Hotel - Malta
 

Hi guys... I'm browsing this forum quite frequently.

I'm planning to spend my 30th birthday at Malta for 2-3 days just to get some sun, relax and have a short travel from Germany.

Has anyone good suggestions regarding a Hotel. My favorit is pending between the LeMeridien and Westin in St. Julians. Anyone stayed here so far? Sadly I'm Aclub Platinum and HiltonGold member; both of them useless :-(

I stayed at Le Meridien in St Julians a few years ago. I was there for a conference, so I didn't actually choose it... but I thought that our conference organisers had made quite a good choice. Nice hotel, good facilities, and a superb view if you were lucky enough to have a sea-facing room. Also, it's very central, with a good choice of restaurants nearby.

Got nothing to compare it with (as it's the only time I ever stayed in Malta) but would certainly stay there again.

Actually, if you have Hilton Gold status I would probably recommend the Hilton! We received excellent treatment there as Golds in January.

The Hilton and the Westin are in the same area,and both are beach front, with decent restaurant options nearby.

The Le Meridien is NOT beachfront, but is in a much busier area (so many more restaurants, etc). Transportation is easy from all of the above.

Le Meridien and Hilton would be the top choices. I like the location of the Westin slightly less, though I'm sure it's a great hotel.

I would be inclined to stay in Valletta, personally, as it's a little gem of a city (but then I'm really not a resort person).

In which case, the Phoenicia, right at the entrance to the old city, is a great hotel.

As I can see the price for the LeMeridien is nearly 50% of the Westin and Hilton.

The LeMeridien isn't in Portomaso, right?

If the LeMeridien is half the price, that might make a difference, but keep in mind that as a Gold at the Hilton you will receive the buffet breakfast (for at least two guests, we received it for all four), as well as internet access, and have a good chance of an upgrade to the executive floor with lounge access. Even without the upgrade, you're still saving €15+ for internet, and €25+ for breakfast, so make sure to factor that in as well.

Both are good hotels...the base rooms at the Hilton still have a view of the Marina, while the classic rooms at the LeMeridien don't have a view of anything, if that's a factor.

Other good hotels include:
Xara Palace in Mdina, a boutique converted Palazzo on the bastions of the "silent city". Fantastic views of most of the island as this is one of the highest points on the island. This is the preferred location for movie stars when they're filming in Malta. No pools here, but lovely private outdoor jacuzzis with phenomenal views. The De Mondion restaurant is considered the best in the Island.

The Corinthia in Attard, lovely old-school style colonial hotel (with a reason pool). Fairly quiet area, but next to the San Anton Gardens and presidential palace (part-time)

Radisson Blu Golden Sands, Next to one of the best sandy beaches as well as having a good pool complex. Not much else around it, but as I live locally I was there yesterday at the Essence restaurant which is a pretty good fine dining experience. There are plenty of other bars and restaurants there, or take a bus or taxi to St Pauls Bay/Bugibba (I highly recommend the Tarragon restaurant) or Mellieha. Both are only 10 minutes away. Note that there is another Radisson at St Georges bay (near Paceville), which I think is not as nice and somewhat bland.

Kempinsky San Lawrenz on the island of Gozo is top notch, but a place to chill and not party.

I suggest that you go for one of the Paceville properties if you want to have a party on your 30th birthday. That means Hilton, Westin Dragonara, or Intercontinental. Remember that there are casinos at the Westin and Hilton (and possibly others) if that makes a difference.
The Le Meridien at St Julians/Balluta is also in a restaurant/pub area, but you'd want to got to Paceville if you want a club.

I hope this helps.

The Le Meridien is just around the corner from Balutta Bay, which is one of my favourite spots in the area. If you can get a sea-view room on a high floor then you'll be set.

Portomaso is literally a short walk away, nothing special about it though.

allright...

I appreciate your comments very much and they are really useful. Though I think I'll change my plan and visit and an old schoolfriend there.

But we'll see it when it's booked.

THX