Hotel British - Valletta

Average rating:  5.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2008

The location is lovely and in easy walking distance of central Valletta. However, hotel itself very run down and dirty. Breakfast very limited with very little service and dirty, ripped table-cloths. The bar was very disappointing-great view from the terrace again but everything grimy and showing signs of wear and tear. We were lucky that we were given a very large room (for 4 although there were only 2 of us) and we had a huge terrace/balcony over-looking the harbour. This was much better than some other rooms there. If your main priority is location then you'll probably be prepared to put up with all the rest. This hotel needs a lot of money thrown at it which to be fair, they probably haven't got. The one redeeming feature was that when my husband was taken ill the hotel receptionist was very sympathetic and helped me organise change of flights on his computer, taxi to hospital and cancelled my hired-car. I was very grateful for this help at a difficult time.

Guest name: ED, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jan 2008

This has been my first time there. My room had no heating, except for a small portable heating fan. A/C comes at a price (I think around €8 daily). WiFi internet is free but it does not arrive to single rooms; it is available only in some public areas. The single elevator is rather tiny and aged. Even though it is possible to reach the rooms by stairs only, you have to cross the restaurant and a small lounge to do so, so nobody does that. Staff is friendly. Overall I enjoyed my stay and I would probably go there again.

Guest name: Manuel Giorgini, Italy

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2007

Staff very very helpful and friendly. We enjoyed our stay and will return to this hotel.

Guest name: Ray Watts, Ireland

Average rating:  1.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2007

The hotel was filthy, worn down, stinking. The employees - specially those who were serving breakfast - were slow and not service minded at all. Durin my vacation the hotel isn't a big deal for me - all I need is a place where I sleep and wash myself. But it must be clean! The British wasn't. An awful place, it nearly ruined my vacation!

Guest name: SS, Italy

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Albergo semplice, ma posizione ottima. Avevamo una camera piccola, modesta, ma con una vista sul porto antico, al 6° piano che ripagava il tutto. La struttura è un vero e proprio labirinto, con mobilio kitch...che di questi tempi è molto alla moda! Gli impiegati sono molto cortesi, gentilissimi. E' sicuramente un albergo comodissimo per conoscere la bellezza straordinaria, a tutte le ore del giorno, de La Valletta. Andateci !

Guest name: MASSIMILIANO PISCHEDDA, Italy

Average rating:  3.1

Guest type: 

stayed in Oct 2007

Hotel is well past its prime and shows no signs of being able to recover - at least not under current management. Not once did we enter the hotel and find anyone at the front desk; we just took out key out of the cubbyhole and went to our room (how's THAT for security?). The mildewed shower flooded the bathroom every time we used it, and you had to walk up two slippery tile steps to get into it - a broken head waiting to happen. Floors were dirty . . . had to clean feet every night before getting into bed. Everywhere you look, the hotel is just a wreck. We later paid half as much in Gozo for a room/hotel twice as nice. On the plus side, the beds were comfortable, the hotel is in Valletta, not the "tourist central" of St. Julians or Paceville, and the views are great. But I suggest you stay somewhere else . . . you can always stop by later and admire the view from the street.

Guest name: AB, USA

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Oct 2007

I loved meeting other single travellers at breakfast in the breakfast room overlooking the grand harbor. The extra money spent on a room with balcony was worth it--the view fabulous.

