Looks a lovely hotel. I wasn't that keen on Sliema I found the traffic very busy. Easy access to places though.

Glynis, is there no one else on here any more? you seem to be the only one who ever reply's !

Dave.

I don't like Sliema either Glynis as you say the traffic is very busy and I don't like the shops either. We got off there when doing the hop on-hop off bus trip but didn't stay there long. I wouldn't like to stay for a week Dave but you've been to Malta before haven't you so know what it's like. I have been to Malta over 25 times but have no desire to go again at the moment although our friends keep asking when we're going back to see them.

Well Sliema is my favourite. ! I have stayed in Buggiba and Qwara too. I like the fact you can get the boat over to Valletta with no problem,and like the long prom walk to St Julians too.

I can get the need to return thing.
I am only just back and planning on returning already,

I tend to stay in Qawra though.

I mostly stay in Qawra too Helenllama but have also stayed in Bugibba but find the hotels in that area seem to have gone downhill fast.

We've always stayed in the Bugibba (twice) and for the last four times in Qawra as we stay wherever my parents are when we nip over and visit them for a few days during their holiday.

We also like Sliema because of it being right on the waterfront and also that you can get to Valetta very easily by water taxi. My parents don't like Sliema because they say it's too busy - but, they live in a tiny place in UK called Knott End where not much happens unless you're a golfer or a crown green bowler.

However, if we were going ourselves, I think we would probably head for St Julian's area because we like the harbour end of town which is nice to go to of an evening.

We both loved our visit to Gozo for the day on one of the organised bus trips from Qawra and that could be another possibility for us, expecially Xlendi Bay:


Gozo - Xlendi Bay (3) by CyprusPictures, on Flickr

And, back on Malta we found Marsaxlokk was very pretty too:


Marsaxlokk, Malta (30) by CyprusPictures, on Flickr

But then again - how often do you see a giraffe in your front garden?


Qawra promenade and seafront, Malta (1) by CyprusPictures, on Flickr

Having been going to Malta for the last 22 years we have stayed in several different resorts, there was a period we didn't go for 2 years running and to be honest I got withdrawal symptoms so we have visited every year since

It used to always be the St Paul's Bay or Qawra and Bugibba area we stayed, however lately it is always Marsaxlokk and that is where we will be again next year.

I have never fancied the Sliema / St Julian's area, just not for us but I know many people love it and if you want a busy area that is certainly it, it is the most popular and commercialised tourist area on the island.
You have easy access to Valletta and indeed all other parts of the island via the buses which operate via the promenade and there is plenty of choice for places to eat and visit.

We always say we are going to stay in Gozo but so far haven't done that as we always end up staying on Malta however I must agree with Shell that Xlendi Bay is a lovely wee resort, you can either walk out or swim out to the caves on the right of the bay.

As I mentioned we have never stayed in Sliema so haven't any first hand experience of the Victoria hotel, however we had some friends come out for a long weekend to visit us 2 years ago when we were in Malta and they stayed in the Victoria, I have asked them about it and they enjoyed their stay and said the roof terrace and pool was really lovely.

They had a side room that had a view of the street but that didn't bother them and they have said they would go back again.

I think Marsaxlokk is a lovely village and certainly a good alternative place to take a holiday, we don't like Qawra and while Sliema is more attractive than Qawra the traffic is ludicrous sometimes around Tower Road, but out of everywhere we love the peace and tranquillity of staying in the Maltese countryside you just can't beat it.

Well the need just grew and grew and now it has been booked, Malta look out hear we come. Seabank hotel at Mellieha Bay, New Year for a week of all inclusive fun and games. After what happened last new year I just had to get away this one, so after a 8 year wait we are going back, never stayed in this area before did have a day on the beach once and I remember it being a nice one. Handy for a trip to Gozo, like it there, will have to see if I can arrange to see Mark for a beer, so lets hope the weather is kind to us and the sun shines on Dave.

Nice one

I had to give in to the need many years ago and just returned every year now.

I am sure you will love it up at Mellieha and as you say yes it is a nice beach, not so sure it will be beach weather at the New Year though, remember to pack the Budgie Smugglers just in case

I have given up on the need to return and go every year now too.

This year I get to go twice