Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel

With a name like the Vivaldi, it's fair to expect a hotel with a little smattering of classical elegance -- and on that score this property does deliver. Built at the end of the '90s, while the sandstone facade is certainly modern, wrought-iron balconies, and vintage-style lamps add a touch of the traditional. Inside, the bright and airy lobby also combines more contemporary elements with grand columns, a centerpiece chandelier, and a portrait of the Baroque composer himself. However, pleather armchairs and old-fashioned blue and red carpeting date the hotel and are in need of a revamp. A pair of elevators ferry guests to one of seven floors -- or up to the rooftop terrace with superb unobstructed views over St Julian’s and out to sea. Clientele typically lean toward vacationing Italians and Brits, mostly couples, though with a fair share of both groups and business travelers. While welcoming guests with kids, the atmosphere and facilities lean away from family-oriented.

The hotel is located on its own block in a relatively laid-back area of the notoriously lively St. Julian's resort, on Malta's northeastern coast. Just opposite is a small peninsula occupied by the Westin Dragonara Resort, while a couple minutes' walk in the other direction is the town's buzzing Paceville district brimming with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Noise from local nightlife inevitably reaches the hotel. The local bus terminal is a 10-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.

The hotel has 263 guest rooms, all fairly spacious and following a similar design of traditional wooden furniture, ironwork detailing, and burnt-orange or blue-gray fabrics; floors are either parquet hardwood or dated patterned carpets. Just over half the rooms feature at least partial views of the sea (and car park) from either tiny Juliet-style or larger furnished balconies; others have large windows that overlook the artificial grass terrace and buildings to the rear. Some rooms are prone to noise from local nightlife. All rooms come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, which also work as routers for the free Wi-Fi, plus electronic safes and mini-fridges that can be filled on request; suites add coffee- and tea-making facilities, though all guests can request free kettles. Bathrooms are either a little dated with old-style tiling, or renovated in 2015 and having a contemporary feel; all have shower/tub combos, hotel-brand toiletries, and hairdryers.

Bright and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows, Antonio's is the hotel's main restaurant and the setting for buffet breakfast, Sunday lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is a varied choice of hot and cold items, with eggs cooked-to-order, though some complain that service finishes too early. An a la carte menu of light meals and snacks is served in the Rhapsody Cafe and Lounge, while a seasonal snack bar opens in the summer months on the rooftop terrace with weekly barbecues. Also on the seventh floor is the seasonal outdoor pool, which is on the small side with limited sun loungers, though panoramic views over the town's rooftops and sea are lovely. The spa has an indoor pool (heated and open year-round), treatment rooms, sauna, and steam rooms (for a hourly fee). The gym has a decent amount of cardio and weight-training equipment, but it's worn. Parking is available on-site for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free of charge but can be spotty.