Soreda Hotel

The five-story Soreda Hotel is a clean, upper-middle-range property decorated in traditional interior designs that are comfortable, but not especially stylish. Red wingback chairs sit on marble floors in the lobby where guests can be found lounging and listening to the hotel’s pianist play classical music. Mostly couples stay here, but conveniences are included throughout the hotel to also appeal to families; for example, there's a changing table in the lobby’s public restroom, a game room, and a kids' pool alongside the rooftop pool. The rooftop pool tends to get crowded, particularly when you add into the mix rambunctious school groups who frequent the hotel. 

The area surrounding the hotel is a slightly gritty residential area of Qawra that’s on small hill. At the bottom of the hill, one block away, is the rocky waterfront. The area is a bit removed from the more touristy section of Qawra. But there are a few restaurants, bars, and shops in walking distance. The Malta National Aquarium and more touristy Bugibba Square can be reached on foot. Directly outside the hotel is the Cunningham bus stop. Excursions to Gozo and Comino islands are arranged through the hotel or there are ferries that depart from the Cirkewwa, which is an hour away by bus. It’s 40 minutes by bus to the bars and restaurants in St. Julian’s. Valletta can be reached in an hour and 30 minutes by bus. The Malta International Airport requires a 30-minute car trip.

This hotel offers Standard Rooms, Junior Suites, and Apartments that are located in four different wings. Interiors are clean, but traditional and plain with wooden furniture, tile floors, and homey decor. All rooms offer air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, kettles, and balconies that overlook the pool or courtyard. Standard rooms offer two or three beds and there’s a charge for safes. Mini-fridges are stocked upon request and irons are available for a fee. Junior Suites have comfy sofas in sitting areas, dining tables, and safes that do not require a usage fee. Studios, one- and two-bedrooms apartments have kitchenettes. Clean bathrooms feature hairdryers and shower/tubs combos with mounted soap dispensers. 

The Soreda Hotel’s facilities are mostly geared toward families. At the top of the hotel is a charming rooftop pool, a kids' pool, and lounge chairs. A separate sun deck provides more lounge space. There’s also a terrace at the Tiki Poolside Bar, which is open in the summer. Views from the rooftop overlook the city and the ground-floor pool and hot tub. With artificial grass on the deck, the kitschy indoor pool features Greek designs and a hot tub. Express Fitness Club has a nice selection of weight and cardio equipment with small flat-screen TVs that line the mirrored walls.

The Bayleaf Restaurant serves buffets in a casual and often crowded dining room. Two bars are on-site -- the Coffee Lounge and Acqua e Vino, which has a small dance floor and stage. For lounging there’s a TV room with red tufted seating, books, and a mounted flat-screen TV. The recreation room appeals to families with two pool tables, foosball, and other games. The hotel can also accommodate private functions of up to 150 people and, for a fee, three computers with Internet access are available.