Grand Hotel Gozo

Halfway up a hill in Gozo's Ghajnsielem village, the Gran Hotel overlooks Mgarr Harbour, which is a few minutes away on foot. Stately pillars around its peach facade are attractive, but interiors are more dated than impressive. The classical look throughout includes marble floors, drab earth-tone seating, and a mirrored ceiling in the lobby. The lounge's club chairs and pale-blue leather booths could use an update, but when the weather is nice, most guests head out to the covered terrace with patterned tiling and lovely views of the harbor, sea and distant Comino Island. The elegant outdoor pool and rooftop Breeze restaurant also offer stunning views, but unfortunately, they're both seasonal. This is a quality pick for couples, but there's little to entertain kids on-site. 

The hotel's location is excellent, just a four-minute walk from Mgarr Harbour and Gozo Ferry Terminal for access to the main island of Malta. Note, however, that this means walking from the port to the hotel requires traversing a steep hill (taxis are available). Just down the road is Extra Divers, for those looking to dive in nearby spots. Beaches can be reached by car or with the hotel's free summer shuttles, but spot fill early and local busses can often be full. Ramla and Hondoq beaches are both about 15 minutes away by car, and shuttles also run to the nearby city of Victoria. For those wanting to explore more of the island's beaches, Xlendi Bay and snorkeling-haven Mgarr Ix-Xini are under 20 minutes away by car, as is the Ta' Pinu Shrine. A supermarket is a five-minute walk and there are a decent number of restaurants and bars within a 10-minute walk. Journeys from Malta International Airport take around 90 minutes by car and ferry.

Rooms are on the dated side, but they're spacious and clean, and almost all have balconies with country or sea views, although a few offer less-scenic inland views of the street or courtyard. Most are in the main building, but those in the hotel's older wing are more outdated and require walking up steps. Room categories range from Standards with inland, country, or sea view, Superiors that overlook the sea, and Family Suites. Rooms range in their datedness, but all have traditional wood furniture, wood flooring, and old-fashioned bedspreads or bed runners. Some add landscape artwork. Amenities consist of wardrobes with safes, small sitting areas, flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and AC. Wi-Fi is free, but it can be patchy in some units. Bathrooms have decorative tile details and shower/tub combos, as well as magnifying mirrors, hose-style hairdryers, and a good range of toiletries. Terrace Superior Rooms have sunbed-equipped balconies overlooking the sea, while Family Suites have two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

A highlight here is the outdoor pool open from April to October, flanked by umbrella-shaded loungers and providing gorgeous vistas of the sea and surrounding landscape. Another pool is located indoors, but access for children under 16 is limited. An indoor spa has treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, hot tub, and manicure stations. During the summer, a rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes for dinner. The Italian eatery, Il Migiarro, offers a la carte options and occasional dinner buffets, and there's a lounge serving drinks and snacks throughout the day. Food receives positive reviews and all rates include a continental breakfast buffet. A small movie theater room and function space are on-site, as is a tiny, cramped gym with a few pieces of equipment. Wi-Fi and parking are free.