Dolmen Resort Hotel, Qawra
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Dolmen Resort Hotel is situated in the northern part of the island overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel offers stunning views of St. Paul's Bay and St. Paul's Islands and is close to many shops, bars and restaurants. The hotel consists of 380 bedrooms which are all tastefully furnished and well equipped with modern amenities. The New Dolmen Hotel's restaurants offer a selection of both local and international cuisine. loading...
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Dolmen Resort Hotel Reviews
" This was our first time to Malta and... "
Submitted By: Mrs N Dorey
This was our first time to Malta and we were a bit apprehensive because we booked it over the internet.
This was nothing to worry about!
We paid a little extra for a room with a Sea View and what a view it was.
The Hotel was amazing, staff all friendly and efficient, rooms were spacious and cleaned every day, and the food, WOW, it was great there was so much choice and plenty of it.
Everywhere was clean and tidy
We took our 10 year old son with us and he loved the hotel and staff they were all great with him, he spent a lot of time on the internet which they have situated in the hotel lobby.
He loved the indoor pool and outdoor pools which were kept spotlessly clean at all times.
This is a Top Class Hotel and I would seriously recommend it to people we would definitely go back there.
This was nothing to worry about!
We paid a little extra for a room with a Sea View and what a view it was.
The Hotel was amazing, staff all friendly and efficient, rooms were spacious and cleaned every day, and the food, WOW, it was great there was so much choice and plenty of it.
Everywhere was clean and tidy
We took our 10 year old son with us and he loved the hotel and staff they were all great with him, he spent a lot of time on the internet which they have situated in the hotel lobby.
He loved the indoor pool and outdoor pools which were kept spotlessly clean at all times.
This is a Top Class Hotel and I would seriously recommend it to people we would definitely go back there.
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:On the Beach
" We have just returned from Malta,... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Hilder
We have just returned from Malta, staying at the Dolmen Resort Hotel.
The Hotel and facilities were excellent. The food choices were second to none and our room, with large patio area was overlooking the sea.
The cleanliness of all areas in the hotel and staff attention was very good.
The Dolmen Hotel overlooks the coast line and with all the amenities available you need not leave the Hotel to enjoy a completely relaxing holiday.
Arriving late there is also a 24hr restaurant near one of the swimming pools and again the food and service there is excellent.
The bus terminus is a 5 minute walk from the Hotel and provides a good service around the island. Bars, restaurants, and shops are all within easy walking distance.
Our Thomas Cook rep gave a very good "Welcome Presentation" and collection for tours were always on time. I would certainly recommend a day trip to Gozo but to benefit you need to go on an organised tour.
It is our third time in Malta and we would certainly return to the Dolmen Resort Hotel. September, October, and November are warm comfortable months to visit.
The Hotel and facilities were excellent. The food choices were second to none and our room, with large patio area was overlooking the sea.
The cleanliness of all areas in the hotel and staff attention was very good.
The Dolmen Hotel overlooks the coast line and with all the amenities available you need not leave the Hotel to enjoy a completely relaxing holiday.
Arriving late there is also a 24hr restaurant near one of the swimming pools and again the food and service there is excellent.
The bus terminus is a 5 minute walk from the Hotel and provides a good service around the island. Bars, restaurants, and shops are all within easy walking distance.
Our Thomas Cook rep gave a very good "Welcome Presentation" and collection for tours were always on time. I would certainly recommend a day trip to Gozo but to benefit you need to go on an organised tour.
It is our third time in Malta and we would certainly return to the Dolmen Resort Hotel. September, October, and November are warm comfortable months to visit.
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" My family and I have just returned... "
Submitted By: Mrs P Walkerdine
My family and I have just returned from our second visit to the Dolmen resort hotel, and once again have thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
We were in a sea view room this time (inland view previous time), and although the inland view was lovely, it was well worth the extra money to get a sea view. The room was immaculate when we arrived and was cleaned every day, with fresh towels.
All of the staff were friendly and helpful, and the facilities were all excellent. My two children spent every possible minute of the holiday in the pools or the sea, and even me, as the very over protective parent, felt that they were always safe.
The food was very good, and was replenished from start to finish during the restaurant opening times, nothing ever ran out. We are definitely going to return.
We have recommended the Dolmen to other members of our family, and are hoping that ten of us book next year.
Every Maltese person we came into contact with was extremely friendly and helpful.
Many thanks for a wonderful holiday!!
