Topaz Hotel

6 readers found this review helpful

I have just come back from a week half board at the Topaz Hotel. We were a little unsure about what we would find after reading the reviews. I can honestly say we were very surprised, it was lovely. In the brochure it says 4*, most people know that 4* abroad is not 4* in the UK.
The staff were so friendly, nothing was too much trouble and always on hand if you wanted to know anything about Malta.
The rooms were clean, spacious, and cleaned every day. The view from the balcony was not great but I didn't need it to be I was hardly in the room. I had a comfy bed, shower, mirror - what more does a girl need.
The food was also lovely, not your typical burgers, hot dogs and chips. In the evening there was always a large salad selection, and a hot buffet of fish, meats, potatoes, rice, pasta and soup. The desserts were so nice. There was a different selection of foods each night. something for everyone, even for a fussy eater like me. The breakfast was equally as good with hot buffet, toast, cereal, fruit etc. If you ever wanted something that wasn't on the counter all you had to do was ask the staff.
Some of the guests staying were there for up to 6 weeks and go every year they like it so much.
The bus stop is a 2 min walk away and from there you can discover the whole island and its wonderful attractions from 54 cents so no need to hire a car.
The hotel had entertainment on during the day and each evening but if this isn't your thing there is no pressure and the other local towns are only a bus or taxi ride away.
This is a great value hotel and has everything you need for a great holiday. It is no Hilton but equally you are not paying Hilton prices!

3 readers found this review helpful

We were expecting a 4star but feel 2star is nearer the mark. Even after moving rooms the beds still smelt the bed linen was so old it had turned grey the bathroom was filthy. The restaurant always smelt of old cabbage. The surrounding area was run down a bit like an abandoned building site and there was dog poo everywhere.We were hounded by timeshare touts who were very threatening. Over all i would say go to the Topaz hotel only if you like staying in something like a homeless shelter.

2 readers found this review helpful

My wife and I recently stayed at the Topaz for 10 days. Having read some of the adverse reports about the hotel, I had some reservations, but these were completely unfounded. The hotel was clean and comfortable, the staff were polite and helpful, and we found no cause for complaint. Admittedly, we stayed on a self-catering basis, so did not make use of the hotel's restaurant facilities. My wife used the hairdressing salon in the hotel, and was entirely satisfied with the result.
Incidentally, I can thoroughly recommend a little local bar, La Pasion, on Triq-i-Alki, (out of the hotel, cross the road, first right, and it's on the left hand side.) Louis, the owner, is very friendly, and serves excellent food at very reasonable prices.
So, we were entirely satisfied with the Topaz, so much so that before we left, we had already decided to return next year, this time for two weeks.

1 reader found this review helpful

2 weeks self catering; sept 2008
Ok, this hotel is not a 4* like everyone else says....I would of recommended it for a cheap, short stay. But on our 6th day, my partner accidentally left his wallet in his jeans on the chair in the room. 200 Euros got stolen. Luckily they didn’t take the full 400. This was obviously the maid that took it, however, we called reception, explained what we had discovered on our return to our room that afternoon and they sent up the duty manager. Not really that apologetic and said nothing he could do as maid had gone home for the day (and they kept a record of who did what room) and said cant point finger and blame her because maintenance and security also have keys to the room. GREAT! So any one could have stolen it, but the jeans were left out on the chair every day and the one day a wallet was in the pocket and not in the tiny safe (which they also make you pay for) is an obvious coincidence.
Bugibba is ok but a bit run down, lots of bars and restaurants have closed down and lots of unfinished apartments and hotel builds around making the whole place not very picturesque.
Plus, no decent night life in Bugibba after 11.30 pm in September maybe it is busier in summer but next time I’d stay somewhere where at least a bar is open past midnight!

