Enjoy a view that spans the centuries from the balcony at Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta, overlooking the deep blue waters of Malta’s Marsamxett Harbour with the ancient walls of Valletta in the wings.

Malta is a small island country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea south between Sicily and the North African coast. It’s 7000 years of history includes historic sites from a succession of rulers from ancient times including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, British and French. There are fortresses, megalithic temples and a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C. It is just one big open-air museum.

The balcony at Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta is the sort of place where you could lose yourself for a day. You might emerge only to swim at the private beach and dip in the Mediterranean or take wander the cobblestone alleyways of the heritage city of Valletta. Of course, you won’t, because there is too much to tempt you in Malta to stay idle for long.

Walking through the streets of Valletta, Malta’s capital is the perfect way to discover the city.  Staying at the Grand Excelsior, you are only a few minutes’ stroll from the city’s laneways.  It is easy to simply amble up the Grand Hotel Excelsior’s 88 steps towards lunch or dinner, which I did on several occasions, or you can simply take the shuttle.  Valletta is an atmospheric and safe city to walk at night as the public buildings are well lit.

Aim for a Grand Excelsior room with a good balcony view as the hotel overlooks Marsamxett Harbour and Fort Manoel. Marsamxett Harbour is Valetta’s northern harbour and is dedicated to yachting and sailing.  There’s a marina at the hotel, of course, exclusively for hotel guests.

Our room at Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta

The view from our was indeed impressive with 270-degree views of Marsamxett Harbour and 15th-century fortifications built by the Knights of St. John. There was a king-sized bed and a spacious terrace.

The balcony was quite large and sunny, perfect if you want to lie in the sun on the twin loungers or enjoy a glass of wine and the view.

There was a flat-screen television and minibars, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Bottled water was provided daily, and additional water was available on request.  The room rate included free Wi-Fi.

Parking, a shuttle to the city centre, and breakfast also are included in the tariff. Other amenities include four restaurants, three bars and a tea lounge, plus indoor and outdoor pools. There are a gym and a spa.

I breakfasted in the Executive Club Lounge each day which had a harbour view.  It is a smaller, more intimate setting than the buffet in the general restaurant and was included in the room package. This 38sqm room costs around $540 per night.

Where is Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta?

You’ll find the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta on Great Siege Road, Floriana which is just outside the city walls of Valletta.

It is just a two-kilometre ride from bustling Valetta Waterfront where the cruise boats dock, but expect to pay between €12 and €15 euros (A$19 to A$23).  Save yourself the trouble of bargaining with a taxi driver on the wharf and book your transfer through the hotel.

Room rates start at around €180 per night.

The hotel is a Preferred Hotels & Resorts member. Guests are eligible to become members of the iPrefer Loyalty Program at no cost and members can earn points redeemable for reward certificates and receive complimentary Internet, priority early check-in/late check-out, and other additional rewards. https://preferredhotels.com/iprefer

When you are transiting through Singapore, book a stay at another Preferred Hotels & Resorts hotel, The Fullerton.

Disclaimer:  Ed+bK was a guest of Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta.