Park Hotel

In old-fashioned gold lettering, "Park Hotel" hangs above the small front door of the six-story exterior that features marble designs on the bottom floor and small balconies up above. Marble archways and black pillars create a dark setting in the lobby that’s often crowded with school groups or guests sitting in white modern chairs and black sofas, connecting to the Wi-Fi that's free in common spaces (versus the rooms). The S-shaped front desk, with purple lamps hanging overhead, feels like it’s from another era. Jewelry is on display in the ground-floor elevator bank, where there’s also a staircase. Guests report a bit of wear and tear in the furnishings, but the reasonable rates, clean interiors, and convenient location make it an attractive option for travelers, especially couples on a romantic getaway. 

From the Park Hotel’s location in Sliema it’s an easy one-minute stroll to the waterfront promenade, and it's a 15-minute walk to the Point Shopping Mall, Malta’s biggest shopping center. More shops and restaurants are 10 minutes by bus at the Sliema Ferry which goes to Valletta, with the St. John's Co-Cathedral. The Ghadir and Chalet bus stops are less than 1,000 feet (300 meters) away, allowing guests without cars to easily explore the island. Parking in the area can be problematic since there’s no on-site garage. Those looking for lively nightlife can head to Paceville, a 15-minute bus ride away. It’s also a 15-minute bus trip to St. Julian’s, where there’s St. George’s Bay and Spinola Bay with the Love Monument. Mdina Old City takes an hour by public transport, and Hagar Qim is about an hour and 45 minutes. Driving to the airport takes 25 minutes.

The style in rooms is basic and traditional, though at times outdated as in the tube TVs and 1990s-style patterned upholstery. Rooms have light-wood furniture, beige tile-flooring, colorful artwork, and small TVs (mostly flat-screen) above writing desks. Most rooms have balconies, with some offering partial sea views; others have unattractive views facing the interior. Single Standard Rooms, the smallest option at 52 square feet (16 square meters), are suited for solo travelers. Triple Rooms are geared toward families with up to three beds. One-Bedroom Apartments -- the largest rooms -- have living rooms and kitchenettes with mini-fridges, microwaves, two-burner stovetops, toasters, and dining areas. Studio Apartments also have kitchenettes with small sitting areas and bistro tables. Every room has air-conditioning, electric kettles, mini-fridges, and safes that have locks available at the front desk, for a fee. Bathrooms have wall-mounted hairdryers, wooden countertops, and shower/tub combos. Wi-Fi is an additional fee, though it's free in common spaces.

The Park Hotel has a nice range of unfussy amenities that families and couples can equally enjoy -- although fun-loving kids at the small rooftop pool have be known to spoil the quiet leisure time of couples. This pool offers bar service and lounge chairs on a small sundeck with city and partial sea views. The indoor pool and hot tub in the basement are well-lit thanks to recessed ceiling lights. The hotel doesn’t have a spa, but there’s a massage parlor, sauna, and a fitness center with older -- but usable -- cardio and weight equipment. Overlooking the street, the lobby bar offers cocktails and free Wi-Fi in a casually designed lounge. Camilla Restaurant serves a buffet of international cuisine in a dining room with tables placed closely together under stained-glass ceiling accents. Wi-Fi is free in common spaces.