The Plaza & Plaza Regency Hotels

The Plaza & Plaza Regency Hotels (or Plaza Hotels, as the property is known in Sliema) are housed in two pale pink buildings across the street from each other. Most common spaces are located at the Plaza building, including all but one of the restaurants, the indoor and outdoor pools, and the lobby. Two bridges located on the sixth and seventh floors connect both structures, allowing guests to go from one to the other without having to leave the premises. The views are a major draw here, and most common spaces and many rooms have full sea views due to the hotels’ position directly overlooking the bay. 

Interiors are generic and average for a mid-range hotel, especially the lobby, which has dark brown couches, cream-colored floor tiles, and a simple wooden front desk. Although the sea views in the reception area are obstructed by the restaurant’s terrace, large windows let in lots of natural light, and a few plants make it a little cozier. There is a sunny meeting room in the Regency building, but the hotel is more popular among couples and families than among business travelers.

The hotel is located right across the street from a pleasant waterfront park and a large rock platform with direct access to the sea. There are several kiosks and restaurants offering outdoor seating with sea views, and many more dining, drinking and shopping options can be found within a few minutes of the property. The stretch of promenade between Balluta and Spinola bays is particularly lively, with a wide array of bars and restaurants for all budgets and ages. Less than a 20-minute walk away is the famous nightlife area of Paceville, popular among the younger crowd. The buses that stop right outside the hotel’s main entrance offer easy and cheap access to other parts of Malta, including Valletta and the airport. However, the best way to travel to the capital is by ferry, as travelers can enjoy stunning city and bay views from the boat. Ferries are available in the Sliema Ferry area, which is a 20-minute walk away. The airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 279 rooms ranging from smallish units with double beds to spacious Studios. The tan and blue decor accents look a little simple and generic, but large padded headboards, contemporary blond wood closets, and cute bedside lamps add some style. Most rooms have large windows that let in lots of light, and some have stunning panoramic sea views, but most Inland units have unappealing views of a building or a wall. Air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs with international channels are nice perks provided in all room types, but Wi-Fi and safes are an extra charge, and only Superior units and Studios have electric kettles and mini-fridges. Studios also have small kitchenettes with two hot plates, a microwave, a toaster, and a sink. Most bathrooms have been renovated and feature beige or gray tiles, and showers with glass screens, but a few are in need of an update, and only soap and a couple of sachets of shower gel are provided.

The rooftop pool is a highlight at the Plaza Hotels. It is a little small, but the atmosphere is relaxing, and there are several decks with loungers and almost 360-degree vistas. A seasonal bar offers drinks and snacks poolside during the warmer months, and there is a kiddy pool in a gated area adjacent to the main pool. In addition, the hotel has an indoor poolcomplete with a whirlpool and several padded loungers. Overlooking this area is the Terrace Bar, offering cocktails and live entertainment several times a week. The main restaurant is located on the top floor, and serves an average breakfast with continental and English options, as well as buffet dinners. Cara’s Cafe serves sandwiches, salads, pastries and coffee in a sunny dining room or on the lively terrace, and Italian food is available at Vecchia Napoli. The hotel also features a spacious meeting room with panoramic sea views and audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is available throughout for a fee.