Bella Vista Hotel

The Bella Vista Hotel is an all-inclusive resort that has all the expected facilities, but could use a serious style upgrade. The lighting in common areas is bright -- almost stark, in fact -- and there are drop ceilings throughout, which add to the dated feel. While it's a comfortable enough base for sightseeing and those who like to spend time exploring, it's not ideal for those who want to dedicate their holidays to sitting by the pool all day with a cocktail, working on their tans. The lobby, while big, feels almost like a high-end hostel (or a retro 1950s diner) rather than a resort, with long red-vinyl couches throughout. There are also plain terraces for sunning, though they have little to no landscaping and lack beach umbrellas. Plus, the white plastic lounge chairs are fitted with rubber mats, not the most comfortable in the hot sun. Guests include couples, business people, and families.

The Bella Vista Hotel is located on a busy, fast road that leads to St. Paul’s Bay. Traffic by the hotel is non-stop, and there is some noise as a result. There's little in terms of shops and restaurants in the immediate area, but the hotel is a short drive from several seaside resort towns with plenty of shopping, dining, bars, clubs, and casinos, and there is free parking, so guests with cars will have no problem getting around. The seafront Qawra Promenade and central Qawra are around a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and Salina National Park and Kennedy Grove park are also within walking distance. The bus station and the clubs and bars at Bugibba Main Square are a 15-minute walk away. The shore along the Bugibba and Qawra Promenade's is rocky, though there is a man-made sandy area. It's a 15-minute drive to popular beaches such as Golden Bay. 

The rooms at the Bella Vista Hotel are bright, spacious, and clean, and all have balconies with pool or countryside views. Not all balconies have dividing walls, so privacy varies, and rooms facing the pool also face other rooms, while street-facing rooms get traffic noise. Decor is simple, with tile floors, generic light-wood furniture, and navy and cream bedspreads. Amenities include minibars and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, but there are fees for air-conditioning and in-room safes. Tea and coffee facilities are included, but when supplies run out, there is a charge for refills. The bathrooms are roomy, with shower/tub combos and a mix of blue and white tile and countertops. 

The Bella Vista Hotel has two buffet restaurants which offer weekly theme nights featuring Maltese or Italian menus. Vegetarian meals are available, but must be requested in the morning. Foodies will not likely be inspired by the cooking, but the choices are varied. The Tate Lounge Bar offers live music, movie screenings, and karaoke throughout the week, and there are barbecue grills scattered throughout the grounds for guests who want to cook out. There's also a sizable minimart stocked with souvenirs, snacks, sunscreen, and other necessities. 

Recreation features include an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool with its own poolside bar and a children’s area. Note that the outdoor pool doesn't get much direct sun so sunbathers may be disappointed. A game room with pool and ping-pong, and a fitness center offer guests a way to blow off steam, although the gym is tiny, with cardio machines placed very close together. The spa offers Chinese massage and reflexology, as well as beauty treatments and hair styling. Meeting rooms and event facilities are also available.