4 readers found this review helpful

I do not usually bother doing reviews of my holidays because in general it really depends on what you want from a holiday and just how fussy you are. However, the bad reviews on this site are so unjustified I felt I should try and right all these wrongs. I booked this holiday as a 50th Birthday present for my partner. I looked at the reviews after booking and was horrified at what I read. I was so concerned that I worried about it right up until we arrived, only to find I need not have worried at all. We had 10 lovely days and did not want to come home. I am already looking forward to booking my summer 2009 holiday at the Topaz. Here is what we found:-
The rooms are basic, comfortable and clean and no different from any other european hotel I have ever stayed in. The only thing I thought was not great was the size of the beds - fine for me as I am quite small but my partner is 17stone and was in danger of falling out of bed when he turned over (not that he complained, it was a perfectly comfortable bed). If we had wanted the beds changed we only needed to ask. The bathroom was perfectly adequate and clean towels were provided every day. The air conditioning was a godsend (worked perfectly in our room once you figured out the controls which took all of about 2 minutes and every room has its own controls - maybe the people complaining about it did not realise you had to switch it on to make it work!!!!!) The food was excellent - I am an extremely fussy eater and always have problems when I go abroad but this time I can truthfully say I ate very well and enjoyed every single meal - there are plenty of choices for the evening meal - there is plenty of variety at breakfast with the usual cold meats, toast, fresh fruit, cereal, bacon, eggs, sausages etc (same in every country I have ever visited) and the same here in the UK. One thing worth mentioning that no one else seems to have - if there is something you want at breakfast or dinner that you cant see ie fresh fruit, ice cream, fried eggs you only have to ask and you will get it.The staff were always friendly and were as helpful as they could possibly be. The swimming pool was always clean as was the area surrounding it but do take care, the floor is very slippery - I know because I went flying and hit my head on the concrete floor - but help was at hand very quickly from the hotel staff - after that I made sure I wore rubber flip flops. There is a pool bar which serves lovely snacks at very reasonable prices and the service was excellent. There seem to be a lot of reviews complaining about the lifts and corridors, well, the lift nearest the reception area was temperemental and also rather small as was the stairway next to it, however, if all these people complaining bothered to take a 30 second stroll down the corridor there are 2 more larger lifts which worked perfectly and a stairway next to them that was much wider. Not sure what the complaint is about the corridors but then I didnt go on holiday to explore corridors!!! As far as I am concerned a corridor is there to get you from A to B, so long as you can walk along it what more do you need. There is entertainment every night but it is somewhat old fashioned with most of the songs coming from 50's, 60's and 70's but it suited us because we wanted a peaceful holiday without the usual nightclub music and revellry that is found in most european countries - if you want different entertainment there are plenty of bars in Bugibba square which is about an 8-10 minute walk away. The square is also where you will find most of the shops, a rocky beach area and lido's. There are plenty of excursions you can book which I would recommend you book through the agencies down in the square as they are much cheaper than booking through your holiday rep or hotel. To sum up I would recommend this hotel for couples who want a comfortable hotel and a peaceful holiday. I should mention the students - there are plenty of them at this hotel in the summer as there is a summer school nearby but they were absolutely no trouble at all - the students in the UK are a 100 times worse - sorry, but thats the truth. If you want perfection and everything at your fingertips with service at the drop of a hat then book a very expensive holiday in a 5/6 star hotel and be prepared to pay 5/6 star prices for everything in the hotel. Oh, and lastly, we did hear quite a few people complaining about their rooms but as far as we could tell they were all moved on request so as I said earlier, if you want something just ask and maybe you will have a happier holiday. This hotel is definitely not for professional moaners.

6 readers found this review helpful

Ok, we will try to give as much information as possible here. The hotel is not a 4* as it claims to be but is a good place to stay.
Firstly, the rooms. In particular the decor and furniture are quite tired and dated but we have to say our room was very clean, spacious had a double balcony over-looking the pool. Everything worked (Hairdryer, Air Con, lights, television etc) and our room was cleaned daily and fresh towels provided.
Secondly, the hotel staff. Everyone we dealt with was polite, friendly and extremley helpful. We arrived very early and knew our check in time was not until 5pm. The reception staff did all the could to get our room ready and help us.
Thirdly, the food. The Emerald resturant was also ok. We ate there on four occasions, three times in the evening and once for breakfast. The food was always hot and usually there was a good choice. It seemed to always be a buffet, which was fine but there were a few issues to be aware of. The menu advertised was not always on offer. The pumpkin soup seemed to be wheeled out three days running until enough unaware guests finished it, despite the fact another soup was advertised. The quality of the breakfast was poor. As the week progressed food seemed to be recycled and reappeared as something else. This was not at all good. It was resonable value for money, E13.00 for dinner and E6.50 for breakfast. Better quality and value for money was the smaller pizza resturant on site, well worth a visit.
Finally, the hotel had its fair share of dark corridors and smelly store cupboards to navigate past. The lifts were a little cramped and dated but usually worked without fault. We did use the pool daily. It is as nice as it appears in the pictures. The location is a reasonable distance from the sea but only a 10 minute walk really. The location is really quite nice and a good base to tour the island.
Some good tips: Ask reception for bus route map with all the departure times (This was invaluable if you intend to use public transport). Watch out for pushy time share agents they are around and are very annoying. If self catering, the nearest shop (Signed outside the Topaz) is convenient but is niether cheap or that well stocked. Walk slightly further straight down to the bus stop and turn left. The cash and carry there is cheap, well stocked and has prices on the products! The best resturant we found was called the Grapevine. Only two streets away on the way to the seafront, the three course set menu was just over 13.00 euros and offered a good choice, lovely food and excellent service. Give it a try. If you visit Valletta and want some where good to eat, head directly from the city gate bus station down the main street and Eddie's Cafe Regina is on the right. This is great.
Happy Holidays!