Guest name: LA, USA

Average rating:  4.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Arrived at 21.30 but there was nothing available to eat, not even a snack or a coffee, the staff did not seem to be at all bothered. Nowhere was open in the immediate vicinity. All areas of the hotel are run down and shabby, there is a small lift but most rooms need to be accessed via stairs or steps. The room was very basic and grubby with questionable electrics, there was no radio or television. The bedding however was clean & the beds seemed quite new.On entering the 'shower room' we were shocked to see several cockroaches. The porcelain & towels were clean but the ceramic wall & floor tiles had a lot of black mould in the corners and around the shower tray. The only redeeming feature was the small balcony off the bedroom that overlooked the Grand Harbour. We went down for breakfast but decided that for us at least it was best avoided. The kitchen could be seen from the dining room, there was waste food on the floor that had been there the night before and was still there 24 hours later. The hotel is a 5-10 minute mostly downhill walk from the Central Bus Station by the City Gate. Republic Street, one of the main thoroughfares in Valletta is a steep uphill walk from the hotel of appx. 250 metres. We ate at the Kings Own Band Club Restaurant in Republic Street, on certain nights there is the added bonus of the brass band rehearsing 2 floors above. Our experience was unpleasant which was a great pity as the British Hotel is located in a prime position with great views, if only it was of a better standard as it could be a really good place to stay in an interesting city with few hotels. For those wanting to spend time in Valletta a better alternative may be to stay in one of the many hotels in Sliema and use the 5 minute ferry that runs every half hour durng the day or alternatively take a bus (appx €0.48) or taxi. A worthwhile place to view the harbour and beyond is the terrace of the Upper Barracca Gardens.

Guest name: AF, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.2

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Hôtel vétuste, mais très bien situé et d’un bon rapport qualité prix. Le confort est sommaire mais l’essentiel s’y trouve.

Guest name: CB, Belgium

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: 

stayed in Sep 2007

This hotel has the most fabulous view and is a little quirky but also very quiet, the staff are friendly and helpful. It's generally basic but for £40 not bad value - esp with that sea view.

Guest name: CG, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.3

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Sep 2007

We stayed in Valletta from Tuesday to Saturday. Our room had a huge terrace with the nice view of the Grand Harbor. If you want the Air Conditioner in your room you will pay a daily fee. There are no soap, shampoo, etc. in the bathroom. The hot water is enough for one person to shower. If more than one person needs to take a shower you will have to wait at least 30 minutes. There was no TV in the room. The elevator's stop is not on the same level as the room. You will need to climb some steps, but the hotel has someone to help you get the bags into the room. The main tourist street is about two blocks away.

Guest name: Marina Goykhman, USA

Average rating:  6.8

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Sep 2007

As all the revues say, this is a seedy hotel - and it is, but its position and views are worth a lot. If it was tidied up the price could be 5 times as much so grateful that it remains run down. Quiet, friendly, helpfull, fine.

Guest name: James Orr, United Kingdom

Average rating:  4.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2007

British Hotel proposes AC for extra 6 euros per day, and in Malta in summer you actually need it! The AC from our room was broken and only after lots of complains we could get another room. It turns out that the installation of every AC in the hotel was bad, so after all, we paid about 6 euros extra per day for nothing!

Guest name: AK, Germany

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Aug 2007

It was the first time in Valletta for me and I will visit it again, possibly staying in this hotel. The view from the hotel alone is worth a visit, the food is excellent and staff very friendly. I will definitely recommend it. Beatrice Romano

Guest name: Beatrice Romano, Italy

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: 

stayed in Jun 2007

Hotel is ideally located close to city centre with harbour views. Staff really friendly and helpful. It's a basic hotel but the price is very reasonable to reflect this. Rooms cleaned daily. Shower was a bit dodgy to start with but we accustomed to it. Food in the restaurant is really good...get a table on the balcony!!!

Guest name: Eugene Moroney, Ireland

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: 

stayed in Jun 2007

The manager and staff were so pleasant and helpful, the food in the hotel (we ate in one night) was excellent and cheap, and we were lucky to have one of the nicely refurbished rooms (the hotel is gradually refurbishing all) with a wonderful view of the Grand Harbour. Very close to the co-cathedral of Saint John (a 'must-see'). Not really suitable for people with walking difficulties, slopes and steps to get to the main street, though this applies to most of Valletta. This hotel gives extremely good value. If I go back to Valletta I'm going to stay there again!

Guest name: Margaret Donaldson, Italy

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Mar 2007

An excellent basic accommodation, A lovely newly refurbished room with a massive terrace over looking the harbour. Staff very friendly and accommodating! Warm recommendations!

Guest name: EH, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2006

Very nice gardens with beautiful panoramas. Nice restaurants in Republic Street

Guest name: Paolo Cioni, Italy

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Group

stayed in Oct 2006

This is an "old style" European hotel. We three senior citizens did not expect it to be spit-and-polish, and it was not. However, the location - overlooking the harbour and only three minutes walk (all uphill) from the heart of Vallerta - was perfect. The food in the restaurant was delicious and the management and service personnel were delightful.

