 | ||
| Hilton sparkles with new look | ||
It is a short walk from many of the leading restaurants and from Valetta’s night life. The 413-room five-star hotel has recently enjoyed a massive revamp, including most of its bedrooms. The remainder will also be refurbished and the indoor pool will be overhauled soon. Studio suites include kitchenettes. The Hilton also has four outdoor pools and a Livingwell Health Club. There is also an artificial sandy beach, whirlpool and children’s pool and extensive grounds for relaxing. Its former dowdy lobby has been entirely transformed into one that reflects the hotel’s five-star status. Those staying on the executive floors have access to the executive lounge and its experienced, delightful staff. Breakfast is served there each morning with drinks and snacks throughout the day, with an enhanced canape buffet and alcoholic beverages each evening. Many of the staff throughout the hotel have worked there for two decades or more and the Hilton is well used to catering for guests with special diets, including kosher food which is available on request. The previous general manager, who was there for a considerable period, was Israeli Clement Hasid, formerly of the Sheraton Tel Aviv. The present incumbent, Matthew Mullan, is no less experienced in serving the needs of Jewish guests, having previously been general manager of the Glasgow Hilton which, over the years, has been the venue for many kosher functions.
It is superbly run, with the most glorious leafy decor, set among water features. Vegetarian and fish dishes are plentiful and dining there is truly an exceptional experience. The Oceana Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an extensive buffet and a la carte menu, including freshly caught fish. But watch out for the new fine dining restaurant opening in the winter.
The facts... * easyJet flies from London Gatwick, London Southend, Manchester and Newcastle to Malta, up to seven days per week, with prices starting from £24.68 per person (one-way, including taxes and based on two people on the same booking). All flights can be booked at www.easyjet.com *Rooms at the Hilton Malta from £80 per night – Hilton.com/malta *For more information about the Maltese archipelago visit www.maltauk.com *My guide was Clive Cortis, www.maltaprivateguide.com - tel 00356 7970 6554 or 00356 21633415 or email info@maltaprivateguide.com *Recommended restaurants: Don Berto (Italian) — donberto.com; Kartell, Gozo (Mediterranean) — kartellrestaurant.com and Le Bistro at the Radisson Blu Hotel, St Julian’s — radissonblu.com/en/stjuliansresort-malta/restaurants * Vacation Care Manchester Airport Meet and Greet is thoroughly recommended. Enquiries to andy@vacationcareparking.com or 07766 537967
|
Some of the Hilton’s outdoor pools
The Blue Elephant Restaurant