Hotel 1926

Housed in several adjoining buildings, the Plevna takes up an entire block between Hughes Hallet, Thornton, and Sant’ Antnin streets. Inside, the property feels a bit like a maze, with long hallways that keep changing directions, and a few steps where the different buildings meet. The lobby is long and airy, with large windows letting in lots of natural light, and dark couches with pops of purple that stand out against the white tile floors. Right off the lobby are the main restaurant, the cafe and the bar, all of which have a casual, friendly atmosphere, and generic contemporary decor in black, gray, and purple. Although lacking a pool (there is one at the hotel’s seasonal beach club down the street), the rooftop area is a popular sun trap year-round. There are a couple dozen loungers and chairs here, but bar service is not available. 

The hotel is located in the heart of Sliema Ferry, a couple of blocks from the sea. Many of the restaurants, bars, and shops on the promenade, which runs along the coast from Valletta to St. Julian’s, can be found within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. There are no sandy beaches within easy walking distance, but the hotel has a seasonal beach club down the street, in a rocky area with direct access to the clear Mediterranean waters. This location is convenient for those looking to explore the island via public transport, as there is a bus stop a three-minute walk from the hotel, and the ferries to Valletta dock a five-minute walk away. It is a 25-minute drive to the airport. 

The hotel has 100 rooms, all clean and comfortable, and most with a small balcony furnished with plastic chairs. The hotel is renovating its rooms at a rate of a handful every few months, and decor varies depending on when the last facelift took place. The newest rooms have wooden floors, stylish silver wallpaper with a geometrical design, black wooden furniture, and purple accents in bed runners, throw pillows, and curtains. The oldest feature simple pine wood furniture, wooden, laminate or tiled floors, and gray curtains. Bathrooms also vary, but all are clean and nice, with either white or dark gray tile floors, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and an array of toiletries. In-room amenities are a notch above most other mid-range hotels in Sliema, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and electric kettles with free tea and instant coffee. Safes are available for a fee, and adaptors for a deposit. 

The hotel has a seasonal beach club on a rocky platform just down the street. It features a restaurant, a pool, a kiddy pool, and direct access to the sea. Chairs and tables are available free of charge, but there is a fee for use of loungers and towels. Lunch is served here daily during the warmer months, while breakfast and dinner are offered at the hotel’s main restaurant, located off the lobby. Breakfast is served every morning free of charge, and includes eggs, beans, breads, pancakes, pastries, fresh fruit, cheese, cold cuts, coffee, tea, and juices. The bar is a popular hangout spot for guests, and has a large TV screen and a wide selection of drinks. 

When the beach club is closed, the rooftop deck is a good alternative for sunbathing. There are a few loungers, and a number of tables, but bar service is not available. The hotel also has a conference room with audiovisual equipment and space for up to 60 people. Guests are offered discounted rates at the Preluna Hotel &Spa’s fitness and wellness centers. Wi-Fi is free throughout.