We were in a sea view room this time (inland view previous time), and although the inland view was lovely, it was well worth the extra money to get a sea view. The room was immaculate when we arrived and was cleaned every day, with fresh towels.
All of the staff were friendly and helpful, and the facilities were all excellent. My two children spent every possible minute of the holiday in the pools or the sea, and even me, as the very over protective parent, felt that they were always safe.
The food was very good, and was replenished from start to finish during the restaurant opening times, nothing ever ran out. We are definitely going to return.
We have recommended the Dolmen to other members of our family, and are hoping that ten of us book next year.
Every Maltese person we came into contact with was extremely friendly and helpful.
Many thanks for a wonderful holiday!!
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" Most of my friends ask me: Why Malta?... "
Submitted By: Mr OD SANTANNA
Most of my friends ask me: Why Malta? In fact after booking flight and hotel I made myself the question, why Malta? Travelled concerned about the mistake we could have done.
I've been there with my family and it has been one of the best vacations we ever had. The island is wonderful. It is not only about sea and beaches. It is also about history, civilization, culture, and people.
There are books that clearly say that Maltese people and service are not friendly. It is not true. People are friendly and you can find bad and good service as everywhere around the world.
The New Dolmen Hotel is a complex with pools, spa, kid’s activities, restaurants with excellent food, casino, by the beach at a great place for snorkelling.
My kids have a good time!!!
The surrounding of the hotel is quite good. It is not a crowd place and you can find everything you may want. Good restaurants, stores, markets, music. Even rubbish food such as Pizza Hut and McDonalds.
From there you have easily access for the best beaches of the island such as Golden Bay and Mellieha as well it is a 20 minutes driving to the ferry for Gozo.
The speed boat for the marvellous 'Blue Lagoon' at Comino island leaves from the small pier at the hotel area, so it is pretty convenient to go to Comino and get back straight to your hotel for a drink by one of its pool.
I've been there with my family and it has been one of the best vacations we ever had. The island is wonderful. It is not only about sea and beaches. It is also about history, civilization, culture, and people.
There are books that clearly say that Maltese people and service are not friendly. It is not true. People are friendly and you can find bad and good service as everywhere around the world.
The New Dolmen Hotel is a complex with pools, spa, kid’s activities, restaurants with excellent food, casino, by the beach at a great place for snorkelling.
My kids have a good time!!!
The surrounding of the hotel is quite good. It is not a crowd place and you can find everything you may want. Good restaurants, stores, markets, music. Even rubbish food such as Pizza Hut and McDonalds.
From there you have easily access for the best beaches of the island such as Golden Bay and Mellieha as well it is a 20 minutes driving to the ferry for Gozo.
The speed boat for the marvellous 'Blue Lagoon' at Comino island leaves from the small pier at the hotel area, so it is pretty convenient to go to Comino and get back straight to your hotel for a drink by one of its pool.
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We stayed at the new Dolmen hotel in... "
Submitted By: bennie1
We stayed at the new Dolmen hotel in March 2006. We thoroughly enjoyed the hotel location and food plus the 24 hr coffee shop. We found the staff ok.
Room 5th floor very comfortable apart from the satellite TV didn’t work.
There was dancing and bingo in the hotel most nights which we enjoy whilst on holiday and a local bingo club straight across the road from the hotel (similar to a gala bingo club changed hands we think).
There was no smoking allowed in Malta only separate smoking areas which suited ourselves.
The only fault we had in March the weather wasn’t too good, very very windy being on a peninsular but ok out of the wind sunshine and showers.
Good for local buses, shops all around would definitely stay at this hotel.
There is also a casino with a glass lift on the top floor near the timeshare rooms (we have even considered one of these having had a good look around there).
There are lots of pools and beach across the road but weather not hot enough at that time to use all in all a very enjoyable holiday for our first winter abroad and will definitely return perhaps when a little warmer.
Room 5th floor very comfortable apart from the satellite TV didn’t work.
There was dancing and bingo in the hotel most nights which we enjoy whilst on holiday and a local bingo club straight across the road from the hotel (similar to a gala bingo club changed hands we think).
There was no smoking allowed in Malta only separate smoking areas which suited ourselves.
The only fault we had in March the weather wasn’t too good, very very windy being on a peninsular but ok out of the wind sunshine and showers.
Good for local buses, shops all around would definitely stay at this hotel.
There is also a casino with a glass lift on the top floor near the timeshare rooms (we have even considered one of these having had a good look around there).
