Mellieha, Solana Hotel

This hotel is attractive, clean and well furnished. All staff are impeccably dressed, pleasant and efficient. Unfortunately there are some areas that fall short of the 4* rating this hotel enjoys. My husband and I have recently returned from a week stay which was totally spoiled by the room we were allocated and the quality of food at dinner in the buffet restaurant. The room was situated in the basement of the annex. It lacked adequate ventilation and heating resulting in the bed, bedding, our clothing and possessions becoming more damp as the week progressed. The only window was at ceiling height almost the width of the room and about 12inches in depth, providing little light and well out of reach of occupants to open (if it does) or escape from if necessary. On further investigation we found the window was at pavement level on the street at the rear of the building. We set the heater at 32°C with limited effect. The extractor fan in the ensuite was too small and so ineffective; because of this we limited the use of the shower to once a day to minimise the condensation escaping into the bedroom. In our opinion this room was unfit for purpose and a potential death trap. Nowhere to relax in comfort. Our complaints seemed to fall on deaf ears. On check in we were advised that being booked as half board that dinner was served in the buffet restaurant. The quality and presentation of the food left a lot to be desired and was reminiscent of old style school meals - totally unappetising. We had noticed another restaurant and on further enquiry found this was accessible to us and an allowance was available for a la cartel menus and set menus at no additional charge. This provision was not generally publicised but it did salvage some pleasure during our stay.