Mesmerising Malta and the Grand Hotel Excelsior

Situated just a short stroll from Valletta, Grand Hotel Excelsior was our delightful home base during our recent visit to Malta.

Nestled on the Northern side of the Valletta peninsula looking over Marsamxett Harbour, the hotel commands beautiful panoramic waterfront views.

Our check-in process went smoothly and we were provided with a 2-room suite, ideal for our family of four. The room was well appointed although we weren’t lucky enough to receive a harbour view room – but these would be worth upgrading to if you’re splashing out on your special family vacation. You can still see the spectacular views from the outdoor pool area and the restaurant if you miss out.

I appreciated the little touches of detail such as the fresh cut flower in the bathroom. The king-size bed was very comfortable and room was spacious. We experienced a couple small hiccups with the in-room safe and toilet, but the friendly staff resolved these promptly. The only other niggle was the air conditioning temperature which was a little warm for Erin’s liking, but after a few maintenance inspections it seemed to be cooler. The kids enjoyed their own beds and the large bath.

The hotel facilities were truly top class. The included Wi-Fi access worked well all over the hotel and in our room, which is always important for us. The heated indoor pool was definitely the kids’ favourite feature. Several pylons with submerged platforms created mini islands in the pool for the kids to jump from and they stayed amused for hours. On each visit to the pool, Mia and Caius found other kids to play with.

The gym located near the indoor pool was packed with well-maintained fitness gear and TVs if you’re looking to break a sweat.

Thanks to jet lag, I woke up very early after our first night at the hotel so I took the opportunity to take a walk around the grounds as the sun was coming up. Everything was quiet. The outdoor pool and harbour views were spectacular, especially in the soft morning light.

My favourite aspect of the hotel was breakfast every morning. The buffet was filled with a wide array of tasty options including fruit, toast, pastries, cold meats, yogurt as well as hot breakfast selections like eggs, sausages, bacon, grilled tomatoes and more. The chef was happy to prepare eggs as desired, pancakes and waffles. I recommend trying the omelette which was top notch (I’m a bit of an omelette connoisseur). The wait staff were always attentive and friendly. And to match the delicious food, the views of the harbour was simply outstanding. The best possible way to start the day!

We celebrated Caius’ birthday while in Malta, and the hotel manager was extremely generous to organise a chocolate mousse cake delivered to our room. You can imagine how excited any 4-year-old would be with a giant cake that has his name on it – literally! The reception staff also signed a card for Caius - a really thoughtful and touching gesture which we sincerely appreciated. 

Even though the gateway of Valletta was only a 5-minute walk away, the hotel also provided twice-daily shuttles into the centre of town, and additional transport could be arranged for a small fee. When we needed advice on where to go around town, the knowledgeable concierge staff were happy to help.

If you’re planning a trip to Malta and want to experience the authentic, historic Valletta but with a touch of luxury and sophistication, then I would definitely recommend checking out Excelsior Grand Hotel.

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