There are lots of pools and beach across the road but weather not hot enough at that time to use all in all a very enjoyable holiday for our first winter abroad and will definitely return perhaps when a little warmer.
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" First time in Malta and enjoyed every... "
Submitted By: Miss T Herring
First time in Malta and enjoyed every minute. Hotel was great as was the food and entertainment.
All the staff we found were helpful and the kids loved the animation team. Will be going back again.
Hotel has 4 pools to choose from, 2 in the hotel grounds, and 2 by the sea. There is a great diving school at the hotel; my 12 year old son went out diving twice.
I would recommend going to golden bay and taking a trip on Charlie’s speedboat, he takes you to the blue lagoon the water is fab there. For such a small island there are plenty of things to see and do.
All the staff we found were helpful and the kids loved the animation team. Will be going back again.
Hotel has 4 pools to choose from, 2 in the hotel grounds, and 2 by the sea. There is a great diving school at the hotel; my 12 year old son went out diving twice.
I would recommend going to golden bay and taking a trip on Charlie’s speedboat, he takes you to the blue lagoon the water is fab there. For such a small island there are plenty of things to see and do.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We have just returned from a lovely... "
Submitted By: Mrs D Robbins
We have just returned from a lovely relaxing break at the Dolmen Hotel. The holiday was a late availability and on arrival we were informed that we had been placed at the Dolmen hotel.
I was a little dubious about what we would find having previously read some poor reviews about this hotel. However, we were very impressed with the hotel and need not have worried.
Our request to be up graded to a sea view room was efficiently dealt with.
Consequently, we were offered a suite at a good rate. We ended up in a clean, extremely comfortable room with a fantastic balcony and wonderful views.
The room had good facilities, including a reasonably priced mini bar. The rooms were cleaned and tidied daily and the staff dealt with requests swiftly and cheerfully.
The spa facilities on offer in the hotels own spa were excellent. I treated myself to a facial and pedicure; both of which were wonderfully relaxing and excellent value. I would recommend that if you stay at the hotel you make use of this facility.
The indoor pool was clean and tidy and included sun beds, Jacuzzi and sauna. The atmosphere was calming and relaxing.
As for the food it was excellent! Our compliments to the chef! If you want egg and chips, as some guests seemed to want, then visit the local English style cafes and bars down the road.
However, if you want ‘a la carte’ style food from a well stocked buffet then don’t venture from the hotels main restaurant. We stayed half board and were never disappointed with the quality or choice of food.
There was an international feel to the food, including (surprisingly) a superb Asian style evening! The local white wine was excellent; I would recommend ordering a carafe.
There was a good choice at breakfast; from scrambled eggs and bacon to a wide range of continental meats and cheeses. There was always a good selection of fresh fruit, cereals and breads/pastries. They even had decent English tea!
We ate twice at lunchtime in the café overlooking the sea. Both times hoping for a small snack and ending up with a plateful! The diet certainly took a beating!
The staff, throughout the hotel, were always friendly and helpful.
All in all, we had a lovely relaxing seven days, enjoying the sunshine, meeting friendly people and visiting a very interesting island.
I have no hesitation in recommending this hotel.
I was a little dubious about what we would find having previously read some poor reviews about this hotel. However, we were very impressed with the hotel and need not have worried.
Our request to be up graded to a sea view room was efficiently dealt with.
Consequently, we were offered a suite at a good rate. We ended up in a clean, extremely comfortable room with a fantastic balcony and wonderful views.
The room had good facilities, including a reasonably priced mini bar. The rooms were cleaned and tidied daily and the staff dealt with requests swiftly and cheerfully.
The spa facilities on offer in the hotels own spa were excellent. I treated myself to a facial and pedicure; both of which were wonderfully relaxing and excellent value. I would recommend that if you stay at the hotel you make use of this facility.
The indoor pool was clean and tidy and included sun beds, Jacuzzi and sauna. The atmosphere was calming and relaxing.
As for the food it was excellent! Our compliments to the chef! If you want egg and chips, as some guests seemed to want, then visit the local English style cafes and bars down the road.
However, if you want ‘a la carte’ style food from a well stocked buffet then don’t venture from the hotels main restaurant. We stayed half board and were never disappointed with the quality or choice of food.
There was an international feel to the food, including (surprisingly) a superb Asian style evening! The local white wine was excellent; I would recommend ordering a carafe.
There was a good choice at breakfast; from scrambled eggs and bacon to a wide range of continental meats and cheeses. There was always a good selection of fresh fruit, cereals and breads/pastries. They even had decent English tea!
