Bayview Hotel by ST Hotels

The seven-floor Bayview Hotel by ST Hotels is a no-frills property that’s ordinary in design with extraordinary views of the Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta that can be seen from the hotel’s rooftop terrace and pool -- one of two outdoor pools. But the rooftop scene can get crowded with lounge chairs placed closely together. Shaded by a few palm trees, the street in front of the hotel is continually teeming with pedestrians, cars, and buses. The hotel is comprised of three buildings: the main hotel and two apartment blocks, one which faces the waterfront. In the small lobby of the main hotel are modern sofas that are shabby from too much wear. Another comfy lounge in The School apartment block is open 24 hours, offering computers, a pool table, and a children’s playroom. In general this hotel appeals to travelers -- couples and families -- who want an inexpensive waterfront location in an exciting walkable area.

Located directly on the Marsamxett Harbour, the hotel is in a busy and highly trafficked area that’s convenient for those looking for a lively vacation. Nightlife, restaurants, cafes, and shops, and a movie theater surround the hotel. The Sliema Ferry is in easy walking distance, with 10-minute boat trips to Valletta, Malta’s capital. The Ponsonby bus stop is outside the hotel and goes to St. Julian’s and Paceville, also with exciting nightlife scenes, in 25 minutes. A sandy beach is a 10-minute bus ride from the hotel. Mellieha, a more relaxing and quieter area of the island, is 40 minutes away by car. Gozo and Comino can be reached from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which is an hour and 15 minutes by bus. The Malta International Airport takes 20 minutes by car. 

This hotel offers rooms and apartments -- studios, and one-, two-, and three-bedrooms -- with designs that range from homey and dated to modern and simple. Apartments have partition walls separating sitting areas and kitchenettes with wet bars, stovetops or ovens/stoves, mini-fridges, and kettles. Sea views from balconies are available; otherwise rooms face the streets or other buildings. Apartments are separated from the main hotel with one building sitting waterfront and the other, The School block, removed from the harbor, with its own outdoor pool. Rooms have daily housekeeping and apartments offer twice a week cleaning. Apartments also have free Wi-Fi and washers/dryers. Internet is available in rooms for a fee. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, writing desks, and air-conditioning -- which is on a timer -- and safes for a fee. Hairdryers, kettles, TV remotes, and irons are available with a refundable deposit. Modern or white tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. 

The Bayview Hotel by ST Hotels’ best feature is its rooftop terrace with beautiful harbor views, a pool, kids' pool, and summertime Marina Bar. The School apartment block has another outdoor pool, but without the waterfront views. There’s also an indoor pool that’s heated in the winter, a hot tub, and a sauna, which is available for a fee. The gym is cramped, but it provides modern cardio and weight machines, and free weights. For a bit of pampering there’s the privately run Shi Chinese Massage & Beauty Salon and the Fixx Hairdresser.

The hotel has its own dining options -- The Boulevard bar and brightly lit Sea Star Restaurant with buffets. There are also multiple private restaurants on-site, including a Subway sandwich shop, Incredible Asia restaurant, the Sorrisi Cafe & Pasta in the lobby, and the Da Sofia Italian Restaurant. A 24-hour lounge offers a pool table, four computer terminals, a vending machine, and a colorfully decorated kid’s playroom. Meetings can be accommodated in a cafeteria-style room.