Il Palazzin Hotel

Il Palazzin is housed in an older six-story building with cute traditional Maltese elements such as limestone blocks, arched windows, and a charming red wooden balcony on the top floor. Unsightly black water damage stains on the facade make the hotel feel a little neglected, but a lovely courtyard with a bench, a few tables, and lots of plants adds charm. The lobby is spacious and airy, with period-style furniture, a classic rug in red and blue hues, and blue couches and chairs. The lobby bar has generic wooden furniture with dated red-and-green upholstery, but wine-colored walls and large windows with courtyard views lend the space a cozy feel. The restaurant has a more classic vibe, with deep red curtains, burgundy tablecloths, brass chandeliers, and yellow walls with white moldings. There are a couple of meeting rooms for business travelers, but the hotel's friendly vibe and competitive rates draw mostly families and couples year-round.

The hotel is located on a one-way street lined with half-built hotels and apartment buildings. Although not the most appealing area in Qawra, this part of town is safe and conveniently located within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops along the Qawra promenade. Most beaches here are rocky, but many areas have been paved and feature metal stairs to the water. Lively Bugibba can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes, and famous Cafe del Mar is just about the same distance along the coast. There is a bus top served by several bus lines a three-minute walk from the hotel, which makes moving around the island cheap and easy. It’s 15 minutes by car to Mdina and Rabat, and St. Julian’s nightlife and dining scenes are a 45-minute bus ride, or 20-minute drive away. Valletta and the airport can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. 

The hotel has 79 spacious rooms, all featuring large windows opening onto furnished balconies. Most units have pool views, but many top-floor rooms can get a glimpse of the sea over the buildings across the street. Decor is dated throughout, with terrazzo floors, '80s-style comforters with dark gray and purple stripes, and shiny burl wooden furniture. Although old-fashioned and basic in style, rooms are clean and come with good amenities, including free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Electric kettles can be requested at no extra charge, and safes are available for a fee. No-frills bathrooms are clean but tiny, with shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, and just the most basic toiletries provided. Some may find the beds a little too firm. 

The outdoor pool is a pleasant spot for a quick dip or a quiet morning in the sun, but it is set on a deck right above the street and can get traffic noise. Located on the hotel’s top floor, the heated indoor pool is open year-round and has a large skylight letting in lots of natural light. Several windows offer panoramic city views, and a few loungers are available on the sundeck adjacent to the pool. A varied breakfast buffet is served daily free of charge at Il Palma restaurant, which also offers an international and traditional Maltese buffet for lunch and dinner. With courtyard seating and a large screen, the lobby bar is popular among guests for watching sports in the evening. The hotel also features two meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout. Boarding passes can be printed for free at reception.