Reviews of Venus Aparthotel, Qawra, Malta

DO NOT STAY AT THIS DUMP UNDER...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr K Watts

Comments:

DO NOT STAY AT THIS DUMP UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES !!!!



This is without any doubt the worst hotel me and my partner have stayed at. It is so run down and dirty. The sheets were not changed the whole week we were there, the fan on the ceiling was loose and made a terrible squeaking noise, the sheets also had rips in them.



The room was dirty and the bathroom was even worse with the shower hanging off the wall, the bath full of dirty marks. Oh and we found a cockroach on the floor on the way to our room. The lift does not feel safe either. I found the food across at the Palm Court not to bad, and a good variety over the week.



The resort itself is great if you like England with sunshine. Full of English pubs shops etc all over the island. But Buggeba was like a little England more so. A night out could consist of bingo or kareoke or just sitting in a pub getting drunk if that's your thing.



Don't use the reps for trips they are to expensive. We used the buses to get around and they were brill always on time and really cheap. Go to the silent city its beautiful.



I would not go back to Malta again to touristy for my liking. But please if you do go to Malta please please don't stay at this dump of a hotel, even the rats are leaving it cos its to dirty for them.

This is now my 5th stay at this...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr JS Taylor

Comments:

This is now my 5th stay at this accommodation and I have to say that for what you pay the accommodation really isn't bad at all (room 3B). Okay so it's basic but clean and well situated hence the reason for my continuous return.



British Jet is a great airline with a modern McDonnell Douglas 90 aircraft. The outward and return flight was on time and the crew were friendly and helpful. Smooth take off & landing. Air Malta and British Airways does have a way to go to catch up to this airline.



Each year I have stayed at the Venus and Rueben’s as it was called a year ago things have improved and it is noticeable.



The staff are friendly and helpful. The pools are clean and tended too every day.



I must admit that Malta Bargains is the cheapest operator to Malta and will continue to get my custom in future years. So if you’re looking for a holiday to Malta and only read reviews to help you make your mind up to book then give this one a try and you won't be disappointed, and you will even be amazed at the cost too.



I have given the rating of 8/10 as the value and cleanliness together with the service by British Jet. If you want 4 stars then book a 4 star but be prepared to pay for it! (Common sense really).



Looking forward to my next Malta holiday next year.

I and my fiancé have just...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss L Davies

Comments:

I and my fiancé have just returned from a fantastic week in Malta staying at the Venus Aparthotel.



After reading some of the reviews on here before we went I was quite worried about the accommodation, but when we arrived I was pleasantly surprised.



The room was clean and modern, the bathroom a little old fashioned but in good working order. There is no air conditioning but there is a ceiling fan and cool air puffer which we found fine.



The pool at the Venus was small and water cloudy so we didn't use that pool, but as Palm Court is the sister Hotel across the road we could use all the facilities there.



The pool at Palm Court is much bigger and clean, there is a bar, and all meals were served there.



We were on half board and ate breakfast in the hotel everyday which was really nice - toast/Jam, cereal, full cooked breakfast, & cold fruit juice. We ate dinner once, the food was basic but is edible, and plenty of people were really enjoying it but as I’m vegetarian there was limited choice (as there is with any half board hotel).



But there are loads of really lovely restaurants & Bars at very reasonable prices on the walk down to the sea front and in the main square as you walk into Buggiba.



We would highly recommend the Captain Morgan Cruises to Comino, the waters are crystal clear and lovely to swim in and lunch is included which was lovely -great value for money.



We also did a trip to Sicily which we really enjoyed, it is expensive & be prepared for a very long day on a coach but the sights of Sicily are beautiful and it’s well worth it when you are on Mnt Etna 2000 meters above sea level - a once in a life time opportunity for most.



We also took the number 49 bus to Valletta for the day; go early, as the shops siesta between 1-4 but all the museums, cafes and main tourist bits stay open. If you are interested in history the Chinese Terracotta Soldiers exhibition is at the National Museum of Archaeology until July, it is amazing. There is also a great cafe in the square called Caffe Cordina which I would recommend for lunch.



One thing we would say to look out for when you are out and about in Qawra is the time share touts who also call themselves holiday club, holiday return etc. They are really annoying. They may tell you that you have won a Holiday (they are using the Airtours name) or offer you free gifts like alcohol or cigarettes to get you in the hotel to listen to a sales pitch which is really boring & long - basically they all want money from you & get a bit funny & pushy if you say no.



