Porto Azzurro

The six-floor, mid-range Porto Azzurro is a small, family-run property with a cozy atmosphere and inexpensive prices that appeal to a variety of travelers -- couples, groups, and families -- who appreciate a vacation with home-cooked meals prepared in their private kitchens. Common areas in this apartment hotel are small, but guests have plenty of space within their units. The lobby, which faces a quiet side street, has comfortable rattan chairs and blue striped pillows and drapes. Blue sofas are found in some narrow hallways that are clean, but lack character. The residential-style six-floor building -- painted cream with iron balconies -- wraps around a corner, providing half of the building with lovely Xemxija Bay views. 

The hotel is located on a hill in a low-key area of Xemxija that’s a two-minute walk to the waterfront promenade, with a few restaurants and shops. Returning to the hotel requires walking uphill, which can be a challenge for those with limited mobility. Go Dive Malta is on-site, offering guided dives to wrecks, rentals, and scuba courses. A five-minute walk from the hotel is the Is-Simar Nature Reserve, where there are campsites and nature trails. For travelers who want a more lively atmosphere, the Roti bus stop is beside the hotel, and a 15-minute bus ride can take guests to Bugibba Square. Mellieha is a 10-minute bus ride, and Golden Sands beach is 21 minutes by bus. The lively nightlife in Paceville can be reached in 30 minutes on public transport. Malta International Airport is a 30-minute car ride away.

Interior design in the units ranges from quite homey to sleek and modern throughout the Studios, and One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments. These spaces have family-friendly extras including free high chairs and cribs. The less attractive, somewhat dated rooms have checkered blue-and-yellow bedspreads, striped drapes, and light-wood furniture. Every room has a kitchen with a stove and oven or a kitchenette with hot plates, toasters, electric kettles, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Balconies or terraces face the bay or outdoor pool and countryside. Penthouses are more sleek and modern, with dark-wood furnishings, dining tables and living rooms, guest bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, and stunning bay views. All rooms offer flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, irons/ironing boards, electric kettles, and Wi-Fi (for a fee). Bathrooms -- which either have mosaic designs or white tiles -- offer hairdryers, shower/tub combos or showers, and some have whirlpool tubs. 

Avalon Bar, Porto Azzurro’s English-style pub, is the hotel’s most charming amenity with wooden ceilings, brick accents, leather-tufted furniture, cigars for sale, and live local entertainment. Porto Fino Restaurant is clean and large, offering ample space to dine on Mediterranean cuisine. In the summer months the outdoor pool -- with a snack bar, kids' pool, and hot tub -- hosts weekly barbecues. Lounge chairs are set around the pool and on a separate sun terrace. The indoor pool is heated and also offers a hot tub. Older exercise machines are in the bright fitness center. A mini market sells provisions for meals to cook in apartments, along with wine, souvenirs, and sundries. Wi-Fi is available, but incurs an additional fee.