We ate twice at lunchtime in the café overlooking the sea. Both times hoping for a small snack and ending up with a plateful! The diet certainly took a beating!
The staff, throughout the hotel, were always friendly and helpful.
All in all, we had a lovely relaxing seven days, enjoying the sunshine, meeting friendly people and visiting a very interesting island.
I have no hesitation in recommending this hotel.
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Hotel OK - does exactly what it says... "
Submitted By: Mr T Kirk
Hotel OK - does exactly what it says on the tin - what more would you expect for I think it worked out about £18 per person per night in the end - big hotel - excellent sea views.
Definitely worth booking with sea views - the whole interior is quite dated & could certainly do with a makeover.
I doubt whether its claim to be a 4 star would obtain it according to British standards - health spa ok & reasonably priced although could do with a relaxation room & screaming kids being banned from the pool, but seeing as it was the only indoor pool in December, you'd have to expect it!
Staff very friendly & helpful & co-operative, albeit a little slow, 3 hours to wait for an ironing board when requested - Stayed 4 nights over new year, so only made breakfast once, but when did found it to be a of a good standard - the bars were ok, if you like a little bit of tack and cheese every now and again, fair enough considering the amount of old people staying there!
Cleaners were extremely noisy in the mornings, yes we were being lazy & trying to sleep in till about 11am, but would find it difficult for all the noise form the cleaners all day, banging doors, moving furniture about, all very noisy, but I suppose my hangovers could be attributed to part of the problem!
TV was rubbish only 2 English channels, sky news & UKTV gold, so managed to watch about 10 episodes of only fools and horses, also no remote control so also very annoying as I am lazy!
Overall I would however recommend staying here!
(If you have to stay in st Paul’s bay- I think on reflection there are better slightly classier places to stay in Malta than st Paul’s bay, golden sands etc.)
Don't forget whilst in Malta to try the Pastizi (cheese or peas!)
Definitely worth booking with sea views - the whole interior is quite dated & could certainly do with a makeover.
I doubt whether its claim to be a 4 star would obtain it according to British standards - health spa ok & reasonably priced although could do with a relaxation room & screaming kids being banned from the pool, but seeing as it was the only indoor pool in December, you'd have to expect it!
Staff very friendly & helpful & co-operative, albeit a little slow, 3 hours to wait for an ironing board when requested - Stayed 4 nights over new year, so only made breakfast once, but when did found it to be a of a good standard - the bars were ok, if you like a little bit of tack and cheese every now and again, fair enough considering the amount of old people staying there!
Cleaners were extremely noisy in the mornings, yes we were being lazy & trying to sleep in till about 11am, but would find it difficult for all the noise form the cleaners all day, banging doors, moving furniture about, all very noisy, but I suppose my hangovers could be attributed to part of the problem!
TV was rubbish only 2 English channels, sky news & UKTV gold, so managed to watch about 10 episodes of only fools and horses, also no remote control so also very annoying as I am lazy!
Overall I would however recommend staying here!
(If you have to stay in st Paul’s bay- I think on reflection there are better slightly classier places to stay in Malta than st Paul’s bay, golden sands etc.)
Don't forget whilst in Malta to try the Pastizi (cheese or peas!)
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We traveled with British Jet from... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Hulbert
We traveled with British Jet from Birmingham Airport. The seats gave better legroom than most we have used. The checking-in staff were helpful in giving us more legroom than usual, due to my husband being disabled and the cabin staff were friendly and efficient. The food was average.
Choice holidays were really good, giving us details of hotels in Malta and what we could expect. The staff regularly visited every hotel in their portfolio so could give first hand knowledge.
The Dolmen was excellent in every way, offering a wide choice of food in their main restaurant. There were 2 other restaurants plus a 24 hour cafe where the snacks and drinks were inexpensive. They had indoor and outdoor pools which were beautifully kept. The hotel occupies a prime position with wonderful views across the bay and is very close to the bus terminal, shops, cafes etc.
All the staff were friendly and helpful. When we arrived {early in the morning}, the room was at the extreme end of the hotel which made it very difficult for my husband who has limited mobility. The next morning, the reception staff gave us the opportunity to look at other rooms which were much closer to all amenities and we were able to move to an excellent room. All the rooms were spotless, spacious and had good size bathrooms. It deserves a 10 rating as we could not fault it in any way.