However, if you can handle that then at least you get to sit in an air conditioned hotel, get a free drink and they give you your promised free gifts even if you say no (even if the bottles of alcohol are tiny)!! I personally suggest avoiding them.



If you are thinking of booking this holiday then go for it or if you have already booked you will enjoy it, just make the most of it and make the effort to see Malta.



If you bear in mind the small amount of money that you pay for the holiday then you should agree this is a great bargain.

Having read some reviews on...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr B Handbury

Comments:

Having read some reviews on here, I was a bit uneasy when arriving at the Venus.



But my initial thoughts upon pulling up outside in the bus were, "Is this it? This doesn't look as bad as the reviews made out!” And to be honest, it wasn't! Just as well too, as I was there for 45 days.



I am actually returning to the Venus again this Friday for a week (May 2007), so that should prove to anyone reading who may feel a little anxious from some of the prior reviews!



I can safely say though that if you want a basic, no nonsense, and cheap hotel with good value for money, then look no further. We had a maid service every day, the room was basic yet clean with fresh towels being left daily and all the staff brilliant.



As already mentioned in the previous review, during my stay (from Feb-April), the meals where being served over at the Palm Court (this may have changed now, I will check when I return there this Friday!).



Granted, the meals got a bit tiresome due to our lengthy stay, but if you are going there for a week, or even 2 weeks, there would be plenty on the menu for you to enjoy.



Again, the food is simple but plenty nice enough and you can eat as much as you want. I would recommend eating out though as well, there are some great restaurants nearby doing top local dishes!



The good thing about the Venus (and its sister hotel Palm Court), is that it’s a simple 2 minute walk into Bugibba, which has a bus terminus. You can then take a bus to literally ANYWHERE on the Island for as little as 23 cents.



In addition to the buses, Bugibba has plenty of bars and restaurants. If you’re young, make sure you check out Miracles bar in Bugibba on a Sunday afternoon for loads of live DJ’s and a great atmosphere!



Also a 15 minute bus ride and you can be at the increasingly popular nightlife capital of Paceville, or the picturesque Mellieha Bay.



You may wish to splash out on a more expensive hotel, but if you are a veteran to Malta and want something easy, or you’re on a budget, this would definitely be ideal for you.



The only complaint was towards the end of the stay; an extremely rude young chap serving in the Palm Court restaurant, but hey you get those types of people everywhere!



Hope your stay was as enjoyable of mine, remember, it’s what you make of it!

Me and my boyfriend stayed in...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss H Austen

Comments:

Me and my boyfriend stayed in the Venus in Feb. (07) for a week.



When we arrived we were unsure as to what to expect, as the majority of reviews written on here were negative.



However we arrived to a very clean, spacious and tidy room, beds were made, clean towels laid out etc. The shower in the bathroom however, had no stand so we had to hold the shower head whilst having a shower, which wasn’t so good.



We switched on the TV and to change channels we had to use our room key to poke the buttons, however we mentioned it to reception and the maintenance man fixed it the next morning, which we were pleased about.



There's nothing much else I can say bad about the Venus. We had fully working heating and fan temp which we could change at any time from our room.



Beds we found were very comfortable and room furniture clean and modern, so overall on the accommodation side, it was very pleasant, considering the budget price we paid.



As soon as we unpacked etc we realised our dinner would be served across the road, at Palm Court, due to us being half board we thought we should take advantage of the food that we paid to eat..



We ate there once, the day we arrived, and the food served was not what we wanted to eat, it was all laid out in open containers, the carvery meat had no taste and was very chewy, salad was very bland, and overall on the food side, it wasn’t nice!



After that, we ate out every meal times, and had some great meals in some fine restaurants which worked out extremely cheap!



We also went on some tours which we booked across the road at a car hire/tour shop; the tours were only equivalent to a few pounds each, which we thought were amazing!



Buses are only around 50cent and that could be to Valletta or across the island. Very cheap!



I most probably will be visiting Malta again as there is so much to see and is a great place to spend a holiday, however I think, I will pay that little bit more, and have fine meals served at least in the same restaurant.



Venus isn't the Ritz but is a pleasant base for accommodation.

