Grand Hotel Excelsior

"it does some what have a wow factor when you instantly walk into the hotel great staircase. But we found itrather dark and dismal inother areas. Had no hot water for the first day although we requested reception to attend to the matter it was not. Asked again following day and service person arrived and told us he would be turning the water off for 20 mins... thankfully he got us hotwater. Found the bathroom to be dated bath with a shower curtain and shower so old fashioned. Staff came in eearly evening to ask if towels required and an offer of a sweet?. No hairdryer in the bathroom found it in a drawer in the desk tiny thing (travel iron size) No ironing facilities in the room (we have suite with sea side view) that was ok. Found the person on the greet desk at breakfast said good mornring but never looked at us at all just highlighted the room number. Staff asked us if we required tea/coffe yes.. but mistake made there as by the time one actual got food and brought back to table it was cold so we learnt from that ate and then when near to end of meal asked for the drinks. Found the reception are public ladies toilet not well kept papeer on the floor soiled seats thin paper towels and tap so loose nearly off the wall. So although overall we enjoyed our time in Vallett we will not return to this hotel."

"Fabulous location, easy walk uphill into Valletta. Some steps to climb but not as bad as others have made out. Hotel classic 80's style, could do with some revamp but clean. Rooms are large, but tired. Cleaning good but towels not always replaced. Shower the best in a hotel for a long time. Large balcony lovely with fabulous views but no shade! Food, breakfast good with a variety of options albeit no gluten free options. Other food in hotel good but again extremely limited GF options. Outdoor pool too cold, so indoor pool used which was warm and clean. Lovely hotel but definitely not 5 star. Service sometimes patchy and we played a game as to when we would be served etc but it was always with a smile!"

"Just back from a 5 night stay. Mixed view of the hotel. Good location, on the waterside, lovely pool area but no parasols ! Bar at the pool was lovely good service from staff We had a lovely room overlooking the pool Towels were very poor quality - 3 star at best and room service was very poor, only one hand towel provided, then on three days, no hand towel provided Waiter service in the Admiral lounge was poor, plates left on the table, (had to bring them back to the bar myself) as were glasses on another day. On three visits to the lounge, no waiter / waitress came to take our order Outside walls in bad need of a coat of paint As per heading in our view, not a 5 star hotel, main failing was the service and the towels in the room Not up to the standard of the Phoenicia - a proper 5 star"