in the Oceana Restaurant.

The restaurant is located directly below the lobby, so you can enjoy the same wonderful view of the outdoor pools as from the Vista Lobby Bar.

In summer it is possible to have breakfast outdoors on the terracebeside the pools.

The ornamental displays in the restaurant added a homely touch, whilst the tones of white and blue in the furnishings complemented the view of the outdoor pools and Mediterranean Sea perfectly.

As a Diamond member, the full breakfast buffet was complimentary.

There was a wide range of food and drinks on offer, including smoked salmon and local pastries like pastizzi and qassatat. The quality was generally good. Eggs and waffles were made to order. 

Staff were friendly and proactive in taking coffee/tea orders, collecting plates and refilling the buffet.

Facilities

The LivingWell Health Club has a gym, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The 20-metre indoor pool has a separate lane for lap swimming.

The Myoka 5 Senses Spa and Toni & Guy hair salon are situated next to the LivingWell Health Club.

Location

Bus X2 from the airport goes to St Julian’s (journey time around 40-50 minutes depending on the time of day). Disembark at Ross bus stop and don’t turn left or right – just walk straight through the small park and then you will see a sign pointing left to Hilton Malta. The hotel is just a short walk from the bus stop. As X2 is a circular route, buses to the airport leave from the same bus stop.

A taxi ride from the airport to St Julian’s should not cost more than 20 Euros and should take around 20 minutes (if there is no traffic).

Overall

Service was very good and friendly. I was addressed by name whenever I encountered the front desk associate (who had checked us in) in the lobby and the Executive Lounge Manager.

The hard product is excellent following the refurbishment and redesign last year.

We had a very enjoyable stay at Hilton Malta and I would highly recommend this hotel.