Grand Hotel Excelsior

Grand Hotel Excelsior descritpion

Set just outside the historic entrance to Valletta, this seafront hotel enjoys views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. It offers free parking, a gym and large outdoor and indoor pools all for free.
Rooms combine classic and modern design. They come with air conditioning and an LCD TV with satellite channels. Most also have a balcony or terrace.
Grand Hotel Excelsior features landscaped gardens, a private beach and a spa. Free WiFi is available throughout.
The hotel's 3 restaurants and 5 bars serve a wide selection of international cuisine, including seafood and vegetarian meals. Panoramic sea views can be admired from the poolside bar.
The Excelsior is 1,650 feet from Valletta’s main bus terminus, and 2.5 miles from Marsa Golf Course. It offers a free shuttle to Valletta, operating twice a day, at 10:00 and 18:00.

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Facilities of Grand Hotel Excelsior

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool (seasonal) | Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Reviews for Grand Hotel Excelsior

Review 1：The hotel is run down and is not a 5 star but a good 4 star. The food is not great and extremely overpriced.

Review 2：Friendly staff, spacious room with great sea view, fantastic location and excellent price. Wi-Fi is very good.

Review 3：The hotel is at the bottom of a steep hill and although the hotel runs a shuttle to valleta it only goes twice a day and doesn't return

Review 4：The staff very friendly breakfast great Bed comfortable

Review 5：We stayed in the Excelsior Hotel, Valletta during the Christmas and New Year period, The Excelsior is advertised as a five-star hotel and first impressions endorse this feeling but once you have endured the service and facilities you notice the cracks. Our stay at the Excelsior was like a pendulum swinging from bad to acceptable and then returning to terrible.The hotel is located just outside Valletta and from the hotel entrance there are ninety steps to reach the roadway and then an uphill walk to reach the gateway to Valletta. People with walking difficulties be aware. The hotel does offer a reasonable taxi service and during the day the Valletta electric buggies offer an excellent service for as little as seven Euro.During our stay only the two inside restaurants were open serving buffet meals although Al-a carte was available. There is no true silver service restaurant. My wife and I found the buffets we attended (including the special Christmas eve buffet) a little bland, cold and lacking variety. There are some really excellent restaurants in Valletta and we definitely implore you to try these.The vast majority of the staff provide an excellent, helpful and courteous service, although some staff members could benefit from a little basic training. But the hotel is let down by its decor and tired look. Within the first three days we had a number of visits from maintenance to fix various faults within the room, toilet not working, bedside lights and the plug in the basin not operational. Another evening the water was turned off for about an hour. For some reason various parts of the hotel including our room smelt of stewed vegetables cooking. Other minor annoyances and inconveniences occurred.When booking our Christmas visit a few months ago we also booked our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day venues, plus the new year gala. At that time, we were informed that we need not book the Christmas Day evening venue.

Review 6：Breakfast was chaotic but room service was expensive. There were omelette stations in the middle of the general breakfast buffet queues which meant that there were a lot of people waiting to be served and blocking others from getting at the buffet options. The only stressful part of a fabulous break.

Review 7：Staff always friendly and happy to help. Lovely, comfortable room with lots of space.

Review 8：th only problem, My husband could not walk up the hill to Valletta, and the shuttle went twice a day, it would be nice to have an afternoon shuttle ,otherwise everything was perfect

Review 9：Everything at the Hotel was perfect. The staff are all very good at what they do.

Review 10：The broken chair at dinner; promptly replaced but should not have been there. It was also a shame that the restaurant windows were not completely clean as the view is spectacular; I know, very difficult in winter weather.

Review 11：Staff attentiveness was particularly notable. The hotel is spacious, excellently set up and appointed.

Review 12：Did not like the buffet food arrangement. The food was tastless and cold on most occasions. We were very disappointed with all the food overall.

Review 13：The hotel was great no faults

Review 14：yes there are many steps to reach street level but they are easy and wide,cutting through the lush gardens and one can climb them in stages if necessary. My 81 year old mother was straight up every time! You could also walk up the ramp/road.

