Grand Hotel Excelsior

Grand Hotel Excelsior details

“This hotel’s slogan ‘Live the Grand Life’ couldn’t be more appropriate – you’ll feel every inch the VIP in this place.”

All things lavish are definitely top of the agenda here. Even the location is first class. It’s set on the waterfront of UNESCO heritage city, Valletta, just inches from the chunky 16th-century walls that encase the capital. Plus it comes with a dinky private beach of dark gold sand, with views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island thrown in for good measure.

In terms of the hotel itself, the pool is the centrepiece. Surrounded by a yawning tiled terrace, it sits virtually on the water’s edge - so you can enjoy the sea views without getting up from your sunbed. There’s a bar on hand for poolside refreshment, and a large Romanesque fountain completes the elegant picture.

And the interior certainly suits the magnificent setting. Take the lobby for instance. With its Titanic-style staircase and vast sweep of creamy marble, it’s as luxurious as they come. As the name suggests, the Harbour View bar comes with wraparound views of the marina courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows. And the bedrooms are havens of chic simplicity with coffee-and-cream colour schemes, and nice little touches like bathrobes and slippers.

There’s more of the same in the restaurants, too. In Admiral’s Landing you'll find a casual bistro diner serving à la carte, as well as a range of themed buffets. Factor in a spa with treatments ranging from manicures to aromatherapy massages, and you’ve got the grand dame of Malta’s luxury hotels.