Bayview Hotel by ST Hotels

"I would say the major selling point for the hotel is it's rooftop pool. The hotel is on the harbour, and you can see straight across to Valetta, it's just a wonderful view and surpisingly few other hotels around there seemed to have a similar pool, so this is it's big plus for it. Unfortunately the rest of the hotel isn't in great shape. Smell: our room (614) was right below the pool and had a really bad damp smell, as did the corridor on the 6th floor. Air conditioning: The air conditioning in my room, and my friends room (618) did not work well, and was very loud. We ended up keeping the balcony doors open at night as that was cooler than the aircon could get it. Noise: It's very loud around the hotel and a lot of building work is ongoing. Obviously having to keep the balcony door open made that much worse, and it's not something that bothers me, but I know others find it hard to tolerate. Worn down: Obviously they go for best photos (except of the rooftop pool view which they should show more), but the hotel is dated and a lot of little bits of damage. It's not a huge issue, but it's the price it is for a reason. Staff: Unfortunately some of the front desk staff were very rude. I really hate mentioning staff, everyone can have an off day, but there was one man who was so actively rude anytime we had to speak to him that I think it bears mentioning. I wasn't down complaining about the issues listed here, I could deal with it, but he was genuinely rude and horrible both times. It upset me a lot and did put a downer on the holiday unfortunately."

"Dreadful experience. Constant noisy traffic, deliveries and Building works next door. Pneumatic drilling at 6am every day we stayed there! No AC provided due to hotel policy and it being their "winter time". Ridiculous especially when it was mid to late 20 degrees celsius outside and we could not open the door on to the balcony due to the noise and dust (see pics). Policy needs to be scrapped and AC available and adjusted according to the temperature of the weather. Not even an offer of a fan. Hotel tired in areas (toilet holder falling off the wall and shower leaking and having to lay extra towel on the floor. Tables in the breakfast area are far too tight to allow any manoeuvre in between. Bar dark and dingy. Certainly not a restful holiday. If you have a booking, I would recommend to cancel as the building works look like they will be ongoing for some time."

"This is a good 3* hotel. We booked a sea view room, which probably contributed to a better stay. Our room, 508, had a spectacular view across the water to Valletta and Manoel Island. The room was spotless and Erika who cleaned it daily did a thorough job. The floor was always disinfected and we had plenty of fresh towels and coffee/tea items. Breakfast had everything we needed from hot foods to fruit, cereal and yoghurt. The breakfast staff were pleasant (just remember it’s a 3* hotel and cannot be compared to a 5*). We stayed for a week and enjoyed the location. The bus stops are at the front and the ferry is a 5-10 minute walk away. We visited Valletta on most days as there’s so much to see. We particularly enjoyed Underground Valletta and Casa Rocca Piccola. We enjoyed many of the local bars and restaurants (especially the ‘happy hours’). The location of the hotel is superb, and we enjoyed Sliema and walking over to St Julian’s Bay. Ignore the poor reviews, but do try and book a sea view room…for the view alone! I would have given this hotel 5*’s but whilst the room was clean and modern, my husband hated the bathroom window that was in the corridor (he had to hang a towel up)…I didn’t care, the glass was frosted, but he really disliked this feature. The end of the bed was also only a foot away from the wall. It wasn’t easy to walk around and the husband stubbed his toes a couple of times. Not huge issues and certainly nothing that would put us off booking again."