Set in traditional sandstone building with attractive facade
Superb views of the harbor from numerous vantage points
Hot and cold buffet breakfast included in room rate
Contemporary rooms have flat-screen TVs, kettles, and hairdryers
Most rooms open to balconies with sea views
Rooftop terrace with sun loungers and panoramic vistas
Free, reliable Wi-Fi available throughout
Free parking available (limited spaces)
Some rooms are gloomy and lack views
Breakfast room doesn't have windows
Bathrooms can be small
The value Grand Harbour Hotel is a straightforward, family-run property set in a lovely traditional building overlooking the harbor of the same name. Its 30 rooms were updated in 2014 -- though can still feel a little tired -- and most feature superb views from balconies or spacious terraces. The daily full breakfast is included in rates, Wi-Fi is free and reliable, and a small lobby bar serves drinks that can be enjoyed on the panoramic rooftop terrace. Overall, be sure to avoid the view-less rear-facing rooms. This is a decent budget option, but travelers willing to pay a bit more may prefer Osborne Hotel, which has a rooftop plunge pool.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Simple, family-run hotel set in charming traditional sandstone building
Set on the corner of a terraced row of traditional buildings, the Grand Harbour Hotel -- with its carved sandstone facade, intricate wrought-iron railings, and enclosed Maltese balconies -- makes for a charming first impression. Stepping inside, a few antique furnishings and cut-glass chandelier add to the old-school feel of this small, family-run property. Just down a set of stairs is the hotel's breakfast room, while a tiny single elevator ferries guests to one of seven floors. While each floors has views over the harbor, a rooftop terrace provides particularly stunning panoramas over the water and surrounding city. The hotel tends to be popular with older guests, as well as tourists on vacation packages, and mostly draws British and American travelers.
Location
Overlooking Valletta's Grand Harbour and a stroll from historic attractions
The hotel is located on a quaint, sloping street on the southern edge of Valleta overlooking the Grand Harbour. Many attractions are nearby, including the gorgeous Co-Cathedral of St. John (home to a stunning Caravaggio painting), the Palace of the Grand Master, and the National Museum of Archaeology, all of which are within a 10-minute walk. The ferry terminal and the main bus station are also less than 10 minutes on foot, while Malta International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. The historic cities of Rabat and Mdina are about 20 minutes' drive away.
Rooms
Most rooms feature superb sea views, some from spacious terraces
While the hotel's 30 rooms underwent a renovation in 2014, and are indeed clean and well-maintained, dark-wood furnishings, busy terrazzo floors, and floral-pattern fabrics create an old-fashioned feel. All outer rooms have lovely views over the harbor, most from enclosed or open balconies, while others have dual-aspect windows. Two rooms on the 6th floor feature lovely spacious sea-view terraces with tables and loungers. Rear-facing rooms, however, are lacking in any view and can be gloomy. For a modest hotel, in-room amenities are good, including large flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is free and generally reliable. While some bathrooms are small, they are clean and modern with step-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and simple toiletries.
Features
Free buffet breakfast with Full English options, plus rooftop terrace
A buffet breakfast is always included in the rate, and covers a good range of items, from eggs, bacon, and sausages to more continental breads, yogurts, and cereals. The breakfast room is on the lower ground floor and lacks windows. There's also a small bar in the lobby, where drinks can be purchased and taken up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the superb harbor views from tables or loungers. Free parking is available under the hotel, though spaces are limited. Wi-Fi is also free and connectivity is generally good throughout.
