For my last night in Malta, I selected this property as I had a free award night Chase voucher to use - which turned out to be quite a good value as my night was retailing close to 200€ for the lowest room category.  I had quite low expectation for this property even as a IHG Elite member as at most IHG properties as a Plat member, however I was totally surprised by this property.  My stay here turned out to be a great closure to my 10 days vacation on this beautiful island/country.

Location

This property is located at the heart of St.Julians main area beach, bars, restaurants and nightclub area.  Next to this property was the opposite budegt of the IHG chain, the Holiday Inn Express.  Around the area, there's of other shops and quite a large casino.  

Transportation wise, it was also convenient as within walking distance you can get to a bus stop or taxi stand.

Check In

I arrived after 3pm (officialy check-in time) to a beautiful open lobby and although the front desk was busy, there were lots of associates around so I was assisted immediately with the check-in registration by a friendly associate.  I was informed that I was upgraded to a nice Suite for this 1 night stay, which was very much appreciated and after that a run down of the facilities at the property. 

After the process was completed, I was also surprised that I was accompanied towards the lift by this same associate - not often you such treatment which was nice especially if you enter such a large hotel complex and not familiar yet with the direction.  

Room

The room was located on the 13th floor and this corner suite was huge and I believe recently renovated to a very modern interior.  Although the room colour palette was on the dark side, due to the large floor to ceiling balcony doors, this gave it that elegant finishing touch to it (I guess it's a personal taste).  

The room opened up to a working desk on the right as you enter the room and a nice seating area and the TV area.  In this same room, there was also a round dining table for 3 guests.  At the corner in this room was the bar/coffee/tea making area.  Coffee making offered was an Nespresso like equipment (and Italian brand) which did still make some good coffee.  The minibar was also located here - and although emptied, just becareful that if you place items in there the sensor will still be activated and charges sent to your room (removed when checking out).  There was also 2 small bottles of water provided.  In this first room, you have 2 option of balcony that you can use - a smaller one and one much larger with deck chairs and a small table - which was perfect for a nice relaxing area in the evening.  

The bed was located in the 2nd room - which was also quite a large room with a large wardrobe and another balcony.  The bed quality was very good.  In this room was also a TV desk which came with the usual local and international options.  It was also my first time noticing a much more advanced type of interactive TV at hotels - just too bad they did not include an option for streaming your shows to it.  

The bathroom was another positive aspect of this suite - with a walk in shower and a bathtub with jaccuzzi function - which was very much appreciated and another another touch of luxury to a suite (which again not very common in previous suites I've received).  The shower temperature and pressure was very good.  Toiletries provided were Agraria which had a nice citrusy fragrance.  The size of them were one of the largest I've seen for a hotel - adding that luxurious touch.  

In both rooms, the temperature control was good and fan speed at the lowest speed was not too loud.  Only small complain here was the position of the air direction in the bedroom which was full force towards the bed so it does seem like it was just blowing directly to your face - I basically just switched it off and increased the one in the other room when I went to bed which worked quite well.  

Sleep quality was good with hardly any noise from in/outside.  Wifi speed was good and stable throughout the property.  View from the main balcony was nice - towards the city, only sadly due to the Hyatt hotel, this does sort of disrupt the city view. 

Beach club

The hotel has it's own beach club about 5 mins walk away from the property.  Access to this beach club only for hotel guests (you have to show them the provided special keycards provided during check-in)  The area of the club is not that big, so i can imagine it can get crowded.  Service here was ok - although for unknown reason, tried to order twice some drinks, but after each time, they never appeared after waiting for more than 20 mins.  In the end, we just gave up.  

In this area is also the hotel's seafood restaurant which I did read good reviews on (but did not try).  

Pool

The hotel also has a pool area which was large - access to this area is mainly via the elevators, however from my assigned room, there was also the possibility to access the pool by a flight of stairs, which was very convenient.  For the towels, again you had provide the special pool key cards which you need to hand in when collecting and receive it back when returning the used towels.  

Service here in the pool area was much better and friendly.  I was also again surprised by the reasonable price charged, which for me a big plus - as this concept is much better than charging crazy prices just because they can.  Another big plus for the property in my books.  

View from the pool area was the same from the room.

Service

All in all service from the different hotel associates I met were great - very friendly and helpful.  

Overall

There's also a special Skybeach at this property which is basically a pool at the roof of the hotel and a sort high-end area and an infinity pool.  Access comes with certain categoy of room.  For those without access, as far as I know, it cost 50€ per person for a whole day use.  This and maybe the Club Lounge use might be something I will try on my next visit.

The property seems to be stil busy with some renovations on some of the lower floor.  There is also a back entrace to this property (only possible after you've checked in) which leads to the Pendergardens side.  For me this was useful as I parked my car on this street, which made the walking distance much doable - yes too bad they charge for car park (as compared to the Hilton which was complimentary, as should be)

All in all I would certainly return to this property and do recommend it.