Guest name: Margaret Smith, USA

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2006

I must admit British is not a 'posh' hotel, however the view (Facing habour view) is so beautiful!!! It's good value for money, it is close to the main bus terminal, a nice little walk by the habour, i enjoyed my trip, and i won't forgot the view of British hotel gives. I recommend people with low budget with less expectation to the room, but the easy access and view that British Hotel provides.

Guest name: REGINA CHONG, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.4

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2006

J'ai été très déçue de mon séjour dans cet hotel.L'odeur d'urine très forte dans les toilettes de notre salle de bains,le sol pas une fois nettoyé et poussiéreux dès notre arrivée.Les tables du restaurant dressées depuis des mois et archi-poussiéreuses nous condamnaient à déjeuner trop près des ventilateurs poussés à fond;résultat:j'ai pris si froid que j'ai dû rester au lit 3 jours durant!!!Les portes des chambres peuvent s'ouvrir d'un petit coup d'épaule,et le must a été de partager ce merveilleux séjour en compagnie de blattes qui se promenaient dans la salle de bains...!Petit déjeuner fade et monotone.Nous avons tenter leur restaurant:aliments surcuits et de piètre qualité.Bref,une adresse à oublier,vieillotte et tenue par une équipe très agée et blasée à l'image de la déco vieillissante.J'oubliais: à quelques mètres,la Co-cathédrale qui sonne 24h sur 24 tous les quarts d'heure!!!Posant la question au concierge,il a paru étonné que je n'ai pas fermé l'oeil de quasi toutes les nuits.Voilà,désolée mais tout ceci est vrai.

Guest name: Nathalie Henry, France

Average rating:  3.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jul 2006

This hotel is AWFUL!!!! I recommend it to Nobody!

Guest name: László Siklósi, Hungary

Average rating:  6.7

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in May 2006

The British has an excellent location overlooking Grand Harbour, and is a short walk, or rather climb, to the Co-Cathedral and other sights in Valletta. The staff are helpful and the service generally good.

Guest name: Etta Chatterjee, Malaysia

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in May 2006

The hotel is ideally situated for travelling around Malta as the hotel is only a five minute walk to the bus station and the ferry to Sleima. It is a quite hotel with friendly staff who are very helpful.

Guest name: Anthony Hill, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.7

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in May 2006

This is a small hotel which is well located with a good view over Grand Harbour but is not modern. Room was comfortable but basic. Overall it represented good value though has a lot of potential to be an excellent hotel with upgrading of furnishings and facilities. Staff helpful and efficient.

Guest name: BC, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Mar 2006

The hotel is well situated and there are wonderful views of Valletta from the bar and resturant areas. It is convenient for getting around Malta as the main bus station is only a five minute walk away.

Guest name: Anthony Hill, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.0

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Feb 2006

I was rather disappointed. I was in a part of the hotel without lift, which is a bit annoying when the room is at the 6th floor. But more annoying is the fact that there was very little hot water! The only very good point is the superb view on Great Harbour.

Guest name: JP, France

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Dec 2005

The only comment we have is that we were in a winterperiod (december) so the temperature was low (about 15 degrees celsius). There was only an old fashioned heating device above the bed. We found it not safe to burn this device while we were not at the room. So is was to cold in the room. In the restaurant there was no heating (put on) at all. That,s why we ate only one time in this restaurant.

Guest name: Karel Kooter, Netherlands

Average rating:  4.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

A very tired looking hotel. Much potential but lacking in enterprise and investment. Nevertheless, it has old world charm and is well placed for the harbour area and the old town of Valletta. The food and service in the restaurant were good. Breakfast poor.

Guest name: Dennis Chisman, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Nov 2005

The hotel may be a bit run-down, but the views are fabulous, the service more than friendly, and the food among the best in the city. We felt at home, welcomed, and very happy in the British Hotel.