1 reader found this review helpful

Just returned from this holiday, we were upgraded to Topaz because of overbooking at Coral, what a good choice- hotel is spotless, food is plentiful and varied, the maid sevice was excellent - but that was due to being allocated a timeshare room ( which we did not find out till our holiday was at an end) would have liked a balcony , but hey we only stayed a week so i was not too bothered. Pool area is graet , loads of sunbeds and umbrellas all put out each day by hardworking staff, area jet cleaned every night. Prices in hotel are cheaper than in town- thats a bonus in itself.Everything is so central, did not think I would like stay in Bugibba as we normally stay in Xexmija but we have changed our minds to this. Would consider for next year you either love Malta or hate it- we love it ! make your own minds up

1 reader found this review helpful

We have just returned from a week at the Topaz hotel, booked last minute with Thomas Cook. Upon arrival we were told to wait up to an hour for our room to become available. After around 40 minutes, we were very disapointed when we saw our room as it didnt have a balcony and the decor was really dated (yellow artex ceiling!!). We asked to be moved to a room with a balcony and were shown one to the front of the hotel overlooking the road. The balcony door didnt lock so we felt safer staying where we were. Our room had two single beds which were swapped after the first night for a double. The staff were helpful, the room clean and the towels were replaced every day of our stay. Our air conditioning unit didnt make a bit of difference in the swealtering heat (33 the last few days!!) and the hairdryer didnt work. The light in the bathroom was tempermental with the bathroom window looking out on a vent of some sort with the next door bathroom window within touching distance. There were loads of kids around when we were there and i saw what looked like a play room for kids open every day. The outdoor pool area was power washed every night and the indoor pool was lovely. The food was nice and the restaurant very clean. The service for drinks was swift and prices reasonable. There were singers everynight by the pool from 8pm-11.30pm and if you have a room facing onto the pool area, you wil hear them wheather you want to or not!
Buggiba it's self is a lovely place. The harbour is lovely with loads of boats leaving fror trips around the coast. We went on the Mermaid cruise to the Blue Lagoon and it was brilliant!! It cost 15 euros each and lasted all day. They even pick you up from your hotel!
There are a lot of people going around getting you to view time shares who are quite annoying. Some do a scam making you believe you have won something when you havent!! I cant recal the exact details but our rep told us to watch out for them.
Other than the old fashioned rooom and the lack of balcony, we had an amazing time. We will absolutley go back to Maltas there is so much to see and do. We didnt see all we wanted due to the unreal heat so we wont go back in August.
We will not stay at the Topaz hotel on our return visit.

Don't believe the reviews. The buses are 15 mins away and the beach is 10 mins away. The food was very good, although a bit more of a selection of vegetables wouldn't have gone amiss. The staff were all friendly espicially at the front desk. The staff in the restaurant were very good although some looked about 12 years old. I would recommend to anyone going to Malta is that you should definately hire a car, it cost 92 euros for 4 days and saved us a fortune! I would also say that if you go on one of the open top bus tours, make sure you slap on plenty of suntan lotion as you will burn in minutes. The indoor swimming pool was never open, just the outdoor one. At night the entertainment is outside next to the pool, avoid at all costs, the singers over in Malta believe we are still in the 80s!

absolutley fantastic-foor fantastic,cleanliness fantastic,service fantastic and room fantastic,carnt say much else about this property other than fantastic,i traveleed with my 3 lady friends age ranging friom 43 - 64 and wel all love it ,definatley be returning in the winter and then the following summer,loved it x thank you topaz