Review 15：Olde worlde charm and fabulous service. Great breakfast with spectacular views of the harbour from the dining rooms. We were fortunate enough to be there for the switching on of the Christmas lights with a carol concert,visit from Santa and mulled wine. Would definitely stay again.

Review 16：Some staff indifferent or rude. Poor facilities, broken toilet, blown lightbulb. Room service glass of white wine turned out to be an airline type small bottle for 5 euros!

Review 17：lovely location, great hotel . Some friendly staff.

Review 18：The stairs in front of the hotel were wet and I almost fell down few times. It is not enough to put sign "wet floor".

Review 19：I have liked evrything. It was on a good locaiton. Personal was very nice. The food was very good.

Review 20：Buffet food was inconsistent. Excellent variety but some food was dry and overcooked. There is the option of a la carte which I think would be best. There was noisy maintenance work in the hotel a few metres from my room until 2am. Not ideal!

Review 21：Location, proximity to airport, size of hotel, size if room, communal spaces and staff were all good.

Review 22：The hotel complex is very pleasant and offers a variety of good services for relax and having a good time. Wonderful sea view.... Good location to explore Valletta and Malta. Very good breakfast. Comfortable room. Helpful staff, giving a very kind attention to the guests. Quick check-in and check-out. Good wi-fi connection. We like it.

Review 23：During the last 3 years the room prices have gone upp

Review 24：Breakfast was fine, and room too, although the view in this "cheaper" room was not to the sea. The lobby bar was reasonable priced and friendly.

Review 25：Once we were in the room the carpet was wet in the entrance.

Review 26：Location is near to bus stops and tourist markets, 500 meters One of the luxury hotels. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools available Harbor view from the hotel and hotel restaurants

Review 27：Food was poor ( breakfast made to feel like a zoo) evening food in bar arrived cold, room was cold and had damp pillows and only on third night after heavy rain did we discover why - hole in roof and water splashed on my face.It was clear from staining on a lampshade this was a long standing issue - reported it but no apology or mention by management - we were checking out that day - maintenance man sent up was apologetic

Review 28：The location, room and facilities available were excellent

Review 29：Chose hotel for its indoor swimming pool but no changing rooms at poolside. Otherwise enjoyed our stay - very helpful staff

Review 30：Conveniently placed for Valletta city gates & bus station.

Review 31：The Jacuzzi was a bit cold.

Review 32：Staff are nice and friendly. Beautiful and clean room. Excellent food. Pool was very quiet and relaxing. Location and view are great.

Review 33：Bar Service was poor. The pool lacked changing facilities unless you were using the spa. The bedrooms allowed too much noise to travel in particular from the lift operating room

Review 34：The location. The Foyer. The Bar

Review 35：The walk up the stairs to the road 100steps The hotel wanted 10 euros for transport from hotel to valletta bus station a journey of about 1/2 kilometer i think the hotel should put on a free shutltle lets say fron 10am to 6 pm

Review 36：The quietness of the hotel including the room cleaning staff insome hotels they are noisy when cleaning rooms but in this hotel we did not hear anything the food was exelent but a little bit pricey but you pay for quality

Review 37：The number of steps you climb leaving the hotel, but not a deal breaker.

Review 38：Great rooms, lovely staff, comprehensive breakfast experience and ideal location.

Review 39：The hotel needed a bit of TLC...big time! It needs a big refurb in all areas. We had a bad experience in the a la carter restaurant. Served to us stone cold. Hard to recover from that!

Review 40：Nothing stood out for me there was no "wow factor" at all!

Review 41：Upon arrival, they happily allowed us to change room locations and without our knowledge decorated it to help us celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, which they deserve a big thank you from us both. The rest of our stay we were treated equally attentively or with discretion, which went along way to achieving a successful stay.

Review 42：I unfortunately The room had bad smell came from the bath room.The breakfast was not had alternatives.

Review 43：The hotel's view was good ,swimming pool and location was seems to be good,I couldn't have time for swimming but seems good.

Review 44：We arrived at the hotel at 13:20 with the full knowledge that check in wasn't until 15:00 hours. At the main desk we were told they would try and get our room as ready as soon as possible it wasn't actually ready until 15:20! That was excused but after this our suitcases didn't arrive to the room until 16:00 hours, we all needed a change of clothes since being awake since 02:00 for the travel and flight.

