Grand Hotel Excelsior

Overall, we had a nice trip, but the hotel itself felt a bit dated — the rooms in particular could use some updating. The balconies were also a bit strange, offering no privacy, which made it feel awkward to sit out and relax. The reception staff were very friendly, and the shuttle bus to and from the town centre was a big plus, especially given the uphill walk and many steps. That said, the walk back in the evenings was pleasant, though caution is needed as there’s no pavement on part of the road by the hotel side. Fortunately, drivers were generally courteous and stopped to let us cross. There were plenty of sunbeds available, but no parasols were allowed due to it being "too windy," which wasn’t ideal. We mainly stayed in the beach area, which was quiet and peaceful, though it could be kept cleaner — we noticed quite a few cigarette butts and plastic cups blowing around. The steps into the sea also need some maintenance, as the bottom step is broken. While there seemed to be lots of staff around the pool bar, the service was disorganised and incredibly slow. Often, multiple staff members were serving just one person — one taking the order, another pouring the drinks, and another handling payment. It was frustratingly inefficient. Poolside service was also lacking. On the rare occasion we managed to place an order, it took nearly 45 minutes to get two beers. The food at the hotel was good quality, albeit a bit overpriced — but we still enjoyed it. Would I return? Probably yes — the location is convenient, and the pool and beach area are definite highlights. But in my opinion, it doesn’t live up to a 5-star hotel experience.

Smashing hotel in a great location. Service excellent, was really looked after. Breakfast was great, loads to choose from. Never had an issue getting a sunbed. Pool service was provided just sit and relax. Was a little expensive when compared to going out in Valletta but not a massive issue. Rooms good, a bit dated but well looked after with maid service completed everyday. Air-conditioning great, had to turn it down. Had 2 showers and a bath. Would definitely come back.

We visited as a family of three in July. There are pros and cons to this hotel and I agree with several of the previous reviews. We were greeted by Ibrahim, he was a credit to the hotel, very friendly and welcoming, the lady on reception was also very friendly. The hotel stuck to the 3pm check in and after an early start (3am) we were slightly disappointed, as we haven’t experienced this before at other hotels. Once at our room we noted the bedding and general room decor to be tired and dated. As another visitor stated just have the white bedding as this would vastly improve the first impression. The bathroom had cracked floor tiles, shower fixings exposed through tiles and tilted towards wall unable to adjust. Toiletries look like they’d been used. Like other reviews, didn’t understand scales, stool and shower over bath with no shower curtain. Large private balcony but faced main road, car park and Ministry for Education, so view not great. Plenty of sun beds around the pool. However, no umbrellas as soon as we got there due wind and one blowing on another visitor, so go under permanent shade but need to get those early. No life guard around the pool but men in cargo shorts patrolling the area, please note some of these men stated no English spoken. Bought a lilo at the hotel shop, then child told by these hotel pool staff couldn’t use it as too large (although another child had been using the same one for several days before). These pool staff picked and chose who they wanted to speak to, as they never approached a couple behaving totally inappropriately in the pool with lots of children round, never told other people that jumping and diving was not allowed, playing ball games with large ball hitting people (and swearing) and adults with large lilos were not approached. This inconsistency was very frustrating. Housekeeping didn’t always provide enough towels for all guests, had to ask for more. There was a bed turn down service and they left a little chocolate which was a nice touch. Breakfast had a lot of choice but the juice wasn’t fresh and a lot of tinned fruit. Tea was always cold once it arrived at breakfast and the air con was very high. Pool bar staff didn’t seem to be very experienced and would walk around for ages with the food in the heat looking for the correct sun beds and there several orders incorrect. Rubbish wasn’t cleared away by pool waiting staff and plastic cups and rubbish often ended up in the pool or there was lots of pigeons pecking at rubbish. Found it strange that the hotel promoted re using towels for the environment but used single use plastic cups around the pool rather than purchasing a reusable cup for your stay like a souvenir. Beach area did not have sand it was pea gravel and required shoes, those unsteady on their feet would find it hard to get in especially on choppy days. Toilets in public areas were not well kept or not in a great state of repair ie toilet seats hanging off. Wi-Fi not great dropped out all the time. Unfortunately lots of rude guests whilst we visited who had absolutely no consideration for other guests such as barging into the lifts, not waiting their turn at breakfast and leaving their rubbish and mess everywhere. My overall opinion is that 5 stars is generous for this hotel. There were many lovely staff and the room and pool were ok but not 5 star.

This hotel really does look the part, the rooms are a bit outdated and the bathrooms could do with a revamp but they are nice and clean. I did find the balcony’s a bit odd, never been to a hotel that had no privacy on the balcony’s at all, we may aswell of been sat with our neighbours. The staff at reception and on the doors were so lovely and always had a smile, great to have the shuttle bus on offer to take you too and from town every 20mins. The staff at the pool area and on towel pick up especially I found to be rude. The reception had told us that because our flight was later that evening that we could use the showers to freshen up at the spa, this is not what happened. I asked the towel lady if I could have a towel to do this she said this couldn’t be done and to use the pool showers while reluctantly giving me a towel, this wouldn’t of been so bad but the pool showers don’t have any body wash, soap or anything to freshen up with! I would suggest if these showers are the ones the reception refers you to use, then to have the bathroom essentials in there. It’s what you would expect from a hotel like this. Overall the trip was lovely but some staff need a little help in hospitality.

My wife and I have stayed at the Excelsior every year (except Covid) since 2012 and have enjoyed our holiday every time without fail. This year we enjoyed a week's break with our daughter and children; they loved the pool which is child-friendly. On our arrival we were warmly welcomed by Mr.Grixti (General Manager), Janette (Guest Relations), and Heathcliff (Front Desk) like old friends. Most of the rooms have excellent views of the harbour, being very spacious and comfortable, with efficient air-conditioning. The rooms are also quiet and not affected by rowdy guests or banging doors in the corridor. The cleaners do a marvellous job of keeping the rooms ship-shape on a daily basis, as well as turn-down service in the evening. They are always smiling, and greet you every time they see you in the corridor. The cleaners are also very trust-worthy, for in the fourteen years we have stayed at the Excelsior, we have never had anything go missing. At breakfast, the choice of food is fantastic, catering for most cultures, with two chef stations cooking fresh eggs and omelettes. Paul, the Breakfast Manager greeted us again like we were old friends, taking time-out of his busy routine to say hello. The bar in the entrance foyer has an excellent selection of drinks (hot or cold), and a very good food/snack menu at reasonable prices, although you have to be very clear in stating your order as the staff are not Maltese. The bar even has my favourite tipple, Metaxa, and does a very good Club Sandwich. Since last year, the hotel as adopted a shuttle service, free-of-charge every twenty minutes for guests to be dropped off at the Triton Fountain on the Valletta Gate. This is an invaluable service for the older folk who have previously struggled with the many steps. This year, the hotel opened a small cafe in the hotel gardens, which is a very pleasant place to enjoy a coffee in the shade. We are looking forward to visiting again in 2026.