Choice holidays were really good, giving us details of hotels in Malta and what we could expect. The staff regularly visited every hotel in their portfolio so could give first hand knowledge.
The Dolmen was excellent in every way, offering a wide choice of food in their main restaurant. There were 2 other restaurants plus a 24 hour cafe where the snacks and drinks were inexpensive. They had indoor and outdoor pools which were beautifully kept. The hotel occupies a prime position with wonderful views across the bay and is very close to the bus terminal, shops, cafes etc.
All the staff were friendly and helpful. When we arrived {early in the morning}, the room was at the extreme end of the hotel which made it very difficult for my husband who has limited mobility. The next morning, the reception staff gave us the opportunity to look at other rooms which were much closer to all amenities and we were able to move to an excellent room. All the rooms were spotless, spacious and had good size bathrooms. It deserves a 10 rating as we could not fault it in any way.
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Choice Holidays
" Have just returned from our holiday... "
Submitted By: Mrs E Lang
Have just returned from our holiday in Malta New Dolmen Hotel, Buggiba and had a wonderful time. Our room was great but would pay extra next time for a sea view. The food was excellent and plenty of it. The hotel staff were very very nice and extremely friendly. The hotel facilities were exactly as expected and added to all of this from our point of view because the schools were not on holiday we had a ‘child free zone’ ahhhhhhhhhhhhh bliss.
This was not our first time in Malta in fact we have been there several times. We have been to numerous apartments and hotels but from now on will always chose the New Dolmen when we go to Malta again.
We have also always gone with Direct Holidays and cannot see past that particular tour company the rep on this occasion was extremely helpful and friendly.
This was not our first time in Malta in fact we have been there several times. We have been to numerous apartments and hotels but from now on will always chose the New Dolmen when we go to Malta again.
We have also always gone with Direct Holidays and cannot see past that particular tour company the rep on this occasion was extremely helpful and friendly.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
" After reading on other sites the... "
Submitted By: Lizzie68
After reading on other sites the reviews of this hotel I was feeling very anxious, but I had nothing to worry about. The Hotel is large and kept clean.
When we arrived we got our room straight away with no trouble at all and the room itself was clean and spacious.
The food we were lead to believe was awful, but was in fact average and ok. The hotel has quite a few swimming pools and are kept clean.
Malta is a beautiful place to go and explore, the people are as friendly as you are to them and I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone. Happy holidays!
When we arrived we got our room straight away with no trouble at all and the room itself was clean and spacious.
The food we were lead to believe was awful, but was in fact average and ok. The hotel has quite a few swimming pools and are kept clean.
Malta is a beautiful place to go and explore, the people are as friendly as you are to them and I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone. Happy holidays!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The hotel is situated overlooking St... "
Submitted By: Mr G A McCord
The hotel is situated overlooking St Paul’s bay, quiet and serene but within five minutes to Bugibba a upcoming resort with something for everyone.
Much is said in the tourist mags about the Dolmen temple, in reality it is small but the gardens and general layout of the hotel complex are ideal for a family holiday with excellent facilities and entertainment, without being over obtrusive to the couple who just want to rest and relax.
Excellent views if you have a seafront room which is extra but well worth it. The New Dolmen complex boasts its own private beach front area furnished with African style beach huts for shade and four well spaced and maintained outdoor swimming pools and a very hot indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and fitness suite included in the price.
The beach area has two pools one for children adjacent to a kiddies club, the second overlooks an outdoor lido bar ideal for adults. Within the beach area is the Amazon nightclub closed during the day and very lively for adults at night, being detached from the hotel (via the underground tunnel) it does not pose a problem for the hotel guest who would like a early night.
Food at the complex is varied and designed to suit a variety of palates, my family of five 46, 44, 20, 17, 17 found we ate at different times, with the younger ones keeping different hours. We had no problem getting a meal not just in the hotel but also in the nearby resorts of Bugibba and Qwara.
It is much cheaper to eat in the local restaurants than the hotel but where in the world is that not true, overall the variety of food and the standard of service in the St Paul’s Bay area is very good and the New Dolmen supplied us with a very hearty and varied breakfast fare, the Cafe Delos with its pool side location for lunchtime snacks was ideal but as we were eating at the main restaurant we saved ourselves, most days.
The Staff in any hotel are the fulcrum and it is here that The New Dolmen exceeds. There is no problem too small, they are friendly, willing to please and go that little bit extra that is more than helpful and I noticed a good mix of European nationalities especially in the management lending to perfect communication not that it was a problem for me as all staff spoke very good English.