This holiday was bought for my...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Full Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs C Wingfield

Comments:

This holiday was bought for my husband and me as our wedding present. That’s right it was our honeymoon!



As soon as we arrived the smell was stomach turning. There was cockroaches in the reception areas.



I dreaded to think what our room would be like, but when we got up there... oh my god! It was filthy.The sheets were torn and stained as were the pillows. They also smelt vile.



We had cockroaches in our room, the bathroom was disgusting and the fan was close to dropping of the ceiling.



We did see the pool get cleaned from our balcony; however this was done by emptying a very large bucket of salt into the water. That was it. The sides of the pool were thick with slime. Basically I would not have swum in it.



The food? Well we were booked in as full board but there was no way I was going to eat anything offered to me. We ate out all the time; we didn’t even bother with a coffee or tea in the morning, preferring to go to the local café.



The staff just didn’t care and the barman.....well he never talked only grunted.



However the local people in Malta are some of the nicest people I have ever met, very helpful and friendly. If you are planning a trip to Malta please make sure you don’t book into the Venus or its sister hotel.

I journeyed to the Venus...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Lastminute

Submitted By:

Miss L Dickinson

Comments:

I journeyed to the Venus Aparthotel worried about what I would find after reading some of the comments that have been written.



When I got there I found one of the best holidays I have had abroad.



Our room was always clean and the bed linen changed. I think people have to bear in mind what they paid for there holidays before they go criticising.



The rooms were basic yes but it’s only a 3*hotel you can’t expect a 5*. The towels and bed linen were changed constantly and the beds were always made when we got back from our jaunts out.



During our holiday we faced a fan that was about to separate itself from the ceiling, a tap that didn’t have hot water, a light that separated itself from the wall and a bathroom door handle that locked me inside it (we had to get the maid to get me out.)



And all were rectified as soon as we requested. But I felt none of this mattered- you have to have a sense of humour.



The staff were amazing and always willing to help sort out problems and they were all cheerful (especially the man who woke us up at 5am for our wake up call we ordered!) I cannot say anything better about the staff.



As for the pool being dirty- it wasn’t. I swam in it and I didn’t have either conjunctivitis or an ear infection. And the claims that there was a smell of raw sewage are incorrect to-there was no such smell and we went in the summer!



The food was nice if you like living on chips. It was catered more towards British, so not very good if you wanted to eat Maltese. It was all edible though- and there was unlimited tea and coffee and unlimited ice cream!



On a night we went to Qawra as there was no entertainment on at the Venus- it was all on at the Palm Court. We went to the Qawra Palace for our drinks and entertainment.

I have to say this holiday was one of the best I have had abroad.



Yes it may have been basic but you didn’t pay for 5* so you don’t get 5*. I would highly recommend Malta to my friends and family and I am thinking of making a trip back there with my parents.



P.S the TV wasn’t broken. You just had to rent the channel changer from the reception. Personally, I don’t feel you need a TV. There’s so much to do!

What can I say, er yeah that's...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2006

Tour Operator:

Lastminute

Submitted By:

Miss M A Jones

Comments:

What can I say, er yeah that's it - pants!



I read the reviews after my fella booked a surprise break for the two of us and thought "well you can't believe everything you read" well you can!



Unfortunately it is as grubby as people say it is!



We really should have seen the writing on the wall when on the way to the hotel we where greeted by the strong smell of raw sewage (which I'm told gets stronger in the Summer) and in turn the vision too, not a stones throw from our hotel.



Once in our fabulous room we were treated to torn bed linen (with miscellaneous stains on it). Complete with grubby mat and filthy en-suite.



So we went for a drink to contemplate what to do next and decided to change rooms, the staff where quick to give us a new key for yet another fab room but unfortunately because I'd had a couple glasses of vino I got the room numbers mixed up and went to open the wrong room door, to my surprise the door opened and the occupants began yelling.



So after apologising we wandered up to our old room to get our bags, we thought for a laugh we would try our new key in our old room and would you believe it, the door opened. How handy is that!



We went to our New Room which was marginally less shabby (think they got rid of the mat!) and went down to see reception reference our very useful key. We then stood around while the receptionist went through a biscuit tin looking for our proper key in amongst several other keys, turns out we had the master key.



It's a shame really because the Maltese people are very friendly and helpful. They make you feel very welcome.



