Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St Julian's

With a glass facade, clean lines, and a boxy shape this Radisson Blu feels more business-oriented than its beachy, Mediterranean-style neighbors. This elegant property draws a mix of business travelers, couples and families, but its extensive meeting facilities, slightly out-of-the-way location, on-site parking lot, and formal vibe, make it a popular spot for corporate events, especially during the off-peak season. Right at the back of the property is the Mediterranean Sea, and the hotel manages to make the most of this with its U-shaped floor plan. The restaurants take up two floors in the narrowest part of the U, and rooms are spread out on two wings that make up the longer sections of the building. The main pool and the kiddy pool occupy the central part of the property. This clever layout allows for great sea views from most rooms, all restaurants, the lounge, and the pool deck. The lobby is an appealing multi-level space with sleek marble stairs on either side, a mezzanine level with a wrought-iron railing, and soaring ceilings. On the left side, a quiet lounge with a few white and dove-gray tufted couches offers additional seating, and business guests can sometimes be seen holding casual meetings here.

The hotel is located at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet area north of central St Julian’s. There are a few other hotels nearby, as well as a playground and an outdoor sports center, but the neighborhood is currently being developed and is mostly empty. The area can feel a little out of the way, but the hotel is actually just a 10-minute walk from lively St. Julian’s and the party scene in Paceville. There is a bus stop within an easy walk of the main entrance, and the hotel has its own taxi service with fixed rates to St. Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta, and the airport among other destinations. The Radisson Blu is built on a rocky platform jutting out into the sea, and swimming is possible in several spots right outside the hotel, but the best and easiest access to the water is by the beach club, located down a short path from the pool. The nearest sandy beach is St. George’s Bay, located a 10-minute walk away. Restaurants and bars in Spinola and Balluta bays can be reached by car in about seven minutes, and ferries to Valletta are just a 13-minute drive away. It is 20 minutes to Malta International Airport.

The hotel’s 252 rooms are spacious and clean, with large windows and furnished balconies, most of which offer wonderful sea views. Decor is elegant throughout, with handsome classic wood furniture, dark gray carpet or parquet floors, and large mirrors with silver frames. Blackout curtains keep the light at bay in the morning, and plush beds allow for a good night’s sleep. Suites and Business Class units have a stylish dark palette with anthracite couches and matching headboards, but standard rooms have striped red curtains, and red bed skirts and bed runners with flower designs that feel a tad dated. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, safes, air-conditioning, and recycling bins. Business Class Rooms also have Nespresso machines with free coffee. Bathrooms in standard units are a little small, but have stylish black tile walls, double sinks, wood cabinets, rain showerheads, and a wide array of toiletries. Suites feature larger bathrooms with sleek walk-in rain showers and separate deep soaking tubs. 

There are three restaurants at the Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St Julian’s, all serving excellent Mediterranean and international food. Kon Tiki serves a huge breakfast buffet every morning, and offers buffet nights and themed dinners. Le Bistro is the hotel’s main restaurant, and features stylish decor with black metal and wood furniture, and colorful hospitality-style carpet. Adjacent is The Bridge, a chic lounge with purple and dark gray suede couches, wooden floors, and a sexy vibe at night. It has its own short menu, but food from Le Bistro can also be ordered here. All dining and drinking options here have outdoor seating with pool and sea views.The main pool is located in the central part of the property and features a swim-up bar, a kiddy pool, and a spacious deck with panoramic sea views. During the warmer months, the beach club offers access to three additional pools, as well as to a casual restaurant with light bites and barbecue dinners. The Radisson Blu is home to a great spa, complete with treatment rooms, an indoor pool (although there have been complaints of cold water), and a hair salon. The fitness center is small but well-equipped with a handful of cardio and strength-training machines, a whirlpool, and a sauna. The hotel also features two outdoor tennis courts with sea views, and a diving center with courses and day trips.The Radisson has five meeting rooms, which combined offer enough space for up to 1,500 guests. There is also a business center with a couple of computers, and outdoor events space. Secured outdoor parking is available for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout.