Grand Hotel Excelsior

Stayed here for 5 nights at the end of June 2026, I understand it’s closing in February 2027 for a 2 year refurbishment, so if you want to go, book now. I would happily go again & recommend. Large swimming pool, small kids pool & indoor pool. Large breakfast choices. 15/20 minute uphill walk to Valletta central town, but does have a first come first served 8 seater minibus every 20 minutes that takes you up the hill. All staff I found friendly & helpful. No square USB charging sockets, but uses the Uk style 3 pin plugs, so bring a 3 pin plug charger for your phone. Has a tour desk for booking island trips if you’d like to do that. Main Valletta bus station in walking distance TD4 bus will get you from & back to the airport, 20 minutes away & run every half hour. Bus 51 will get you to the old capital Mdina for a day trip. Buses take debit cards or cash (right amount).

Hotel impressive. On arrival the reception staff were helpful, welcome drinks and luggage carried. Room large and comfortable. The breakfast menu was excellent and food plentiful.however the restaurant staff were very slow clearing the tables. They would walk past empty handed and a large item of food on the floor just kicked to one side by the staff. The pool area was not as clean as you might expect of a five star hotel. The water quality was crystal clear, the tiles at the pool edge however had black mould in the joints. The poolside staff were very slow in clearing uneaten food which resulted in birds eating from tables and the inevitable bird droppings. The pool areas would benefit being pressure washed. The drinks service was also slow, drinks often left on the bar counter so not as cold as expected.

A great location to all local attractions, bars and restaurants, just a 10 minute walk. The staff are brilliant, very welcoming and helpful. It was our Anniversary and we arrived to a lovely bottle of fizz and rose petals over the bed, which was very much appreciated. The room was large and very clean. The shower was not very powerful and was over the bath, so climbing in might be quite difficult for some. Also spotless. The pool area is good, plenty of umbrellas and shaded areas if required although the sunbeds are extremely uncomfortable, luckily I had a lumber cushion with me which I used on the plane, but I ended up taking it onto the sunbed every day! The ‘ beach’ does not have sand, it’s more like builders crushed yellow stone, we had no idea why they didn’t just cover it with sand. It was very messy and we only did it once.. The umbrellas were very unstable, and as soon as it was windy staff went round putting all the umbrellas down as they were being blown over. I also had one land on me and they’re pretty heavy. Consequently, a lot of them are in terrible condition. We only had breakfast in the hotel. The variety was extensive and very well organised. The quality in our opinion was lacking. Pastries seemed very soggy and processed. Orange juice was quite clearly squash. Sadly, not quite a five star buffet. Overall, we were treated exceptionally well, but they were quite a few issues that we felt didn’t quite reach the ratings of a five star hotel.

Excellent experience at an excellent hotel. It was our first visit to Malta and the hotel staff put us at our ease with their courtesy, friendliness and professionalism. The room was excellent and we were looked after incredibly well by the house keeping staff who called twice each day to ensure we had maximum comfort. Food at the hotel was excellent with a choice of restaurants and bars to choose from. The pool was excellent and was served by two pool bars with the option also of swimming in the sea at a private beach area. All staff were extremely helpful and friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. All in all a fantastic experience of Malta and I have no doubt that we will return again in the future.

Fabulous hotel and location perfect. Enjoy the clam of the hotel away from the hustle and bustle of Valetta. Pool is fabulous and a dip in the sea a bonus. We had a deluxe garden view (not quite garden as it overlooks main entrance and the road) but good room and excellent space and service. Bars in the evening allow you to see the sun set and although a very big and busy hotel there is plenty of space and never an issue getting a bed by the pool. Cannot fault the breakfast either and have to say it was a lovely stay and we would certainly come back. Ideal location and although the decor is dated it is a really grand hotel with space and charm and all round very impressed.