Ursulino Boutique Hotel

A great 4-night stay in this beautifully-modernised, multi-storey property in the heart of the old walled city of Valletta. Efficient lift gives easy access throughout and the staff are friendly and helpful. Good use of space in the rooms, which are well lit and have excellent air-conditioning, and beds & other fitments are comfortable and convenient. We had the ground floor double room, which only opens onto the private patio area - it's good to have some natural light and the feeling of extra space, but it does feel a little as though you're at the bottom of a lift shaft when you go out! On the other hand, access to the lovely, spacious roof terrace is easy via the lift, and you get a fantastic view of the Grand Harbour from up there. It's a brilliant space to enjoy breakfast and to have a drink at sundown. There are loads of restaurants of all price levels within a few minutes walk, and it's also handy for walking to all the sights in the old city.

I will preface this review by underlinng that we stayed in mid-winter. It is probably a different proposition in summer. Rooms are comfortable but no natural light in the double deluxe room we stayed in. Also the bathroom-in-the-bedroom idea doesn't work. Room is damp, if you have a shower while someone is sleeping they will be woken by the noisy extraction fan and glaring light into the bedroom. There is no bar or common seating area except the rooftop terrace where the view is spectacular by no crushed seating. Very sparse minibar. Staff are friendly but not present very often. Overall, this is not what you would expect from a hotel; more a guest house but very impersonal. Well positioned to visit the city which is splendid.