Guest name: Jantien Hoiting, Netherlands

Average rating:  5.0

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Nov 2005

This hotel is very well located and offers a wonderful view on Grand Harbour but the cleanliness has really to be improved ... and the decoration too

Guest name: Karine AUBRY, France

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

We had a great time. The hotel is close to the Valletta bus terminal, making it the perfect location for people who want to travel all over the island.

Guest name: Anna Nilsson Drake, Sweden

Average rating:  5.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

Hotel well located and with charm but old and not that well maintained

Guest name: PF, Italy

Average rating:  7.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

Great location,very helpful staff,would have liked a TV in the room but guess at the price can't complain.

Guest name: Joseph Marsh, Australia

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

The reservations form said that the credit card details were as a guarrantee only and would only be used in the event of a `no show'. I was charged for one night immediately on the card. Had I known this, I would have used a different card, the one I used for the balance, which has better terms for foreign exchange. This was renewed between booking date and the use of rooms.

Guest name: AD, United Kingdom

Average rating:  4.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

Our experience at the British was awful. After a 19 hour airplane journey, we arrived exhausted at 1 PM & learned that our prepaid room had been given away. We were given a room up 6 flights of narrow stairs in a part of the hotel with no lift (and help for only 1 of our 2 large suitcases). The attic room was very hot & small, (although the view from the roof deck was amazing). We avoided returning to the room as much as possible due to the grueling 6 flights of stairs. If you are in good shape (we thought we were) and traveling light, maybe the low price is worth it, but don't count on access to a lift, even if you prepay your first night.

Guest name: Thalea & David Torres, USA

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2005

The first telephone contact was poor, but then we were really nicly welcomed. The room was not bad, but the view of the breakfast room was absoluty overwelming! It was a really nice stay.

Guest name: Claudia Haussmann, Germany

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2005

This hotel is a brilliant location to explore valleta and indeed all of Malta. We had an excellent room with a huge terrace overlooking the grand harbour. Staff and facilities are excellent. We enjoyed our stay very much and we have no negative points to make.

Guest name: Kyrenia Neyland-thompson, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Single corporate traveller

stayed in Apr 2005

Beautiful Hotel and Unique with a sort of maze of staircases. Friendly Staff.

Guest name: CC, USA

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Dec 2004

British Hotel has an excellent, safe location in Valetta. We had a balcony and seaside view which was very lovely. The room was very clean. The hotel was in a very OLD building with odd steps and a tiny elavator. A handicapped person should make sure they can get to the room. Restaurant was OK for breakfast but very minimal. Staff were minimally present. Try Dolce Crocini Bakery on St. John's Street about 3 blocks away for excellent snacks and bakery.

Guest name: EM, USA

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2004

Dirty windows are boring when you have a potential faboulus view through them!

Guest name: Mats Nittve, Sweden

Average rating:  6.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2004

The room was adequate but it was very hot and the room was not airconditioned (but knew this in advance) Had a great view which was the reason we didn't leave. The sidewalks near the hotel are mostly stairs so not a good choice if walking is a problem.

Guest name: BJ, Mexico

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Jul 2004

very friendly personal.

Guest name: OU, Sweden

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2004

I was very content about being in Malta and will certainly advice visitors to go to British Hotel. We were very content about making the choice of this hotel especially because of the location and also the quality of the services delivered.

Guest name: Evert Hendrik Van Elven, Netherlands

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jun 2004

Hotel staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The view over the Grand Harbour was worth the price alone.

Guest name: MU, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.3

Guest type: Single corporate traveller

stayed in May 2004

Everything went smoothely, except the fact that venere had forgotten to tell the hotel I was coming... I am lucky that they had an extra room available!

Guest name: ET, Sweden

Average rating:  6.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2004

Good value and clean hotel. Basic accommodation not up to equivalent UK standard. Breakfast poor, coffee like dishwater, but fantastic views of the Grand Harbour.

Guest name: CS, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Feb 2004

Great hotel with an excellent location and freindly staff. The one minor problem is the thickness of the rooms' walls. You can hear everything that goes on the in room next to you. But still, value for money makes this location a great stay.

Guest name: Matthew Awkerman, USA