Rooms by Alexandra Hotel

I'm glad I didn't cancel after reading the reviews. For the price, the hotel was pretty good, and the breakfast was excellent. Our room was clean and pleasant, with nothing broken, a kettle, and a nice balcony where we could see the sea. It wasn't especially modern. There was an outdoor pool and lounge area, plus an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and sauna. The shower pressure could be better, but the location was good and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

The rooftop pool was my favorite part, with spectacular views across the city and sea. The indoor pool and spa were a nice extra for cooler hours, too. My room was clean, bright, and had what I needed, including air conditioning that worked perfectly. Staff from reception to housekeeping were friendly and professional, and happy to offer local or transport tips. Breakfast had a good range of fresh options. Alexandra Hotel is right in the heart of St. Julian's, with restaurants, bus stops, supermarkets, and the Spinola Bay promenade all a short walk away. It's handy for Paceville nightlife while still giving you a comfortable place to return to, and the prices are reasonable. If you're a light sleeper, I'd ask for a higher floor or a room away from the main street. I had a lovely stay and would recommend it to budget travelers who want convenience without giving up quality. I'll be back.

The cakes were delicious and the coffee was relatively good, but the rest of the stay was awful. We paid for a superior room with two separate beds and got a dirty place crawling with cockroaches. The kettle only worked when threatened. When I complained that I didn't want to sleep with animals, the receptionist responded in an extremely unfriendly and unpleasant tone. The first room had a cleanliness rating of 1, while the second was a 4, so paying more clearly didn't get better service here. I never even considered using the pool. I didn't dare.

The reception team were helpful and accommodating, and made sure I was collected in good time for my departure. My bedroom was lovely and clean, and breakfast from the buffet was ideal for a low-cost stay. As a solo traveler, I found the location handy for buses to Sliema, the Gozo ferry, and Valetta. Thanks to Patrick, Gerry, and Orla for making my stay memorable.