Review 45：I liked helpfulnesses of the bar/restaurant staff, porters and doormen. Marita and Amanda in the restaurant during breakfast were both particularly friendly and helpful.

Review 46：The carpet in our room was stained and showed its age. However, the rest of the room was fine.

Review 47：A man made beach right on the harbour shore which made swimming in the harbour itself, very accessible.

Review 48：Sometimes staff could be over attentive when you just want to be left alone. The breakfast room could have done with more than one bread knife to avoid queuing to cut a slice of bread!

Review 49：We enjoyed the general ambience of the hotel. All the staff were friendly and the facilities were good

Review 50：It gives the impression of money grabbing. The up front blank cheque against what you might spend or damage is not welcomingi

Review 51：the comfort of the beds and the hotel's car service

Review 52：A bit of a wait for the elevators as one was out of order for the duration of the stay. A bit of a climb up to the road.

Review 53：Lovely view, very comfortable room, nice indoor pool and excellent wifi. Great location.

Review 54：Some aspects are getting a bit tired and they are still charging top money toilet roll holder broken, basin tap WELL worn and a bit loose, aircon not working at all well but in October no big deal, not over keen on just Heinekin in a pint plastic jug by the pool that has been washed and scratched a fair bit. I would like to think glass is still appropriate in a 5* hotel

Review 55：Generally a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere about the whole place and the 24hr bar / coffee / light meals was welcome in a very good hotel at sensible money

Review 56：Nothing really, but for us - a young adventurous couple - this hotel was a bit over the top. Mostly older people and wealthy couples - no real charm.

Review 57：Short walk to Valletta, to the bus station and to the Sliema ferry. Great view from the balcony! Fantastic breakfast buffet. "beach" allowing us to swim in the ocean. Nice pools.

Review 58：I stayed here in May on a business trip so decided to return with my family. However, the room I got was rather old and shabby - compared to the room I had in May. I tried to get a new room but was told that the hotel was fully booked. The manager did confirm that I was in the wing that still needed to be refurbished. I think it's unfair to offer the older rooms as "deluxe" rooms.

Review 59：location is great, pool too

Review 60：The climb up to the road could be taxing. Restaurants were huge and a bit impersonal. Food was not very exciting - a bit old fashioned.

Review 61：Very friendly, helpful staff. Beautiful location. Very central for travelling by bus.

Review 62：The bars seemed to shut well before they should, although perhaps that was because the hotel was not full. The price for the rooms is very high for what they are.

Review 63：Excellent spa, great pool area, and you can float in the Meditteranean.

Review 64：the food The menus appeared to be high quality however the quality of the food was below what i expected at a hotel of this type. I also had sour milk (in the little cartons) in my room

Review 65：Location and poolside amenities

Review 66：Restaurants often closed for private functions. Getting very "corporate" which makes individual travellers feel out of place. Public areas are extremely noisy and crowded when corporate events are staged. On a very steep hill with only transport once a day straight after breakfast. Balconies have no privacy.

Review 67：Very friendly and attentive staff who will give that little bit extra. Facilities are good. Breakfast is very good.

Review 68：Not a good room. The room was over the entrance, taxi noise people talking loudly etc. We paid for a upgrade which I thought due to the many times we have stayed there they could have been a little more giving. New bedroom, blood on the mattress cover, room 722 we reported to the maid named Lorraine who was in the passage way (may I say not our allocated room cleaner). and public areas left much to be desired the toilets cleanliness. We stayed at the end of Feb 2015 and the hotel was spotless.

Review 69：Location for access to city centre is excellent, but beware the 88 step climb through gardens to street level. Okay for able bodied but may be a problem for elderly etc. Hotel staff very helpful, pleasant and professional.

Review 70：Asian buffet in restaurant was mediocre.

Review 71：Concierge staff very helpful when one of our group required medical help. Also able to arrange guided tour for our group at short notice that was excellent. Coffee and snacks available in lobby for travellers with early morning flights. Wonderful harbour view from our room.

