Mellieha Bay Hotel

The four-floor Mellieha Bay Hotel is an upscale property that maintains a relaxed atmosphere despite its close proximity to Ghadira Bay, a sandy beach that gets chaotic with tourists and locals particularly in the summer. For the most part, the property is quiet -- aside from the animation team’s music and water polo events at the two outdoor pools at the Jamaica Inn pool bar. To escape the noise there are benches, cacti, and palm trees on rock pathways that wind along the coastal hillside, overlooking the Mediterranean sea. A steep, long staircase leads to a private shingle beach. Interiors of the hotel unfortunately aren’t as lovely as the sea views. Blue faded carpeting lines hallways that have older elevators, though tall windows provide a lot of natural light down some corridors. The simple, clean lobby has a lounge area decorated in orange-and-green cushioned rattan furniture that’s comfy but not particularly stylish. While the common spaces in particular could use a refresh, the location and sea views are special. 

Mellieha Bay Hotel is on a green cliff with tropical landscaping and steep stairs that lead to a private shingle beach, where there are a few lounge chairs and umbrellas. For scuba divers, there’s the on-site Aquaventure Malta center. It’s a 10- to 15-minute walk to Malta’s largest sandy beach, Ghadira Bay, which gets crowded during peak season. It’s a 20-minute bus ride to Mellieha town with the Parish Church of Mellieha, Mellieha Air Raid Shelter, restaurants, cafes, and shops. This hotel’s location is quieter than the lively St. Julian’s that’s an hour away by bus. Malta’s capital, Valletta, is an hour and a half by (the usually crowded) public bus. By public transportation it’s 30 minutes to the Popeye Village Fun Park. The Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal is a 15-minute bus ride with ferries to Gozo and Comino. Driving to the Malta International Airport takes about 45 minutes.

Mediterranean views from balconies and terraces are the highlight of the 313 rooms at this hotel. Design is simple and contemporary, with stylish patterned wallpaper, burgundy or turquoise drapes, throw pillows, simple wood furniture, silver decor, faux leather chairs, and dark-stained wooden floors. But some rooms haven't been updated and have dull furnishings and tube TVs. Simple, white-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos and toiletries. Rooms fit anywhere from one to four people, with some that have bunk beds. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges that are stocked on request, safes, air-conditioning, electric kettles, and hairdryers. 

The Mellieha Bay Hotel’s facilities take advantage of the hillside location and beautiful blue Mediterranean views. Dining tables -- with limited shade from the Malta sun -- are on a large sea-facing terrace. By the Jamaica Inn, which serves snacks, there are two connected outdoor pools and a kids' pool that face the sea. The other outdoor pool and kids' pool are quieter and near the main snack bar that offers burgers, pizza, and drinks. The heated indoor pool has ample sunlight and the private beach offers a bar that’s open in the peak season.The main restaurant has modern decor and the lobby cafe offers rattan seating. Limelight Entertainment Lounge also has bar service and a stage with live cabaret shows. There’s also a wedding terrace tucked in the gardens with a beautiful sea backdrop. An English bowling green, two children’s playgrounds, and two tennis courts allow guests to stay active. Wi-Fi is free throughout. All-inclusive and half-board rates are available.