Just arrived back from a 3 night stay. I was very impressed with this hotel. The staff were lovely and very helpful. I appreciate the comments about it being bit dated but it’s a solid quality hotel. Disadvantages: beds rock hard Advantages: fab location and views, staff, large rooms, bathrooms with shower and sep bath. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Very nice Hotel, great location for exploring Valletta. Bar service was a little disjointed. Bar food very good.

The hotel. Is marketed as a 5* venue. Unfortunately to be so the whole experience should be provided to its customers expectations. This venue falls well below that of comparable 5* venues we have stayed at. The external appearance of the outside . Is disappointing on arrival( see images) The reception area and bar have a nice feel . Reception staff fine . As for the bar staff in the hotel, they are totally untrained ( my opuon as a Retired landlord) . The bar staff insisted on table service, it would not be u common to wait 20 mins or more before a staff member came to take your order and having done so never return either the drinks, so the whole process had to be repeated. At the end if the evening trying to get your bill on some occasion became nearly impossible after repeated request, requiring me to go to the bar and demand it, so I could go to bed. On one evening we chose to sit at the bar as I was interested to see why the service was so poor. I noted they operated a system where only one member of staff on a single till was permitted to enter items from others and also required to generate the bills from many staff . I observed transaction ticket sprawled over the counter, not surprising a number of customers came to the bar complaining their bills were incorrect. The whole experience was appalling. The pool area is presented well . Remembering this a 5* venue I did not expect to have lay on a metal framed sun bed with no cushion on it . The pool bar area acceptable but once again the type of service out lined above was repeated, insufficient staff, complained that they were busy , thats why food orders were completed and again to get a bill was a task. Moving onto the rooms . Yes very spacious. Other than that so dated unbelievable. No USB ports, old dark wooden furniture that has seen better days. The bathroom came with a shower over the bath. I was surprised to see them still using an unsightly plastic shower curtain. The so called chrome handles on the bath we’re devoid of any chrome . Taxi provided by hotel Do not use. I asked the transport staff member to book me a taxi to St Julians charge €25 and it was just a taxi nothjng more. I booked a locsl cab using the ‘ BOLT’ app return trip € 8 .00 nice proffit for hotel from its guest. Tip if staying in Malta download the above App. Do not even use the white city cabs. Although their fees are fixed and displayed at the rank. Friday to Sunday they double the fare without telling you until you arrive at destination beware. Another piece of advice for disable guests especially if you have mobility issues and in a wheel . The hotel entrance is situtated down a hill and to get back into Valletta you havevto go up and down. Food at the hotel is buffet style and well presented and offers a wide selection. The evening meal buffet is €38 pp. In summary the hotel is very tired. Staff training and service is well bellow that if what you would exoect. Listening to guest constantly complaining about the service arpund you has a negative impact on the holiday. My advice if you wish to enjoy 5*. As you wpuld expect in Malta. Then stay at the Westin Dragonara . St Julians. It was a totally disappointing experience having stayed at the Westin many, many times. We thought we would closer to Valletta big mistake. Moving

Our stay at the Grand Hôtel Excelsior was wonderful. The service both at the front desk and the restaurant was superb and we were made to feel in every way. The old world charm was magical and the evenings in the lounge with their resident pianist was relaxing after a long day. We were blown away by the Michelin quality food and service at their restaurant. Breakfast was exceptional . We were in the Junior Suite on the second floor which had a great view and two large terraces. The hotel is perfectly located , between the beach and the smart shopping area.

I liken this hotel to an old lady of the aristocracy. She is beautiful and elegant , grand and tasteful .However , she has seen better days and beyond the facade , she is a little tired and not what she used to be. We were 'upgraded' to a superior room - with a view over the top of an extension to the hotel . If that room was superior, I'm not sure I would have tolerated anything less . There is a little steep hill to climb into Valetta but we saw this as an opportunity to work off some of those extra calories. We had breakfast only and this was lovely . There was a varied choice of everything you could wish for and tip top service . The waiting staff are so efficient , you might come back to a cleared table with new guests sitting there- so leave something to show you are still indulging . The evening drinks in the lounge with piano music is especially enjoyable after a hectic day . The pools are nice but the indoor jacuzzi was too cold to enjoy. We didn't have any spa treatments as they seemed overpriced. The highlight for us was the extreme attention to detail by all the staff. I have never been to a hotel with such high standards of care by all the staff from housekeepers to waiting staff to reception and concierge . They are all delightful, helpful and cheery . Housekeeping is particularly impressive.