Paradise Bay Resort Hotel

With its nondescript blocky architecture and weatherworn (occasionally flaking) facade, it's easy not to get too excited upon first arrival at the Paradise Bay Resort Hotel. A mermaid fountain out front is a fun addition, though the green water gives it a look of neglect. The lobby is high-ceilinged and bright; interiors generally don't feel far removed from hotel's mid-'70s origins. There are marble trim, busy patterned fabrics, and polished stone floors. A statue of the hotel's founder at reception makes for an unexpected presence. Although undeniably dated throughout most of the property, it is kept spotlessly clean and generally well-maintained, and guests frequently praise the friendliness of staff. The complex is composed of a curving five-story building overlooking its large, fish-shaped pool and gorgeous eponymous bay beyond. Open all year, British couples make up the bulk of guests, largely from package tour companies, joined in the summer months by families with kids.

This stand-alone hotel is located on the quiet northern tip of Malta, overlooking beautiful Paradise Bay. Views across the water are uninterrupted in both directions, with the bay on one side and the sister isles of Gozo and Comino on the other. The setting is certainly secluded, with no other hotels or restaurants nearby, though it is well-positioned just a minute's walk from the ferry terminal to Gozo. There's a private sandy beach and dive center just across the road, and it's a 20-minute walk to the beach at Paradise Bay. There are a number of dining options in Mellieha center, around a 10 minutes' drive away, as well as The Popeye Village theme park and Ghadira Nature Reserve. It's a 45-minute drive to both the capital Valletta, and Malta International Airport. Local buses also pass in front of the hotel.

The 276 guest rooms continue in the same vein as the rest of the hotel; they're bright, clean, and very much stuck in the last century. A refurbishment in 2015 certainly spruced up most of the rooms, which feature colorful patterned fabrics and cheerful paintwork, though they still look dated and many show signs of wear. At 280 square feet (26 square meters) rooms are spacious and all open to furnished balconies or terraces. Most feature lovely bay views on one side and sea and island views on the other -- some lower-level rooms however just look onto the road. Junior Suites add sofa beds and can sleep up to four guests. 

Amenities include air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, and safes. TVs are a mix of old-style tube and flat-screen varieties. Rooms also come with old-fashioned, wall-mounted irons and ironing boards. Spotty Wi-Fi is available for an extra charge. While also clean, bathrooms show signs of age and come with hose-style hairdryers, shower/tub combos, and basic toiletries. 

The hotel offers a range of dining and leisure options. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the main dining room, which features large windows and views over the Mediterranean. Breakfast is not always included in the room rate, though meal packages -- one which is all-inclusive -- are available. There are two other a la carte eateries that offer a range of meals and light bites, plus an alfresco terrace with sea views. 

There are three outdoor saltwater pools, the largest of which is in the form of a fish, and each overlooks the bay and provides a shallow section for kids. The attractive indoor pool is one of the largest indoor saltwater swimming pools in Malta (it's only heated in the winter) with a whirlpool section, glass ceiling, and adjacent deck lined with loungers. There's a private sandy beach across the street from the hotel. The hotel offers a typical activities program of table tennis, darts, and yoga; evening entertainment is mostly by local musicians. There are also a kids' club and game room with pool and table football. Tennis courts, a multipurpose sports court, and tiny gym are also available. Free Wi-Fi can be used around the reception area.