Cavalieri Hotel Malta, a member of Radisson Individuals

The sea view was marvelous, and the place was quiet and clean. Staff were really friendly, and breakfast had lots to choose from, including lactose-free and gluten-free options. I did have an issue with the manicure: I was told the price would be 10€, but they charged 25€ and said the service I received was different. I’d suggest explaining the services and prices more clearly.

I love being able to jump over a little wall and get straight into the sea in the morning. I swim in the sea a lot, and that’s one of the main reasons we keep coming back. The hotel is quiet too. We’ve stayed at the Hilton and heard music banging all night, but that hasn’t been a problem here, even though it’s away from town. This must be our 15th year staying here, and the hotel has changed a lot over time. The evening restaurant is a delight, with lovely scenery and a really good menu. We’ve eaten at lots and lots of places in Malta, and they don’t live up to this one. Breakfast is okay, like any buffet, though it can’t match freshly cooked food. Sometimes we skip it and go out, since breakfast elsewhere is cheap. The staff are trained to be nice, and I don’t know how anyone could say they aren’t. If this helps someone, good. You won’t regret staying unless you’re just looking for things to criticize. Get a grip and enjoy yourself.

The views over St Julian's bay and the marina were amazing, and probably the best part of the stay. From outside, the hotel looks classy, but the interior feels basic, with dull furnishings and plastic chairs in the dining room. The patio doors around the hotel were all stiff and hard to open. Our room’s air conditioning didn’t work, and there were very few condiments. The lifts were a real problem. Only one was working properly, while another was in disrepair, and the one we used was slow. I’d hate to rely on them in high season. Staff seemed miserable and lacked basic communication skills, though our room cleaner, who didn’t speak English, had a lovely smile. For a superior room, the bathroom was very small, and the walk-in shower was temperamental when trying to get the temperature right. The safe needed a card swipe. We skipped the pools: it was too cold for the outdoor one in December, and the indoor one was underwhelming. Breakfast had plenty of hot and cold choices. The hotel is rated four stars for its facilities, but didn’t feel like a four-star place, more like three. Disappointing, though it did the job for our two-night stay. I don’t think I’d return.

The room could use better ventilation. After each shower, we had to leave the balcony door open to air it out. The veranda faced the sea and looked out over a lovely private harbor, and hearing the waves hit the shore was so relaxing.