The Cumberland

We stayed in the cheapest room category, and it was still fantastic. The Cumberland Hotel is right in the center of Valetta, but we had no noise problems. There's a great coffee shop next door that stays open late for cocktails, plus other cocktail bars just down the steps toward the Grand Harbour. Since the hotel isn't too far into town, it's also easy to get a taxi or Uber near the Auberge de Castille. We had a fantastic stay and highly recommend it.

The front desk team took wonderful care of me during my three days there. They were incredibly hospitable. The Italian restaurant's breakfast was really nice, too. The hotel is right by lively Valetta, with plenty going on outside, but somehow the noise didn't disturb us at all. The location couldn't be better. I'm glad I chose this hotel and would choose it again.

We spent New Year's at The Cumberland Hotel. The room was spacious, well equipped, fairly clean, and comfortable, and the location made it easy to get to Valletta's attractions. Breakfast was the letdown. There weren't many choices, though the portions were generous, and there were no gluten-free or lactose-free options. On our last morning, the waiter serving breakfast seemed visibly unwell, with a runny nose and constant coughing. That's the last thing you want to deal with on holiday. Management should take more care to prevent situations like that.

We stayed three nights, and the room became unbearable on the third: it smelled strongly of cigarette smoke. Maintenance confirmed the smell right away, but the hotel offered no room change, fresh linen, or real fix, only suggested air freshener. We had to sleep there, and now all our clothes smell of smoke. When we repeatedly asked for a manager, staff were unresponsive and couldn't produce one. The next day they said there might have been an “AC issue” or an outside smell, but that doesn't make the room fit for guests. Breakfast was poor too, with limited à la carte choices and low quality. The location may look central, but getting there with luggage is difficult: steep uphill walking, cobbled streets, and no proper taxi drop-off. Poorly managed, with unacceptable standards. I wouldn't stay again or recommend it.