Panorama Hotel

The Panorama hotel is in an aging white building, with yellow-painted balconies at the edge of a terraced hilltop. It's geared toward budget travelers, and it's especially popular with British couples. The entire property could use renovation -- carpeting in hallways is faded and fraying, and the pool area has rust and old furniture. Wear and tear is prevalent throughout the simple lobby, with a stone reception desk that's seen better days. But the lounge area is pleasant, with brown armchairs and couches that are livened up with a fish tank set in a wall. Around the corner, the lobby bar has a more modern look, but the views over the bay are the only thing worth looking at.

The hotel is located on a hill that faces Mellieha Bay, and is surrounded by apartments and historic sights, like the Parish Church of Mellieha (a four-minute walk from the hotel), and plenty of restaurants. The hillside location means travelers should expect uphill climbs to and from certain sections of town. 

Malta’s largest beach, Ghadira Bay, takes about 10 minutes to reach from the Adenau bus stop several blocks away, or just six-minutes by car. Mellieha lacks the nightlife of more touristy Malta locations, and restaurants typically close early in the evenings. For a livelier atmosphere, St. Julian’s and Paceville are about an hour away by bus, or 30 minutes by car or taxi. Valletta, Malta's capital and home St. John’s Co-Cathedral, is an hour and 30 minutes by bus, or about 45 minutes by car. 

Ferries to Gozo and Comino Islands depart from the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which is a 15-minute bus ride, or 10-minute drive, from the hotel. Malta International Airport takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. 

Only five of the hotel's guest rooms lack balconies and views, but the rest are on the sea-facing front of the building, and have small private balconies. Units are basic and comfortable, and all have AC, but they look shabby, and amenities need to be updated. Standard rooms range from tiny singles (with narrow twin beds) to triples with queen and twin beds. Some rooms have wood furniture that's well-maintained, and in others, it's scuffed. There are desks, wardrobes, and headboards with reading lights, plus free Wi-Fi, but rooms lack kettles and have old tube TVs. Upgraded rooms have small seating areas, with plastic chairs and larger windows with better views. The bathrooms have stall showers, old tube-style hairdryers, and limited toiletries.

The small infinity is the hotel's best asset, set in a sundeck that faces the bay. Scattered lounge chairs and old wooden tables provide limited seating space. Another highlight is a seasonal alfresco restaurant that has a terrace with the same view, though tables are weathered. Specialties on the menu include traditional Maltese rabbit, bouillabaisse with local seafood served in an earthenware bowl, and stewed octopus stuffed with minced pork, fennel, and herbs. The year-round buffet restaurant serves snacks and Mediterranean standards in a casual dining room, and breakfast for a fee. There's also a lobby bar that serves beer, cocktails, and espresso drinks. Wi-Fi throughout and on-site parking are free.