Review 72：Uphill walk to Valetta. Lots of steps from the hotel or steep slope to climb. Anyone with walking problems could struggle.

Review 73：Staff were friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble for them. Loved the swimming pools. Walking distance to Valletta.

Review 74：selection of dishes on the menue could be improved. quality of food was un spectacular

Review 75：location on the harbour front is spectacular nice views comfortable beds

Review 76：0.1% person in next room smoked the most smelly and obnoxious cigars, which reduced the enjoyment of the view. However, this was not the fault of the hotel.

Review 77：99.9%

Review 78：We had a partial sea-view room with balcony on the 6th floor, which gave us wonderful views over the harbour and swimming pool as well as access to reception, concierge & bar on the same floor. As one of us has reduced mobility it proved to be perfect for us.

Review 79：I had problems with my visa cards and was unable to pay with them. Thanks God I had enough cash to cover all the expences. I try to figure what should have happened if there were not those liquidities I brought with me? Was it possible to be arrested? or to be kicked off the hotel?

Review 80：I loved the seascape which I saw every morning and night from my large terrace. The personel was perfect, full of cordiality, helpful, always ready to attend any of your wishes. I especially liked a young reception attendant called Julian who was talkative and gave fantastic information about the town and neighborhood. The breakfast menu was fabulous - I got fatter after having breakfast every morning at Excelsior! Dinners were also exquisite. I also enjoyed the music in the lobby. To say nothing about the tiny beach and the possibility to swim at your choice in the Mediteranean Sea.

Review 81：We reported a fault with our loo not draining at 6.30am. later the loo overflowed and water kept running onto the carpet as the cistern would not stop filling. We were offered an inferior room and declined. We were then offered a second room with a similar view but it was extremely tired, as we felt that this was the only choice available to us we took it. On our last day 6 days later we were going to be charged the 'upgraded price' for the room which we challenged stating the inconvenience and inferior room. The staff member at checkout was condescending to us and gave us a lecture on quality and the difference between buying a bike or a car? Poor analogy! This definitely coloured our view of the hotel when staff are allowed to be rude to the customers in such a manner.

Review 82：Location and views of harbour excellent. Good breakfast selection and decent quality. Restaurant on the evening excellent and reasonably priced. The young lady manager dealt with our complaint in a professional manner and to our satisfaction.

Review 83：We were taken with the fantastic view from our room. Secondly, we were very impressed with the service and the hospitality shown by the staff. It was the best accommodations that we have encountered over a period of 20 years of travelling.

Review 84：The balconies did not separate smokers to non smokers hence you could sit on your own with smoke drifting in your area, also some of the chairs had seen better days.

Review 85：Overall the hotel was very good, location and facilities couldn't have been better. Breakfasts excellent spoilt a little in the manner senior staff directed you to a seat.

Review 86：the pool hours were only 9:00am to 7:00pm and when we tried the whirlpool it wasn't hot at all. Everything extra seemed to have a charge.

Review 87：the location is right outside the main gate and close to the bus station

Review 88：Breakfast was excellent with the exception of scrambled eggs and sausages (seemed tasteless). We lived on the first floor and there was some noise from some outside device (presumably ventilation or irrigation). It was not possible to sleep with the window open because of this noise.However, the positives outweigh the negatives.

Review 89：The hotel is beautiful, location as well. Indoor pool, outdoor pool, small beach - it's all great. The staff was very nice and helpful. We want to come back.

Review 90：The cost of extras especially the food and drink. Also, the lack of menu variety at dinner.

Review 91：The location of the hotel in Valletta and on the harbour. Facilities were very good.

Review 92：We loved our suite...perfect for travel with our son. All staff were very kind and helpful. As art historians the hotel is wonderfully placed for exploring Valletta.

Review 93：Staff was unfriendly and arrogant. Reception staff worked like they were there for the first day. Of course there was also great persons, especially in housekeeping, but in general we didn´t feel welcome.

Review 94：Own beach and pool, great breakfast and views to the bay

Review 95：The service was very slow, and the food was not very appetising anywhere in the hotel restaurants.. I think the hotel needs painting outside too

Review 96：Beautiful views of the bay and very clean and comfortable and quite good value for money.. The pool area was really lovely..

