Pebbles Resort

A well-maintained and distinctive gray-and-yellow balconied facade first makes the San Pawl Hotel stand out from its surrounds. Stepping inside, 2012 renovations have spruced up the reception and lobby areas with contemporary seating and a fresh feel that belies the hotel's mid-'70s origins. Exploring farther inside, however, hallways and other public areas appear like they've hardly changed since the hotel opened, with dated furnishings and drab interiors crying out for a makeover. Most of the four-floor, three-sided property is centered around a mostly sunny and spacious pool terrace -- much of which shades over late afternoon. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, attracting a good mix of budget-conscious vacationing groups, retired couples, and families, primarily from the British Isles. 

The hotel is located in the Maltese purpose-built and hardly picturesque resort of Bugibba, on the north coast of the island and part of the St. Paul's Bay district. The immediate surroundings contain a mix of residential blocks, other hotels, and a few bars and restaurants, while the main nightlife and tourist hub of Bugibba Square is around 10 minutes away on foot. It's around a five-minute walk to the water and the seafront promenade that lines the bay, and there's a rocky beach within walking distance. The shingle Qawra Point Beach is a five-minute cab ride away (where Malta National Aquarium can also be found), while a more impressive stretch of sandy beach is under 15 minutes' drive at Golden Bay. The historic capital Valletta and Malta International Airport are around half an hour away by road.

The hotel has 184 air-conditioned rooms, which break down to Standard and Superior, and street or pool view. Interiors are basic and old-fashioned, with simple dated furniture, tiled floors, and (in some cases garish) synthetic fabrics; however, rooms are clean and generally comfortable. All open to balconies, around half of which overlook the pool, while street-facing rooms suffer minimal noise. Rooms by the elevator can be noisy and some past guests have complained of thin walls. Most flat-screen TVs are 24-inch, extending to 32 inches in Superior Rooms. Use of mini-fridges, safes, and Wi-Fi all requires fees. Bathrooms are underwhelming and in some cases poorly maintained, equipped with small shower/tub combos (with clingy plastic curtains) and basic toiletries.

While there's a fairly good range of facilities for a value-oriented hotel, those amenities still feel budget. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style in the main restaurant, while the second restaurant specializes in pizza. Quality of food receives mixed reviews. Evening entertainment -- local singers and line-dancing -- is available most nights and tends to be aimed at older guests. The outdoor pool is on the small side for the size of the hotel, though there's a separate section for kids and the surrounding terrace is spacious with plenty of loungers. The heated indoor pool and whirlpool tub is an unexpected plus, though it is showing signs of age. Overlooking the pool is a wood-floored fitness room with fairly modern equipment.