Grand Hotel Excelsior

Just had a lovely week at this hotel, ideally situated ,10 min walk in to Valletta if you can manage the steps out of the hotel , otherwise a shuttle bus runs every 20mins. Take the lift down to the harbour and boat across to the 3 cities or you can Turn left out of the hotel and walk down the hill for 10 mins and you can get a ferry across to Sliema and a lovely promenade walk to St Julian’s. There is a Lovely pool area with access in to the sea Breakfast buffet style and excellent choice We had a superior side sea view room with excellent views across the harbour.

Our initial thoughts on entering the hotel, was wow! How splendid. Was a bit taken aback by the 150 euro security deposit that was taken straight away. Not sure what this is for as it is not for building up a tab as that is separate. Also be warned it could take up to 30 days to get refunded onto your card. So, our intial thoughts on room 608 which we paid an extra 140Euros to get upgraded to. Dated and dark mahogany furniture. We both went rather quiet at first, like "have we made a terrible mistake coming here" But the room was enormous and the bed really comfy. The shower was also piping hot and excellent. I did have to leave a little note for the cleaners to leave me extra towels ( which aren't very good quality), but other than that the service was spot on. As for the staff in general, extremely helpful and courteous. Very busy at breakfast so don't expect cheer from those in charge, as they do take some grief from demanding guests who want the sea view tables. We didn't swim or eat there as Valletta has too many restaurants to choose from, but a guest we spoke to said, the meals were ok. Make of that what you will. Will we go back, definitely, as the location was spot on and the 80 steps a breeze, if you can walk ok. Loved Valletta, and the hotel grew on us. Just needs a little bit of TLC and tarting up, to match the grand entrance. I suppose this is difficult to do, with the hotel being open all year round. Didn't have any issues with noise. Air con, was a little lacking. Could take a leaf out of the Seaview Hotel in Bugibba and have state of the art oscilating fans in the rooms as well. So all in all, a great hotel.

On arrival we were asked to pay a refundable €150; security deposit, but the hotel neglected to inform us that it would take 'at least 30 days' to be credited back to the account. Even worse is they don't subtract any hotel bills from the deposit meaning a further outlay. I asked why the bill wasn't subtracted from the deposit & just got a shrug if the shoulders. They'll rack up a good bit of interest with this ploy. And it's certainly no 5* star hotel. The decor is well dated, & if all the bathrooms are in the same state of poor maintenance then the place should be shut to deep clean & renovate them all. Ours 1047 was borderline disgusting. The majority of the service staff were very friendly & helpful barring the male & female dragons at breakfast front of house. They need to learn to greet all guests with a smile and not concentrate on trying to arrange the seating so the window seats are reserved for their chosen few.

A lovely stay in a class hotel. Lovely big bedroom and friendly staff. Would recommend to anyone and we will return. Hotel is well situated with a shuttle that runs regularly to the town. Very nice breakfast

it does some what have a wow factor when you instantly walk into the hotel great staircase. But we found itrather dark and dismal inother areas. Had no hot water for the first day although we requested reception to attend to the matter it was not. Asked again following day and service person arrived and told us he would be turning the water off for 20 mins... thankfully he got us hotwater. Found the bathroom to be dated bath with a shower curtain and shower so old fashioned. Staff came in eearly evening to ask if towels required and an offer of a sweet?. No hairdryer in the bathroom found it in a drawer in the desk tiny thing (travel iron size) No ironing facilities in the room (we have suite with sea side view) that was ok. Found the person on the greet desk at breakfast said good mornring but never looked at us at all just highlighted the room number. Staff asked us if we required tea/coffe yes.. but mistake made there as by the time one actual got food and brought back to table it was cold so we learnt from that ate and then when near to end of meal asked for the drinks. Found the reception are public ladies toilet not well kept papeer on the floor soiled seats thin paper towels and tap so loose nearly off the wall. So although overall we enjoyed our time in Vallett we will not return to this hotel.