Kempinski San Lawrenz Hotel

Shockingly poor. The hotel lobby and restaurant was full of barbecue smoke, our clothes and hair smelt as a result. We chose a table in a virtually empty restaurant to be told it was "reserved" we had to push to be allowed to sit at it and, after 90 minutes, sure enough, noone arrived for dinner (at all in the whole restaurant). My wife's seat was full of crumbs which she had to wipe down before sitting. The main course of chicken supreme was smaller than a child's portion. There were small children running around screaming and crying all through dinner. The waiter took the order for food and not drinks, he had to be reminded that we also would like a drink. Wanting a dessert to fill the gap left by the tiny main course, we were told there was no dessert menu, instead we were asked to go back downstairs to the hotel lobby area and choose from a selection of desserts which were behind a screen. Realising how bizarre a process this was, the waiter then got his own mobile phone out and proceeded to show us some photos he'd taken of the desserts himself, he couldn't describe each dessert at all, he just read out the label placed in front of each one, it was beyond awkward. The lighting in the restaurant makes it feel like a canteen. When telling the waiter not to lie in future about having reservations on specific tables, he just smiled (no accountability taken or remorse shown). The multi storey underground car park is filthy. Shame on Kempinski, we have frequented many Kenpinski hotels around the world over the years but will avoid in future.

We visited on a Jet2 Indulgent Escape in late September, staying B&B in a Junior Suite. This consisted of a sitting room with a sofa-bed and balcony and access to ensuite with bath and walk-in shower, and a separate bedroom, with super-king bed, wardrobe and another balcony. Very good, apart from a rather musty odour that persisted in the lounge and a bed that was too hard for my back which, admittedly is unusually sensitive. Both balconies had two comfortable chairs and tables and overlooked the main pool. The room was quiet at night and reasonably dark thanks to black-out curtains but illuminated by the red light from the TV and the green light from the AC control. The suite was very clean on arrival and maintained in that state by the very helpful and discreet housekeeping service. We breakfasted in the hotel, mainly from the extensive buffet but also occasionally from the compact but adequate menu. The service was generally good although some items ordered did not appear until the server was reminded. The food was of uniformly good standard. There are three other restaurants in the hotel. The Pool Bar which serves lunch and snacks - we didn't eat there. Nor did we try the Sushi restaurant as it was not open during our stay. So we dined either at L'Istorja, the more upmarket of the two, or Il Baldakkin which has a more limited menu. You could dine inside or outside at both. With one exception, the food was very good. L'Istorja makes much of its selection of air-dried beef: one is taken to view the many cuts in the glass cabinet. I ordered one that was recommended and asked for it to be cooked rare. Unfortunately it proved to be far too dry and resilient despite being rare. My opinion was that the cuts were too small to have been dry aged for so long. Disappointing though this was, it was only one dish in one meal, the standard was otherwise very good. The wine list was limited but adequate and the mark-up was in line with international hotels of this standard. The pool facilities and surrounding gardens were very pleasant but we were surprised by the many babies, toddlers and young children present. The pool attendants did ensure that the main pool remained for adults only. The reception staff were helpful in booking restaurants and arranging drivers for sightseeing trips but were unable to explain the rather unusual system for covering expenses charged to the room. At check-in, €700 was pre-authorised against my card for a seven-night stay, apparently to cover incidental expenditure charged to the room. Later, when our running account had exceeded that amount, I was asked to authorise a further €700. I appreciate that hotels need protection against unpaid charges, but in over 40 years of international travel, I have never encountered such an obtrusive arrangement at other high-end hotels, where the normal practice has simply been to present the final account for checking and payment at departure. It was not a serious inconvenience, but it felt unnecessarily mistrustful and out of keeping with the standards of service expected at this level. In summary, an enjoyable and relaxing holiday.

Just spent a week in the Kempinski Gozo and it was amazing. If you want a quiet relaxing holiday in a luxurious hotel this is the place to go. The staff are excellent and very friendly and helpful. Rooms are spotless and beds very comfortable. Breakfast is fab with lots of choices and a meal in L-storja is a must! Pool areas are well maintained and very clean with lots of staff to cater to your every need. Will definitely be back. Sharon