db San Antonio Hotel + Spa

The 10-floor db San Antonio Hotel features curved architectural designs and wooden Moroccan windows that pop out against the stark white exterior of the building. Renovations and a new extension to the hotel, totaling 32 million euros, were completed in 2015. Needless to say, exteriors and interiors feel new and modern. The glass entrance is grand with a colorful domed ceiling. The lobby has a Moroccan vibe with metal light sculptures dangling beside massive metallic pillars, metal latticework on the second floor, and tropical plants carved in limestone. Typical resort conveniences are also in the lobby, including a tour desk, vending machines, and three computers on the second floor. Bustling with guests, especially on weekends and during peak season, the hotel is kept clean thanks to about 300 to 400 workers on staff. With 515 rooms, this property is the second largest hotel in Malta, which means elevators are typically slow and buffet service is often crowded. 

This hotel sits across from Qawra’s waterfront promenade and a small stretch of sand, but the coastline is mostly rocky. Views of the Mediterranean Sea can be seen from the property. Restaurants, bars, shops, and the casino at the Dolmen Resort Hotel are in walking distance. It’s a 10-minute walk to the National Aquarium. The restaurants and shops surrounding Bugibba Square are a 10-minute walk from the hotel. With numerous Bugibba Bay bus stops nearby, travelers can visit Malta’s best beaches in Mellieha -- Paradise Bay and Ghadira Bay -- in about 40 minutes to an hour. St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is an hour and 15 minutes by bus. It’s about 30 minutes to the Malta International Airport.

Stylish, colorful interiors and Moroccan designs create a modern atmosphere in rooms with balconies or terraces that overlook the sea, pools, or city. Guests can choose from Twin/Double, Deluxe or Family Rooms, and Suites or Duplexes. Standard rooms are the smallest option and Family Rooms offer more space and small sitting areas. Suites have separate living rooms and Duplexes have loft bedrooms. Deluxe Rooms feature chic brown and gold designs, living rooms, and nice perks: stocked minibars, free parking, and kitchenettes with wet bars, microwaves, cutlery, and glassware. Thirteen accessible rooms are available. All rooms offer flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridges, kettles, safes, and irons on request. Stylish bathrooms -- which feature checkered tile floors and frosted Moroccan mirror designs -- offer hairdryers, and walk-in showers or shower/tub combos with mounted toiletries.

The hotel’s restaurants and bars are also influenced by Morocco. Named after the busy district in Marrakech, the Gueliz Restaurant is the main eatery, serving buffets in a dining room that can get hectic. The dBistro offers Italian and Maltese cuisine, Yushan Restaurant serves Asian fare, and the charming Tagine Restaurant cooks up Indian and Moroccan food. The casual Q-Zins restaurant has American, Mexican, and Italian dinners. Kosy Bar features a small stage for live entertainment. With sidewalk seating, the Cafe Maroc offers coffee and tea.

Two seasonal outdoor pools, a kids' pool, and lounge chairs overlook the sea. The rooftop infinity pool -- open seasonally for adults only -- offers a quieter atmosphere. The Moorish-themed spa features a hammam, sauna, steam room, and -- under a skylight -- an indoor pool and hot tub. NewForm Fitness Club has a nice selection of cardio and weight machines, plus a boxing studio. For families there’s a kids’ club open to children ages 5 through 11. The hotel also offers four meeting spaces, with the largest holding up to 450 people.