I have to mention Diana's Bar, it got a picture of Princess Di on the front where they serve popcorn freshly made with your drinks and will stay open as long as your there, you felt like one of the family by the time you left.



I know you get what you pay for but come on people cracked tiles, things crawling on the bathroom floor, knackered heating/AC system, dirty bedlinen, broken door frames, dodgy keys, a scary looking pool, strange ever present smell.....not what we paid for!



Get it sorted MALTA BARGAINS!

There is absolutely nothing bad...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr P Hurnam

Comments:

There is absolutely nothing bad to say about the Venus. From the minute we stepped into the airport everything went smoothly.



The apartment was clean, fully maintained and the bedsheets and towels were changed as and when requested and the rooms were cleaned everyday.



As for the food, my girlfriend and I were very lucky to have a choice of dishes everyday, they cater for all tastes and allow you to eat as much as you want.



They do not rush you to get out of the restaurant and are only willing to talk if you talk to them, which is great because they know when you are feeling sociable or not.



We are rather surprised at how much people have been criticising the food, as it is very much catered to British tastes, and you can have unlimited cups of tea and coffee too (where else can you get that without paying for it?)



The maids are very friendly and just because they are maids does not mean one should look down on them. If you treat them with respect, you will get it back.



We paid £137 each for our one week holiday half board and we booked the day before we went (30.12.06). We are very happy with the service we received and with the price we paid for a great week away.



The only thing extra we would have liked was a kettle and iron in our room, but this was something one can do without. If you want luxury then expect to pay the price for it.

I have just returned from...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss A Fowler

Comments:

I have just returned from staying at the Venus Hotel in Malta. I was very apprehensive about the holiday after reading some terrible reviews on here but I had no need to be.



Don't get me wrong, it's not the Ritz. When we arrived the sheets had not been changed on the bed, but as soon as I asked for clean sheets they brought them to me and I changed the sheets. The breakfast, well don't go there but I can highly recommend the Central Perk Cafe for an excellent all day breakfast for about £3.00. Central Perk also does a very good sunday lunch!!!



We ate out every night in some excellent restaurants. The Spago Restaurant is excellent, as is Central Perk Cafe. Pizza hut is very expensive out there. Also there is a Chinese called the Golden Shell which is fantastic and cheap also.



We only used the room to sleep in and it's everything we payed for...someone to make my bed in the morning and somewhere to plaster on after sun.



We hired a jeep from Astra car rentals (very nice man) and that was great looking at all the castles and palaces.



Also Blue Lagoon boat trip is good, I went with Hornblower and they were great (old boad though, Captain Morgans are nicer boats).



Don't be put of by the reviews, my fiance and I had such a good time out there and I am definately going back to Malta next year. Perhaps not in the Venus but we'll see how my finances are!



Visit Medina because it's beautiful there!!!

My friend and I have been going...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Ms J Gilbert

Comments:

My friend and I have been going to the Venus Apartments for at least the last 5 years, then it was called the Reuben Court, I can honestly say for what you pay it is truly a bargain.



Ok the food is not brilliant but there is always something there for you to eat the coffee is not up to much but hey take your own, we do. Most of the time the staff are pleasant enough, except for the barman who is I agree a bit of a misery but on holiday you don’t have to bother about him.



There are several places for you to go and swim if you are prepared to pay a couple of lira (I am not saying where as we would like to keep this our secret as it is lovely) There are several places to drink just up the road and the company and the owners are only happy to keep you entertained, and I have never met a Maltese person who has been anything less than happy to help you and have always come across as pleasant.



Our room was cleaned daily and our bed sheets changed we have never had any problems with this at all! Towels are changed if you place them into the bath the cleaning ladies do a wonderful job and the supervisor asked us if we found everything satisfactory.



The time share touts are a bit of a problem however, if you can’t beat them join them! We agreed to go and view some of them which ok seems ages, but we were taken on a lovely trip down the coast road in a jeep in the beautiful hot weather, and also came away with a bottle of the local wine a piece and then taken back to our resort in a Mercedes (air conditioned at that) cant be bad, I would like to add whilst waiting around for the time share drinks were in abundance but we were sitting by a pool and although the rep guy waffles a bit don’t listen just take and enjoy ( ITS FREE).



So you guys who moan and especially the lady/gent who commented that people who like this hotel must live in squalor themselves may I say to you that I and my friend are both in extremely good jobs and neither do we live in squalor we have the common sense to save our pennies for a holiday somewhere flash with our respective partners.



