Sunflower Hotel

The two-tone exterior of the mid-range Sunflower Hotel, with symmetrical square balconies and glass doors, resembles a residential building. A small patio sits on the ground floor of the hotel by the entrance. While the interiors aren’t fancy, they’re clean and sport a recently updated look. Maltese limestone accents throughout the lobby complement traditional designs, neutral decor, rattan furniture, and a light-wood front desk. Singers performing in the evenings add to the welcoming ambience. There are two elevators that open onto standard hallways with light wooden doors. A wide range of travelers will appreciate the affordable rates and simple, but tasteful, designs of this property that opened in 2003.

The hotel is located in a quiet, residential area with few other hotels or dining options in the surrounding blocks. But it’s a 10- to 15-minute walk to Bugibba Square and the waterfront promenade, with loads of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Meeting facilities are available at the sister property, Hotel Santana, a 14-minute walk away. The Fugass and Kavetta bus stops are within five minutes on foot. A sandy beach is about a 15-minute walk away, and water sports rentals are available at the Dolmen Resort Hotel, about 14 minutes away on foot, which also has a casino. Malta National Aquarium is a 15-minute bus ride. Nightclubs and bars are 30 minutes by bus in Paceville and in St. Julian’s. By car it’s 30 minutes to the Malta International Airport. 

The hotel offers three types of rooms -- Standard, Superior, and Family -- all of which are clean and traditionally furnished with pinewood furniture, beige-tile flooring, and blue striped curtains over glass doors that lead to balconies, overlooking the countryside. Simple bathrooms have shower/tub combos and hairdryers. Most Standard Rooms have two twin beds pushed together and a third bed can be requested. Superior and Family Rooms come with electric kettles at no extra charge and irons/ironing boards. Superior Rooms have sofa beds and can fit up to three people. Family Rooms, for up to four people, have lounge chairs on terraces. Every room offers ceiling fans, free Wi-Fi, safes (for a fee), and mounted tube TVs. Central air-conditioning is controlled by a timer and doesn’t run consistently all day, so rooms can get hot and guests can't control the temperature directly. 

The Sunflower Hotel has a range of on-site options for dining and cocktails. With two terraces, the Geranium Restaurant serves buffets for breakfast and dinner in a space that can be privately rented. Also taking its name from a flower, the 24-hour Amaryllis Bar features a comfy lounge with a fireplace, regular live entertainment, and a nice wine list. On the rooftop is the Wardija swim-up pool bar -- which can be closed when business is slow. The seasonal rooftop pool features modern and circular designs, a kids' pool, and a hot tub. From the deck -- which can be rented for parties -- there are views of the city and partial sea views. The indoor pool and a hot tub are heated in the winter. There's a game room with a pool table, too. Its nearby sister property, the upscale Hotel Santana, offers five meeting spaces and optional catering, though it's a 14-minute stroll away. Wi-Fi is free throughout.