Barcelo Fortina Malta

10/10 experience. I travelled solo and was made to feel really safe and welcomed. I was given a complimentary upgrade which was a pleasant surprise. My room is clean, tidy and modern just how I like it. The gym was fantastic, great range of equipment, excellent opening times. The location was perfect close to restaurants, cafes, the sea front and a boat ride away from Valletta. I am Gutted I didn’t get to use more of the hotels facilities, it was my first trip and definitely won’t be my last! Thank you for looking after me Barcelo!!

Thé Barceló Fortina is in a fabulous location. The views over the sea to Valletta are stunning and change with the light. The promenade has a lot to offer whether it is for an evening stroll or a visit to many of the restaurants and bars.

If you are looking to explore Malta and the other islands, there are many different boat tours leaving from the harbour, just a short walk from the hotel. You can also access the hop on hop off sightseeing buses and local buses nearby.

The hotel itself is modern with friendly, helpful and efficient staff and an excellent house keeping team who service the room twice a day. The coffee machine is good and easy to use with tea, coffee etc. provided. The room is generally well equipped but some of the towels and dressing gowns could do with replacing as they are becoming very tatty.

Although the pool area does not live up to the five star rating of the hotel as it has more of a tacky club vibe, you are able to use the facilities when you please. It is necessary to book loungers in advance (for half a day) but we have never had a problem booking. As a hotel guest, you are not given the option of the loungers by the main pool but we are happy with the quieter small pool area. The DJ blasts out “music” during the afternoon and evening which is not to everyone’s taste but I’m sure some people enjoy it. Cocktails are available to purchase from the bar (around €13 each) and there is plenty of food on offer but we only tried the chips which were decent.

The buffet restaurant serves an excellent choice for breakfast with a variety of hot and cold food including fish, meat, cheeses, freshly cooked omelettes etc, various sweet options and fruit. The evening buffet has a different theme each night on a weekly rota including Maltese, Oriental, Mediterranean etc. There is a good choice of meat, fish and vegetable dishes along with the obligatory chips and fried offerings. The food is okay but not always particularly hot, the choice of salad is always good and there are various desserts.

Overall we enjoyed our week again this year and will return again next year.