Review 97：Pool area was very pleasant with great views over the busy harbour. Good to have the chance to swim in the sea. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Review 98：There are about 90 steps from the hotel to the main road on route to town.

Review 99：It was a large hotel but never felt crowded even when full. The staff and food were great.

Review 100：We visited in September when humidity was very high and found the 80/90 steps to access the road extremely arduous. This was followed by a steep hill 200/300 yards to reach the entry to Valletta. This was very draining after climbing the steps and were left very hot and uncomfortable. We did not look forward to the return trip! The hotel should offer a regular shuttle service as some older visitors would hesitate holidaying again at the hotel for this reason. There is no mention of the steps or hill in the hotel brochure. Clients should not have to incur taxi costs to leave the hotel.

Review 101：Friendly & efficient staff, impressive public areas, our room had full sea view with large terrace which enjoyed all day sunshine, dining both breakfast and dinner was buffet which generally offered excellent quality of food, but dinner did lack day to day variety. Pool and beach area very well sited.

Review 102：The hotel is very close to the capital city, 5 minutes walk, the entire staff was extremely polite and helpful. Breakfast serving was a little crowded, but nothing major, with a very large selection of food. The room was very clean, the airport transfer was quick and professional as the driver told us about the country's history, places to see, what to eat etc. Liked the little treats - chocolate, bottle of wine and everything looked done with a very good taste. Outdoors restaurant was very nice with one of the most wonderful waiters I've ever met, good selection of food and drinks. I definitely recommend this hotel!

Review 103：The buffet dinner was not that good for the price paid. The food was well presented but not very hot.

Review 104：The room was enormous. Staff were brilliant. Room was serviced twice every day. Couldn't beat the view from balcony.

Review 105：Lots of steps to access the hotel, down to enter and up to exit.

Review 106：Service from staff was brilliant, nothing too much trouble. Very clean and lots of attention to detail.

Review 107：the pool area could have been cleaner and the waiting staff more attentive

Review 108：the comfort of the kingsize beds and the quality of the breakfast the staff were pleasant and willing to please

Review 109：Breakfast didn't have many vegetarian/vegan options.

Review 110：Location, restaurant by the sea, staff were friendly and smiling, room was spacious, bed was big&comfy.

Review 111：Having advised them it was our golden wedding anniversary, I was appalled that my service requests were ignored.No subsequent actions could make up for their initial failures.

Review 112：The 80 steps from the hotel to the street were a challenge in very hot weather

Review 113：Fantastic location, staff were helpful, friendly and always immaculate. Spacious, well stocked room with comfortable bed

Review 114：Stale sandwiches for afternoon tea. The walk up the hill to Valetta but I did take advantage of the free lift one morning.

Review 115：Excellent service in the Executive Lounge . Kudos to the staff there. Reception staff excellent, too. Easy to book a car and driver.

Review 116：Main menu could have been a bit more traditional..bar snacks were good and especially the Maltese Platter with the octopus.

Review 117：Location and you could swim in the sea or the pool...We were on honeymoon and given an upgrade to a lovely room overlooking the harbour..made it so special. I wish we had booked a few more nights.

Review 118：Executive club very expensive and very sparsely populated meant we cancelled our membership after 1 day Poor tea at breakfast. (Left standing at serving desks and therefore not fresh and hot)

Review 119：In general an excellent hotel apart from the expensive exec club and the other small point noted

Review 120：Nothing not to like, but opening a pedestrian access through the tea terrace out onto the road that leads to the ferry and the west side of valletta at level seven would be a welcome move. As a walker it was fine for me to climb the steps every day but my husband with a slight disability found it a bit daunting.

Review 121：The staff were unfailingly helpful the room was extremely comfortable and the view was lovely.

Review 122：To have a breakfast,or dinner ,you can not sit your choise place they press to you to sit their mark place it seems to have a alacarte breakfast with appointment.Which ı hate this for hotels journey.For that ı dont to be in This hotel again.

Review 123：Location and the view .

