My wife and I visited Malta several years ago during the winter months. It was a nice time of year to visit as the weather was very pleasant, hotels were offering discounts, and it wasn't hard to get a table at a restaurant.
We decided to splurge a little and stayed at the Hotel Phoenicia, a five star accomodation just outside the gate of old Valetta in Floriana, near the Triton fountain. This was both a good and bad choice. The location, facility and grounds were terrific. The food and service were below par for a hotel of this quality, and I'd not stay there again if we ever return to Malta.
That said, I thought I would share with you some of the photos of this historic art deco era hotel. Its construction began in 1935 and it was almost finished when World War II began, during which the hotel was extensively damaged by aerial bombardment. -- so its repair, completion and opening were not until 1948. The hotel is built of local limestone.
(the lounge)
(the restaurant)
One of the highlights of the hotel is its spacious gardens, covering over seven acres, overlooking the walls of Valletta and its harbor. Last weekend's One Clue Mystery photo was taken from the grounds of the Hotel Phoenicia. It was the first travel puzzle I've published in a long time that no one recognized.
Like much of Valetta, the garden's grounds are terraced, with a lot of up and down, but still afford a most pleasant stroll. It's worth visiting the gardens even if you don't stay at the hotel. Here are some more photos of the hotel grounds and gardens....
And some views of the city and harbor from the property....
The Hotel Phoenicia has welcomed many distinguished guests, ranging from Queen Elizabeth II to Alec Guiness to Arnold Schwarzenegger. And, of course, you can add DrFumblefinger to the list.
Unfortunately the food looks better than it tasted. Oh well....
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