I have a favourite view in Malta, it never ceases to take my breath away.
So when I discovered the Fortina hotel was open for bookings, I hopped on a plane and made it my home for a week in November last year. This is the view across the harbour from the hotel, my favourite view.
The hotel has been completely refurbished and transformed to offer an unrivalled luxury experience. With 183 gorgeous bedrooms and spread over 60,000 square meters, it's now branded by the prestigious hotel chain, the Barceló Hotel Group.
The Barcelo Fortina Malta is a magnificent 5* contemporary hotel, perfectly located to discover all that Malta, Gozo and Comino have to offer.
And the view, oh boy, the view.
It's panoramic, from the bastions and church steeples of the fortified city of Valletta, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, across to Manoel island and its fort, to the whole of Marsamxett Harbour out to the azure blue Mediterranean sea!
The hotel had it's official inauguration/opening during my stay, which was attended by many dignitaries and the PM of Malta Robert Abela, and thus is now officially 100% ready to welcome you.
With its prime location on Sliema's seafront promenade, a stunning five minute walk will take you to the "Ferries" at Sliema. This is a superb transport "hub" where you can catch one of the many buses which traverse the island, hop on your tour bus, jump on the Sliema-Valletta ferry, the catamaran which whisks you off to either Bugibba, Comino, or Gozo, or one of the many sightseeing day-at-sea boat trips or interesting harbour tours (you'll find ticket booths here too if you haven't already booked) You can reach anywhere from here.
You are also in the midst of shopping heaven! Tigne Point Shopping Centre is just to the left and above you, and the shopping streets of Sliema with another smaller shopping centre The Plaza, mere steps away.
As soon as you enter the hotel you receive the warmest of welcomes, check-in is aided by a beautifully chilled glass of fizz (my kind of place!) being poured for you whilst you complete the process. The reception area is minimalist in style, and is such a fabulously calming space with a feature wall and a stunning floral display. It's gorgeous on a morning with the sunlight flooding through.
This calming atmosphere continues on into the breakfast room which is located on the ground floor too. I loved the set up of the breakfast room, lots of natural light, a variety of seating options, hot drinks served to your seat and a delicious buffet breakfast with an egg station. It's a warm, almost intimate setting which you don't expect to find in a hotel of this size. It's a place to linger over your morning coffee and newspaper, and there is a superb selection of food on offer. I was very well looked after by chef, who prepared my poached eggs to order each morning with a hello and another warm smile. Breakfast is served midweek 0730-1030 and at a weekend a leisurely 0730-1100.
Directly above the breakfast room you'll find the hotels cocktail bar which I didn't have time to try, but I did peek my head in to take a look one morning and it's lovely. Luxurious seating and again that warm and intimate feel to it.
The hotel has it's own spectacular Beach Club/Lido (have I mentioned the view!) with a restaurant, which is directly opposite and accessed by an underground tunnel from the hotel. It's great as it's here you can also find the Spa, gym and indoor heated pool. Nice and easy if you just want to pop on your robe and head over. The indoor pool is solely for hotel guests and hotel spa customers to use, and no reservation is necessary. The outdoor pool/beach club also allows customers from outside of the hotel to use it's facilities by way of a day pass. In the summer months this beach club is incredibly popular with live DJ's playing chilled out vibes therefore for hotel guests it is mandatory to book your sunbeds at the hotel reception at least 24 hours in advance.
I stayed in an extremely spacious Superior Sea View room which was located on the 6th floor. It was more like a suite than a hotel room. I had a lovely balcony (balconies do range in size) mine was huge but narrow, but perfect to enjoy my morning Earl Grey whilst watching the world wake up.
The beds are huge, and extremely comfortable, there is oodles of storage space, charging points, a kettle, coffee maker, and a fridge which is a godsend. Complimentary bottled water is provided daily. Hairdryer, iron/ironing board, mini bar are all included, everything you'd expect from a 5* hotel.
The TV is massive and being Smart you can connect your Netflix etc, but refreshingly there are a number of English channels to watch, I even spotted Eastenders one evening. There is also a seating area and a huge vanity area in the room with a mirror the full length of the wall.
The bathroom is a beaute! There is a huge walk in shower and a large bath too. The sink has another great vanity unit and another lovely big mirror.
Free wi-fi is offered, there is a parking garage attached (subject to charge), accessible rooms are available and the entrance to the hotel reception is flat. Room service is available (subject to tray charge) concierge and stored baggage services are also available.
Transport can be arranged at the front desk, although E-Cabs and Bolt are also plentiful in this area.
I'd recommend that you stay here in a heartbeat, its an amazing property with wonderfully warm and attentive staff throughout. What's even more awesome are the rates, they are crazy reasonable for a hotel of this star rating in such an awesome location.
Most tour operators feature this property now including TUI and Jet2. Following the pandemic, I'd strongly encourage you to book with your local travel agent, for the peace of mind and financial protection it provides. They also have price parity with tour operators and in most instances can price match something you find online. You can also book direct through the hotels website at the link in the contact details below.
Barcelo Fortina Malta Hotel
📍 Seafront, Tas-Sliema SLM 3012, Malta Tigné Seafront, Tas-Sliema SLM 3012, Malta,
📞+356 2605 0000
Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Beach club and cocktail bar images courtesy of Barcelo Fortina Malta