Alexandra Hotel Malta

Alexandra Hotel Malta has modern looking public areas, but the chic veneer is mostly tacked on, as spaces are bathed in neon nightclub lighting. Rotating glass doors open into a lobby that's too flashy for the three-pearl reality of the facilities and experience most guests have, though it caters more to tour groups than couples or business travelers. Lounges sprawl out to either side of the reception desk, with boxy pleather armchairs in primary colors set on area rugs between square-potted plants. The best place to kick back at this hotel is at the excellent rooftop pool, which offers sweeping bay views. 

The hotel is located on a side street close to the waterfront and a number of restaurants and bars, along with a few other smaller hotels. The surrounding Paceville district is brimming with clubs and restaurants, and noise from local nightlife inevitably reaches the hotel. The local bus terminal is about a four-minute walk away, with connections throughout the island, including a half-hour trip to Valletta, Malta's historic capital. One of Malta's few sandy beaches, St. George’s Bay, is under 10 minutes' walk away. Malta International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car.  

Some of the hotel's guest rooms have been renovated, so travelers can expect a variety of decor. It ranges from country-style, with unfinished natural wood furniture, to spaces that are more contemporary, with bold, patterned wallpaper. However, they all look dated, and some even have old tube TVs; others have small wall-mounted flat-screens. Fees for Wi-Fi and use of the mini-fridges is a major drawback. All units have small private balconies -- by far the best feature -- small desks, and roomy wardrobes. Apartments add living rooms with sofa beds, and kitchenettes equipped with microwaves, electric cook tops, and dining tables. The bathrooms have a mix of either average shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. 

The star feature at this hotel is the rooftop pool, which has a sundeck with plenty of loungers, and glass railings for unobstructed views of the city and the bay in the distance. There's also an indoor pool in a dark room with a hot tub. An adjacent spa has a small treatment room as well as a sauna, but there's no fitness center. 

For dining, a buffet restaurant has a flashy dining room bathed in gold and blue accent lighting. Free breakfast is included. The lobby bar has a stage that can be used for booking private events (catering to bachelor parties and other group events), and there's a conference room that can accommodate 100 people. The lobby also has a business corner with several computers and free public Wi-Fi. Parking is available for a fee.