Grand Hotel Excelsior

We stayed at this hotel for a 3 night city break with Jet2 on a B&B basis. Positives: Fantastic location just a few minutes walk to the city gate (our main reason for choosing this hotel). All areas including rooms are spacious and clean. Staff friendly and helpful (with the exception of a surly Receptionist). Nice indoor/outdoor pool areas with lovely views over the waterfront. Not so positive: On arrival, I was advised 150 Euros would be charged to my credit card. Fair enough, it was a pending charge although I have stayed at many 4 and 5* hotels all over the world and never been asked for a specific amount. Submitting my card to cover any charges during my stays has always been sufficient. I feel that this is a petty practise and creates a feeling that I am not trusted. Our room (940) was spacious and clean, the decor is dated but adequate. There was zero view over ugly AC extractor fans and close to the road so noisy when the patio doors were open. We had not paid extra to upgrade to sea views so no high expectations. However, the bed was without doubt, the most uncomfortable bed I have ever encountered. The springs could be felt protruding through the mattress. We had arrived late and gone straight out so did not realise until we returned at 11pm. As we were only staying for 3 nights, we did not bother complaining but would certainly have requested a room change or a mattress topper if we had been staying longer. Rooms were cleaned daily although despite hanging up towels on the bathroom racks to indicate we did not require a change, they were removed and not replaced. This happened on 2 nights out of 3 and was rectified by housekeeping when doing the the turndown service but irksome to be left without adequate towels. My partner used the gym which was OK but there are no changing rooms or showers in the gym or the indoor pool area. The sauna and steam room are part of the Spa area and incurs and extra charge. Breakfast had plenty of choice although the quality is not what I expect from a 5* hotel - eg fruit juice was sweetened squash and sausages were cheap and anemic with little evidence of any meat content. Our return flight was in the evening with a 5pm pick up from the hotel so on the evening prior to departure I enquired regarding a late check out. I was told in no uncertain that we would be charge of 20 Euros per hour to hold the room and it might not be available anyway. In our case, that would be an extra charge of 100 Euros! I then enquired if there was an amenity room we might use to freshen up and was dismissively informed that we could use the toilet block in the outdoor pool area. Every hotel I have ever stayed at have always had some kind of room/area that can be used or reasonable late check out charges. This hotel remains popular due it's fantastic location but is in serious need of a refurb including better gym changing room facilities and a review of petty policies which are not currently customer friendly.

Fabulous older style hotel in a great part of town - only a 5 minute walk up to Valletta or the courtesy bus if you want. We loved the personal pick up at the airport We were there on a had board basis - breakfast and dinner were good with plenty choices. Drinks were a reasonable price. Would definitely go there again.

I had a very enjoyable stay at this hotel. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, especially the housekeeping team and the restaurant staff, who always made an effort to ensure everything was just right. Breakfast was good with plenty of choice, and most of the team were very attentive. On a couple of mornings some of the more senior restaurant staff seemed a little less welcoming, but this didn’t take away from the overall positive experience. The location is excellent—only about a 10-minute walk to the centre of Valletta, making it perfect for exploring the city while still enjoying a quieter setting. The hotel itself has a lovely old charm and character, with a slightly classic, cruise-ship feel to its design. It may not be ultra-modern, but that traditional style gives it a unique atmosphere that adds to the overall experience. Overall, a wonderful stay with great service, plenty of character, and a fantastic location. I would happily stay again.

Whist this is listed as five star, it is not and I’m at a loss to know how they maintain the rating? What I feel is really important to note is that every member of staff I’ve come in to contact with has been lovely. It’s pretty true to say that my experience suggests everyone appears to be trying their best. Some of the waiting staff at breakfast aren’t particularly efficient, but those leading them are trying their best and certainly appear to be keeping on top of things. Well done. The hotel Is very clean but it’s extremely tired. The outside is in serious need of a facelift, it’s dirty and an indicator perhaps of what you’re going to find inside. Whilst the entrance is grand everything else is way under par. I haven’t seen a piece of furniture that isn’t old, chipped, frayed or worn out. It’s really bad. I’m paying a lot for a superior delux sea view and there’s nothing superior or deluxe about this room. Im only here a few nights and wouldn’t ask to move as I doubt there’s anything better and what are the team going to do? The issue? the owners aren’t interested. This is years overdue and will cost millions. Many millions. If you want five star look to the Phoenicia at the top of the hill. It’s immaculate, what a five star hotel should look like. As a base this place is fine. That it’s clean hasn’t spoiled things. Had it not been I’d have never unpacked. This needs a serious discussion and plans put in to place to either knock this place down or enter in to some serious investment. It’s scruffy and embarrassingly so. The owners are very lucky their team are working so hard in such a poor environment. Well done team and shame on the owners.

Beautifully situated hotel overlooking the harbour. A 15- 20 min walk into central Valletta or there is a shuttle service. Rooms are a little bit dated but are spotlessly clean and very well equipped with plenty of toiletries, water and tea / coffee which are all replenished daily. Lovely bar area and the breakfast was first class with a great range to choose from. Housekeeping was also first class including a turn down service.