Review 124：There is little or nothing to criticize about our stay at this hotel.

Review 125：There is everything to recommend about this property especially if you can get a room at the right price. The location is perfect, the facilities not lacking in any respect and the staff were very attentive, maybe too attentive for someone like me who does not like to be fussed over. Could not imagine staying elsewhere in future.

Review 126：- Though by no means bad, the breakfast selection was not of the same impressive quality as the dinner selection

Review 127：+ Our room was spacious, with a desk, a nice terrace, a lovely view of the harbour, a kitchen table with a sink and a minibar that could be left unstocked and used as a fridge + The Admiral's Landing restaurant served an excellent dinner buffet with a wide range of dishes that varied from day to day and an extremely impressive and delectable selection of cakes and mousses (7-8 per day, with 5 new ones on day 2 and again on day 3) + Virtually every member of the hotel staff was the very picture of friendliness and hospitality, truly going out of their way to accommodate guests with special dietary needs + The Harbour View bar was open 24 hours a day and had an impressive selection of 88 cocktails, of which no fewer than 18 were non-alcoholic + The pool area was very inviting, with a Tiki-themed bar and restaurant (that wasn't as good as Admiral's Landing, but offered a great sunset view of the harbour)

Review 128：Room carpet 524 tired/stained, lack off plug sockets in modern age, hotel transport always fobbing off with sorry we are fully booked, but walk up hill to bus station and grab a car there- but not a five star as fabric of hotel old fashioned, more like 3.5 stars

Review 129：Great location, great pool.

Review 130：Breakfast has no option for small appetites, eg a la carte. Deposit for towels a bit over the top at 20 euros, but it was refundable

Review 131：Magnificent view and pool facilities.

Review 132：I had requested early check in. I arrived at hotel at 1pm and was told the room was clean but pending inspection / audit. Advised staff member we would go to restaurant and have something to eat. Service very slow and we had to go to the bar area to request someone to take our order after 15 minutes of waiting. Our room was ready at 3pm (normal check in time. When I went to the room with my travelling companion, we discovered it was a double room and not a twin room which is what I had requested. I called reception and was told that it might be a problem and to come back down and wait. Staff were not very helpful or friendly. It felt like I was being a nuisance. I was pleasant to the staff as I'm sure it was not the person at the desks fault for the mix up. However, their attitude could have been better. I was after all paying a lot of money for the privilege of staying at their hotel. The room had only 1 bottle of water despite there being 2 guests. Similar issue when booking a taxi to the airport the following day. When I went to book the taxi, one guy was on the phone and the other guy stood behind him ignoring me. I left and returned later to book the taxi with someone more helpful. I had booked taxi for 12.30pm and was in the lobby standing next to the concierge at 12.25pm. At 12.40pm I asked if my taxi was due and was told it is already outside. If I had not asked I would still be waiting. Not impressed with staff so for that reason would not be happy to recommend this hotel. I've done a lot of travelling and stayed in many hotels with less stars and found the staff to be far more friendly and helpful.

Review 133：Excellent location with great views.

Review 134：Nothing

Review 135：We had a fabulous view of the sea and the entire pool area. Loved the large balcony. The pool area is sensational. The position of the hotel is very convenient to everything. Breakfast was also very good.

Review 136：The rooms and the general aesthetic of the external building could do with updating and especially the bathroom facilities. Spa facilities should be included for free ideally, but bookable 2 hour slots perhaps.

Review 137：Location is excellent. About 15 minutes from the airport and a 10 minute walk into the city centre from the hotel. The pool area is excellent as are the tiki staff. Polite and welcoming staff. Housekeeping were very conscientious. Thank you!

Review 138：Excellent Service, clean hotel, very supportive staff, good kitchen. Very convenient location, just a 10 minutes walk into Valetta centre. Has its own private access to sea for swimming.

The Fine Print

Please note the spa is at extra costs.Please note that the pool and outdoor activities are available from May until September.Please note that the fridge in the room can be filled upon request at additional charges.At check-in, the hotel reserves the right to preauthorize a security deposit on your credit card, over and above the price of your stay. The deposit is 50 EUR per night of your booked stay.