Luna Holiday Complex

The Luna Holiday Complex is a quiet five-story building with unobstructed ocean views from its rooftop pool -- one of two places to swim at the hotel. Over the years, this property has grown, beginning in 1982 with only 30 apartments. Today the large three-pearl hotel attracts various types of guests with its peaceful setting, close beach access, and downmarket prices. Bistro tables are set beside the entrance of the hotel. Simple, blue sofas and sailboat artwork decorate the two-story, bright lobby. A flat-screen TV by the front desk broadcasts the hotel’s events such as a special BBQ, Chinese buffets, or movie nights under the stars on the pool deck. This hotel isn’t suitable for those seeking a party or social atmosphere, though three days a week there is live entertainment, including karaoke nights, and otherwise soft music plays over the speakers in the evenings. A dive center on-site and bicycle rentals suit active travelers. Overall this is a no-frills, basic property that offers a quiet, affordable, scenic vacation but little style or polish. 

The hotel is sandwiched between two residential streets with few dining options nearby. At the front of the hotel there's a rural hillside with the Parish Church of Mellieha and at the rear is the sea. This hotel’s location is excellent for ocean lovers since Mellieha Bay, Malta’s largest beach, is 10 minutes away on foot. The hotel also has a dive center that appeals to all levels of divers. In walking distance, there are historic sights including the Mellieha Air Raid Shelter and the Parish Church of Melliha, about 11 minutes away on goot; travelers can find more dining options in this area of town. A bus stop down the street from the hotel connects to St. Agatha's Tower in 15 minutes. For a party atmosphere, Paceville is an hour away by bus. Popeye Village Fun Park is a 20-minute bus ride. It’s 45 minutes by car to Valletta, Malta’s capital. The Malta International Airport is a 40-minute drive.

The hotel’s studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments are mostly decorated in homey, dated designs with traditional light-wood furniture, yellow walls, and tiled floors. Furnishings are often dull and worn, but the Penthouse Suite and Superior Family Apartments are modernized with neutral furnishings. Kitchenettes in apartments have two-burner stoves, toaster ovens, mini-fridges, tea kettles, and dining tables. Additional charges (for daily housekeeping, safes, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi) can add up fast, though these fees can be waved with direct bookings and certain upgraded room types. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, weekly housekeeping, and balconies facing the Mellieha village hillside, the courtyard, or sea. Note Superior Studios don’t offer sea views. Superior Family Apartments have sitting areas, full kitchens with stoves/ovens, and free air-conditioning, but no elevator access. The modern two-bedroom Penthouse Suite has a veranda with sea views, a living room and dining area, kitchen, and air-conditioning. The basic bathrooms have showers or shower/tub combos but don’t offer toiletries. These are functional spaces that lack style, but they're generally clean and spacious enough. 

The Luna Holiday Complex hotel has multiple casual dining options from lunch and beer at the Twilight Lounge Bar with live televised sports, to the Dining Room’s fancier Mediterranean menu. The Don Tonino Snack Bar offers street-side patio seating at the hotel’s entrance, and the breakfast room is clean with a cafeteria-style layout and a morning buffet spread. Solaris Pool Bar, on the large rooftop pool deck, is open in the summer, overlooking the ocean and countryside. The ground-floor pool is sectioned off with a kids' area and a hot tub. Thanks to ample lounge chairs around both pools, sunbathers here typically don’t fight over poolside seating. Event services, including DJs, are provided for kid pool parties or private events. Since every unit has a kitchen, the mini market is a favorite among guests, offering a wide selection of dry goods, produce, and snacks for reasonable prices. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and at two computer terminals.