Sliema, Hotel Preluna and Spa

Just returned from a week long stay at The Preluna. I have never stayed in a 4* hotel before, so I can't compare it to any other. Although it was a decent hotel, it appeared no different from some 3* accommodation that I have stayed at in other countries.

We stayed in a Family Suite on the 5th floor of the block. The room was clean but in need of refurbishment. The room consisted of two bedrooms and one bathroom which led off the first bedroom. Access to the 2nd bedroom was via the first, so we had to walk through the 1st bedroom to reach the bathroom. This is OK if you have small children but it could be really awkward if four adults are sharing the suite.

Facilities in the suite were basic and sparse. There is only one wardrobe, which was in the 2nd bedroom. There wasn't one in the first, only drawers of which there were none in the second room, which also had no mirror or plug sockets. This was quite annoying, as we had to keep going into each others rooms. So much for privacy! Our daughters are 13 and 17, with the youngest getting rather embarrassed with us walking through her room all the time.

There was a fridge/minibar in the 1st room but this didn't work. We informed reception on arrival but it still wasn't working when we left, so no cold drinks for us. The air con was insufficient. It barely worked. We had to keep the ceiling fans on whilst in the rooms as it was so hot. The fans are really noisy, so it is worth investing in a pair of earplugs if you want to remain cool and sleep at night!

As we were at the back of the hotel, we had a city view, which was mainly a view of the other side of the hotel plus a half built construction. If we stood on the far left of the balcony, we did get a city view!

The spa pool is small but quite relaxing. It was pretty quiet most times. It was very stuffy in there though and you do need to take your own towel unless you are all inclusive.

The Triton restaurant was fine, although some tables are a little bit close together. It is best to go early or late as it can get rather busy and you may have to queue to get a table. The food was good. Lots of choice with a different theme each evening. During busy breakfast times they were short of teaspoons, cups and glasses but after 10 minutes or so they were replaced. Our daughter has Coeliac Disease which means that she has to have a special diet. We met with the catering manager who was really helpful and said that if there wasn't anything that she could eat at dinner then they would provide an alternative. Luckily, she managed to find something each evening, even if it was a little repetitive.

We had no problems with the lifts but they are small and slow. They will nearly always stop at every floor. Do visit the Sea view lounge on the 13th floor of the block. It is empty during the day and you get fantastic views of Sliema, Valletta and St Julians. The sun terrace on the towers block also gives great views and the chance to sunbathe. It does get very hot though and there is little shade.

We briefly visited the outdoor pool but weren't very impressed. It is quite small and rather tatty. Also, the golf on the roof isn't great and they also don't tell you that you have to pay for it until you check out. It was 2 or 3 LM per person. Not worth the money.

The Hotel Preluna and Spa is in a great part of Sliema though. Although Tower Road appears rather busy, it is much quieter than Sliema Creek/Harbour. The buses stop not far from the hotel, which is great for getting around.

Beware of Time Share touts in yellow or blue t-shirts saying Beach Club on the front outside the hotel, who pretend to work for the Preluna. We were approached by one, who said that he was promoting the Preluna and showed us a card not unlike the ones used by the hotel to enter the rooms. He reeled off a list of travel companies but not the one we were with, which appeared odd if he worked for the hotel. He said that part of the hotel (the block) was closing in October to be refurbished and that they were running a special promotion and if we went with him to look at the new rooms, over the road, we could have a free meal, drink and £200 worth of vouchers off our next holiday. We thought this odd as no-one from the hotel had mentioned this and the hotel had no buildings 'over the road'. He said that we needed to go with him there and then as he was finishing in 15 minutes time. We declined his offer and carried on with our plans. Needless to say that when we returned an hour later he was still there. Be warned. Don't fall for it.

As we were half-board we had the majority of our meals in the hotel but had some nice lunches out. I would recommend Time Square, next to the hotel, and TGI Fridays over the road in the fort.

You must take a trip on the old buses. They are brilliant, uncomfortable but great fun. They are going to be removed from early next year when Malta goes over to the Euro, due to health and safety issues, so make the most of them. The new ones aren't the same.

Take a trip into Valletta and visit The Upper Barracca Gardens. Fantastic views over the Grand Harbour. We went on our own but there are lots of trips organised by the travel companies. We visited a Festa, great fun but it goes on a little too long. There are only so many fireworks you can watch.

Would I go back to Malta? Most definitely. Would I go back to The Preluna? Probably but I would go for an upgraded room with a seaview next time.

First impression of Preluna Hotel and Spa exterior not good, excellent once inside. Sea view room excellent higher the better (pay for upgrade if poss. Linen changed daily maids very friendly, skyroom bar excellent, food very good. Try Argyle resturant for more personal service. Buses very cheap and regular, taxis very expensive, car hire next door to hotel (cheaper than inhouse ) Gozo & Malta is a wonderful place lots to do & see or just relax, first time for us we will be back soon.