So if you are considering going to Malta and the Venus please do not be put off, it is ok just remember for the amount you are paying its not that bad and you could spend an awful lot more for a holiday in Britain (without the sunshine) go and make up your own mind after all you don’t have to return do you, however, we shall time and time again

I would agree with most people...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss C Dawson

Comments:

I would agree with most people on here. I was expecting a lot worse to be honest but still, I wouldn't call it a 3 star hotel. The pool had no depth markings and no one swam in it during our stay. The rooms were out dated and very basic. Beds were fine but the bathroom was horrible; sink was stained and the hot water tap spewed out dirty water sometimes.



Bathroom light didn't work, the "plug on" shower barely worked, horribly dirty! We were afraid to use the fan at first as it is true, it does look as if is going to fall from the ceiling, but it worked just fine. Our patio doors were all cracked, floors never swept. Walls were full of cracks and marks. I only ever tried the breakfast once as I never got up early enough to get the decent food. Eating out is cheap enough anyways.



The hotels in Malta are either quite 'dingy' or very nice. I would rather pay the extra for a slightly nicer hotel, but as we got it so cheap, we were only there to sleep anyway! I have heard off the staff that they are giving the hotel a major refurb so fingers crossed (it needs it!

Well it was well good. When we...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss Holly And Laura

Comments:

Well it was well good. When we got there we found the room hilarious but were too tired to care. The bathroom was a mess, well grotty. But who spends their time on holiday in the bathroom? And there was this random window in the bath bit and when we opened it there was like loads of wires and stuff. Well weird. The room was alright really, but the television didn't show anything good.



Well the food was rather gross to be honest, but the service was well good. The second you finished your plate was gone. And the drinks like water and orange were always warm. Yuck. The pool was actually well good. You have to get down early though to get your hard blue sun lounger..mm comfy. But not really a lot of people were around the pool really, we had it virtually to ourselves on a few occasions.



Er but my sarong got bleached from whatever it is they use to clean around the pool and ruined. And to be honest none of the staff seemed bothered!



There was no evening entertainment except this retro 80's game in the reception that we played all the time and our names are top of all the leader boards!



Don’t go on any trips, they are like 12 hours long and are pretty rubbish. We went to a Church and got shouted at for wearing skirts and none sleeved tops when we weren't even informed about this before we had left for the trip. Plus every trip is about limestone, not even lying.



The maids helped themselves to our shower gel. Why? We left it with the lid on and came back and it was off.



The young receptionist Daniel was a legend, he was quality. To be honest we had a well good time in Malta, it was a weird hotel but we had a well good time and we left a note in our room in the welcome pack so if anyone finds it, blatantly let us know!

Hi everyone I got back on the...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Lastminute

Submitted By:

Miss Sarah-jane Ward

Comments:

Hi everyone I got back on the 30th of October (today) ignore all those moaning people who have said some nasty comments sure the hotels basic but its not dirty and not many people go in the pool but there is a very nice pool across the road at the palm court hotel which has the same manager so we are allowed to use it.



The food is not bad at all we didn’t mind it well I say we (me and my mum) I am a 22 year old and I think this hotel was brilliant there are very nice staff the food is nice and the rooms might be basic but they are fine. You might have been in better hotels I have but all you need to do is sleep at the hotel.



Please, please don’t be put of by other reviews because this hotel is great and it will not spoil any ones holiday. If you book this hotel I know you will have a lovely time and I am also looking forward to coming back very soon.

Me and my partner have just got...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

British Jet

Submitted By:

Miss N Cormick

Comments:

Me and my partner have just got back from the Venus Hotel, we paid £210 each and I would say it was worth every penny. The rooms were cleaned everyday, beds were made, towels were cleaned. The only let down was the dinner, the breakfast was fine, and there is a town centre (Bugiba) 10mins walk away where you can get 2 meals for around £10 if you really don't like the food.



The TV didn't work but there was so much to do during the day there was no time to sit down and watch the TV. The pool was clean, cold. but clean.



The advise I would give anyone planning on going to the Venus Hotel/ Palm Court would be not to book any activities through the rep at the welcome meeting as you can book them yourself for around half price from the town centre.



For the money we paid this was a brilliant holiday we didn't pay for 5* therefore we were not disappointed.