If you are a loyal Hilton Honors member, there is much to like about the Hilton Malta. And even if you are not, this hotel has many things going for it including an ideal location, great pools, and superb breakfast spread.
Hilton Malta Review
When I published my review of the Hyatt Regency Malta last week, I wanted to link to my reviews of the Hilton and InterContinental, but found that both were missing. Too many years have passed to go back and write the InterContinental review, but I took so many pictures of my stay at the Hilton Malta that I thought a pre-pandemic review would at least provide a point of comparison between this property and the Hyatt for those who make hotel decisions based upon chain affiliation.
Location
This is a waterfront property located in St. Julian’s. Rates vary wildly based upon the time of year, but I stayed for less than $200 during the off-season (January). Expect to pay three times that during busier times of year.
Elite Recognition
During my stay, I was invited as a Hilton Gold member to enjoy breakfast at Oceana, the hotel’s main restaurant. I was also provided a free bottle of wine and two bottles of water.
These days, Diamond members cannot even use their breakfast benefit in Oceana. Instead, the complimentary breakfast is in the executive lounge.
Guest Room (Executive Room With Sea View)
I was upgraded to an a room with a sea view, including two queen beds and a terrace. The room was basic, but the beds were comfortable. The neighbors next door were loud…hmmm…but thankfully finished quickly.
The bathroom included a bathtub-shower combo and a lot of haircare products from Peter Thomas Roth (these days, you can expect Crabtree & Evelyn products instead).
As I mentioned, I received a nice bottle of Maltese red wine.
Slippers and robes were placed in the closet.
But bad news. The hotel recently introduced a “climate friendly” control on air-conditioning. You can now not lower your thermostat below 24ºC (75ºF). Perhaps some of you who have stayed more recently can comment below whether that makes it difficult to keep the room cool on a hot day, of which Malta has many during the summer.
Pools
The hotel features both a beautiful indoor and three outdoor pool (including a kid’s splash are). One of the outdoor pools is surrounded by a sandy beach, with easy access to the ocean as well.
Wellness
Both a steam room and sauna are available in the indoor pool area. Myoka Spa offers a wide range of treatments.
Fitness Center
The Hilton has a much better fitness center than the Hyatt Regency, with a large selection of equipment.
Dining
Breakfast At Oceana
Breakfast is a treat at Oceana, with a great buffet spread, made-to-order omelets, fresh-squeezed orange juice, freshly-blended smoothies, gluten-free items, and even Maltese specialties like Qassatat. You can dine indoors or outdoors.
During the busy season, this breakfast area becomes extremely crowded in the morning. Be warned that even Diamond members may have to wait for a table, though there is purportedly a special Diamond seating area to minimize waiting.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 am to 10:30 pm while dinner is served from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Keep an eye out for the house cat!
Blue Elephant Restaurant
One of Malta’s most popular Thai restaurants is located on-site at Blue Elephant. Open 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm daily.
The Gazebo Restaurant
Mediterranean food under olives trees. This is restaurant is open nightly 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, but only in July and August.
Bars
The hotel also has bars including the Quarterdeck Bar, Vista Lobby Lounge (more focus on coffee and pastries), and Aqua Bar.
Executive Lounge
An executive lounge is on-site, but I did not have access to it.
CONCLUSION
I realize this review may not be as valuable as my recent stay at the Hyatt Regency, but I hope it gives you an idea of what to expect at the Hilton Malta and shows that despite checkered elite recognition this hotel still has a lot going for it.
Thanks Matthew. I’m hoping to make a Malta trip next year and this is helpful, since I have some Hilton points to use.
Also very much liked your piece a few weeks ago about the church in Malta. Sobering in some regards – that attendance should be so low at a place so beautiful & the continuing trend in society to the secular vice the spiritual – but the pictures were beautiful. If I do make it to Malta, a place I will definitely visit and attend a service.
I think we are going to see more hotels in Europe set climate controls on air conditioning. I stayed at Marriott Autograph U14 Helskini and had the same issue, I could only reduce the temperature by 4 degrees Celsius. the room was slightly too warm for a July stay.
I’m not sure who this benefits the climate or reducing cooling costs for the hotel.
Is Hilton really competing with Hyatt and Marriott, or is their goal to be a slightly more upscale choice against IHG and Choice. I don’t really say that in jest. Everything at Hilton properties always just seems to be a little inferior to the competition.
Thanks for the warning about the hot rooms. A shame as it seems like a nice place otherwise but if you can’t sleep well then a hotel room is of limited utility.
Matthew, how do you and your family sleep in this room? Beds seem too small for a family of four.
I stayed at the Hilton Malta years ago. It was a great hotel property at which to stay.
The Executive Lounge was so good that I had no need to go to the restaurant for breakfast.
I’ve stayed here a couple of times The hotel and surroundings are beautiful but the food was not that good. I often found breakfast was cold or look-warm. The evening food was less than average and the service was not good.
I’m afraid it’s the Marriott at Balutta bay or the Phoenicia in Valletta for me as we go every year for our winter holiday.
I was there last weekend and I could set the temperature down to 20 Deg. If I read the card well the 24 Deg setting is only a suggestion to the guest as for summer they have removed the duvet from the bed and placed it in the wardrobe for optional use. Which makes sense. I wouldn’t dream of going out in summer in a thick jacket so why would I want to cover with a duvet!
Good datapoint. Thank you! Maybe there was sufficient pushback to remove that placard I shared.