Pjazza Amphora, Xatt ix-Xlendi, Xlendi, Malta | (937) 315-4602
Peaceful hotel, one minute from a small bay
Several restaurants and bus stop nearby
Homey rooms with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning
Many rooms have balconies with valley or sea views
Rooftop terrace with small plunge pool and hot tub
Waterfront restaurant with affordable seafood specialities
Free buffet breakfast with cooked fare
Free Wi-Fi in common areas
Interiors are dated
Reports of worn bed sheets and towels
Some rooms have tiny balcony facing interior courtyard
Plunge pool and hot tub are tiny
Fee for in-room Wi-Fi
No fitness, spa, or kids' facilities
The mid-range Saint Patrick's Hotel is a dated property with an excellent location on Xlendi Bay's waterfront. The 62 rooms are spacious and most have outdoor spaces overlooking Gozo island's valley or beautiful sea. However, they have old-fashioned furnishings and worn bed linens and towels, and some overlook an internal courtyard. Though on a lively promenade, the setting is tranquil and removed from the buzz of Malta's main island. A rooftop terrace with a plunge pool, hot tub, and panoramic vistas is a standout, and all rates include free breakfast buffets with hot items. The all-day restaurant serves fresh seafood and has a seafront terrace. Note that in-room Wi-Fi costs extra. Travelers willing to pay a bit more may prefer the upscale Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, which has multiple pools, contemporary rooms, and a spa, but is farther from the coast.
Scene
Traditional hotel with dated interiors and rooftop terrace with pleasant views
In the center of Gozo's small town of Xlendi, Saint Patrick's Hotel sits right on its bay. Overlooking the bay and small rocky beach, the hotel takes advantage of its peaceful location by providing gorgeous views from a rooftop terrace and several rooms. The five-story, classical building has attractive wrought-iron touches, and interiors surround an inner courtyard. Interiors are done in an old-fashioned style that guests will either find dated or homey, with lots of wicker furniture, decorative terra-cotta tile floors, and wall sconces. A decorative wine barrel and large black-and-white photos add some character. Unfortunately, many furnishings are showing significant wear. The simple restaurant is bright in the day thanks to floor-to-ceiling window, and a covered terrace directly faces the bay's lapping waters and dramatic cliffs. Guests here are primarily couples who spend their days exploring the area.
Location
Next to a small beach and overlooking Xlendi Bay
The hotel's waterfront location is scenic, and though better suited for a quick dip than full swimming, small and rocky Xlendi Beach is just a one-minute walk away. The central village setting means a good number of restaurants are nearby, as are a diving shop, ATM, and bus stop. The hotel can organize car rentals and public parking is free around the hotel. Ramla and Hondoq Beaches are both a 20-minute drive away, as is Mgarr ix-Xini for snorkeling. The ancient Citadel is a 10-minute drive and Ta' Pinu Basilica and the Ggantija temples are just a few minutes farther. Built in 1650, Xlendi Tower is a 12-minute walk (or five-minute drive) and the city of Victoria is 10 minutes away by car. For the main island of Malta, Gozo Ferry Terminal is a 20-minute drive. Malta International Airport takes 90 minutes by car and ferry.
Rooms
Sizable but dated rooms, most with balconies offering nice views
Rooms are typical of hotels in the area: dated, simple, and spacious. They have some homey charm, however, with their traditional wood furniture, pale-blue bed runners, striped drapes, and framed artwork. Many guests have complained of worn sheets and towels. Nine rooms have tiny, unfurnished balconies that overlook the inner courtyard, and most guests agree it's worth upgrading to a sea- or valley-view room with furnished terraces. All rooms have desks below mirrors, small sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, kettles, and mini-fridges with bottled water for a fee. Eight Family Suites have living areas that can be converted into a second bedroom, for a total sleeping capacity of five. Four Club Sea View Rooms have large terraces with sunbeds overlooking the bay. Air-conditioning is provided but rooms lack safes (although there's one at reception). Also note that there's a fee for in-room Wi-Fi. Old-looking bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hose-style hairdryers, and basic toiletries.
Features
Rooftop terrace with tiny plunge pool, free breakfast, and seafood restaurant
The rooftop terrace is a sunny spot housing a tiny plunge pool and connected hot tub. Worn loungers line the terrace and vistas of the landscape are pleasant. On the downside, there are no spa, fitness center, or kids' facilities here. All rates include free breakfast buffets with cooked options such as eggs, beans, and bacon, plus cereals, breads, cake, and fruit. Prices are reasonable at the restaurant, which serves well-reviewed fresh seafood overlooking the waterfront. A small meeting room can be used for functions. Free Wi-Fi is limited to common areas.