An interesting idea, if a bit radical

I think that with all the plans they have for Sliema around the Tigne point area, it might become a close approximation of what you have in mind.

I agree that the existing areas could do with a lot of improvement, particularly if the tourist market is changing as much as they say. Apparently people are looking for more short breaks so a couple of decent, characterful, 4* hotels in Valletta wouldn't go amiss either. Or alternatively they could start all over again with an underdeveloped area like Marsascala and St Thomas' Bay!

Or there are the areas with existing 5* hotels - Hilton, Westin, Corinthia etc. The park behind us should be completed soon and will also enhance the area and be an ideal venue for a few outdoor entertainment events.

The trouble is, there are lots of possibilities

Ciao

Susan

A good point but because I visit Mellieha, frequently I would have to object as more tourist will spoil the place for me.

The Hilton is a very good 5* hotel, it certainly is NOT a 4* hotel

Ok, 5* hotels then.

Ciao

Susan

Hi openminded, it's good to have you back on the forums where have you been hiding ?.

Regards
Sliema2

I've been too busy with work but I'll be in Malta from 20-24th Sept

Hello m&n, good thought about to many tourists, but you only have to look what they have done to Sliema knocking down old houses just to put up a few more flats. Then again you have Bugibba and Qawra both planded on the high rise spainish sea front bacis with no sand and not nearly as well planded, it is what I would call a **** hole (parlay veiw my French) But then you have the new hotel at golden bay, how many people would in there right mind want to stay at a hotel like this along with hotels like with the likes of the Jerma Palace hotel in Marsascala, the San Lawrenz hotel on Gozo all three may be nice hotels but only if you are one of those people who like to stay in your hotel for the hole of your stay.
What do you do at night if you are if you are not one of those who do not you a hire a car and go out in it at night just to find a bar that only sells drink with not entertainment and the risk of getting stopped by the police, with the sort of plan I would put forward (as above) I think people could have fun at night if they wanted or keep away if they also wanted.
By the way are they not building lots of new houseing in the village of Mellieha or to the side of it any way.

Please remember these are only the thoughts of someone who may never come back to Malta for a long time

Dave

hello Dave,

Well where do I start?

First off! is that Mellieha Heights has a few bars that provide good entertainment that includes the usual Kareoke(which I don't like) live artists and bands plus the usual Pub quizes.bingo and the likes thereof!

Also along the hill there are a number of bars that provide a friendly local atmosphere and there are also some of the finest restaurents to be found on the fair Island.

The major plus point is that there are no 'foreign' students in the area (to my knowledge) all the best beaches are up to a 10 minute drive away and should one want, the night life of St' Paul's,Bugibba and Qawra are a 10 minute bus drive down the coast.

There are also the band clubs in the church square which provide fantastic entertainment during the village fest and good 'cheap' drinks all year round along with local very friendly people.

The square that you envisage already exist but it is not purpose built for tourist, it is a treasure that is not advertised and fortunately (for me) has not been found by too many!

Walks and views in the area are fantastic. The north of the Island is by far the best

On the down side of course is the hill which takes someone of no disability 20 mins to walk down (good pub crawl) and either a 30-40 min walk back up or a 3Lm (£5.00) taxi to the top of the Heights. Should you ever think of re-visiting Malta then I can think of no better place to stay

Yes hello m&n,
I like what you have put and if I do ever get back to Malta this will be a place to look at, you have sold it well.

But again with out wishing to up set anybody at all, the point I was trying to make was the way the Maltese government has let the builders shoe horn hotels in places like Sleima with roof top pools that in some cases are not much more than hot tubs.

Then you have all the new 4 and 5 star hotels that have been built up at St Julian's they all look very nice with good pools and restaurants in them and perhaps even entertainment on those long end less summer night, but again I ask how many of the people who use these sort of hotels would want to go into Paceville.

This is were I think the local planners get it wrong, if in my veiw they had built these above hotels say next to the beach at Mellieha bay along with the (square,) this would have no affect on the village of mellieha and all the nice thing you let out of the bag, perhaps you can see what I am trying say a little better.

Dave

What an interesting debate.

Having spent a week at one of the above 5* hotels a few years ago, I must admit whoever though of locating them in Paceville did Maltese tourism no favours. The type of tourists who wish to stay in them do not wish to walk out into such an area, (in my case with a 9 & 7 old year in tow). Who in their right mind wants to walk on dirty broken pavements amongst drunken teenagers having paid 5* hotel prices? No one!

It would be a different case if they were located round a beautiful (clean) square with pretty bars/cafes and a few upmarket shops in an are such as Mellieha, as the first poster suggests. OK so it would be purpose built, but surely the 'purpose' is to improve tourism offering a quality holiday experience whilst enhancing the local economy.

I enjoyed my holiday, the hotel was lovely, bathing in crystal clear seas off rocky lidos and if we wished to venture out we got in our car and left the area, going all over the island. Surely Malta doesn't need the extra pollution of those escaping from where their hotels are located.

Most of my peer group were suprised when we went as they would never consider Malta as a modern tourist destination. Something needs to be done to attract families as our children are the tourist 'pounds' of the future. My husband will never return (although he would go back to Gozo where we spent our first week). Apparently he can sit in a traffic jam and see drunk kids in London, so doesn't want to do it on an expensive holiday.

It's a shame because the history, cruising round valetta harbour, visiting Mdina etc can after all only be experienced in Malta.

Just IMHO as always.

I hope you'll forgive my intrusion but being a newcomer I posted a question a little earlier but not sure where it is.
Sincere apologies about this but as an old dodderer I'm sure sure if it is alright to repeat the question please????

Can anyone kindly point me in the right direction to find the cheapest flight and accommodation in Valetta/Sliema for early next month please.

If this is not the done thing or have offended anyone, please accept my apology.
George.

Hi George

it looks as though your earlier posting never made it, as this shows as your first posting - welcome !

someone else will help on the hotels, I'm sure, but for the flights, where would you want to fly from ?

http://www.expedia.co.uk/default.aspx is a good starting point

Mark

Hi there It depends where you are flying from as to where you can get the best flights. As a first timer it may be worth having a look at Chevron Holidays, they tend to be the cheapest and include transfers in the price. feel free to ask for more info.

Gozomark & Charliegirl,

Thank you very much for your helps. - Taking your advice about Chevron Holidays.