The hotel is two minutes walk from the bus station (large car park area designed for bus use) The bus service is second to none as far as frequency and choice off destination are concerned, road sense and awareness are not the order of the day, and it can be a white knuckle ride and no one appears to observe the orderly queue system we are used to, when boarding at busy times be prepared to get jostled.
I loved the bus journeys and consider them a real piece of Maltese life, my view was "remember you are on holiday, the people you are sharing the bus with at busy times are going too and coming from their days work"
St Paul’s Bay area has daytime fun with the seafront Coastal Lido, a short journey is the Marine Park with a number of attractions including the Dolphins. To book any of the attraction or get a better and well informed insight off the resort look no further than The Islander Gift shop, straight up from the front entrance off the New Dolmen, first crossroad, turn right, just a few metres along the road (tourist street) a one stop store for everything you will need on holiday, from those little trinkets we all bring to our loved ones, to hiring a car for the week or day, in between there is the option to book every cruise and/or day trip at a very competitive price.
Valetta, Mosta (with the dome) The Silent City are a few of the cultural attractions, for the kiddys not to be missed "popeye village" and take them to the dolphins (much cheaper than Florida) it cost me 50 Maltese to swim, about £80. Orlando price is £150 and remember you’ve got to get there
I look forward to visiting my friends in Malta in July 2004 and pray their entry into the European Union does not spoil this unspoiled island.
Much is said in the tourist mags about the Dolmen temple, in reality it is small but the gardens and general layout of the hotel complex are ideal for a family holiday with excellent facilities and entertainment, without being over obtrusive to the couple who just want to rest and relax.
Excellent views if you have a seafront room which is extra but well worth it. The New Dolmen complex boasts its own private beach front area furnished with African style beach huts for shade and four well spaced and maintained outdoor swimming pools and a very hot indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and fitness suite included in the price.
The beach area has two pools one for children adjacent to a kiddies club, the second overlooks an outdoor lido bar ideal for adults. Within the beach area is the Amazon nightclub closed during the day and very lively for adults at night, being detached from the hotel (via the underground tunnel) it does not pose a problem for the hotel guest who would like a early night.
Food at the complex is varied and designed to suit a variety of palates, my family of five 46, 44, 20, 17, 17 found we ate at different times, with the younger ones keeping different hours. We had no problem getting a meal not just in the hotel but also in the nearby resorts of Bugibba and Qwara.
It is much cheaper to eat in the local restaurants than the hotel but where in the world is that not true, overall the variety of food and the standard of service in the St Paul’s Bay area is very good and the New Dolmen supplied us with a very hearty and varied breakfast fare, the Cafe Delos with its pool side location for lunchtime snacks was ideal but as we were eating at the main restaurant we saved ourselves, most days.
The Staff in any hotel are the fulcrum and it is here that The New Dolmen exceeds. There is no problem too small, they are friendly, willing to please and go that little bit extra that is more than helpful and I noticed a good mix of European nationalities especially in the management lending to perfect communication not that it was a problem for me as all staff spoke very good English.
The hotel is two minutes walk from the bus station (large car park area designed for bus use) The bus service is second to none as far as frequency and choice off destination are concerned, road sense and awareness are not the order of the day, and it can be a white knuckle ride and no one appears to observe the orderly queue system we are used to, when boarding at busy times be prepared to get jostled.
I loved the bus journeys and consider them a real piece of Maltese life, my view was "remember you are on holiday, the people you are sharing the bus with at busy times are going too and coming from their days work"
St Paul’s Bay area has daytime fun with the seafront Coastal Lido, a short journey is the Marine Park with a number of attractions including the Dolphins. To book any of the attraction or get a better and well informed insight off the resort look no further than The Islander Gift shop, straight up from the front entrance off the New Dolmen, first crossroad, turn right, just a few metres along the road (tourist street) a one stop store for everything you will need on holiday, from those little trinkets we all bring to our loved ones, to hiring a car for the week or day, in between there is the option to book every cruise and/or day trip at a very competitive price.
Valetta, Mosta (with the dome) The Silent City are a few of the cultural attractions, for the kiddys not to be missed "popeye village" and take them to the dolphins (much cheaper than Florida) it cost me 50 Maltese to swim, about £80. Orlando price is £150 and remember you’ve got to get there
I look forward to visiting my friends in Malta in July 2004 and pray their entry into the European Union does not spoil this unspoiled island.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2003
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
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We arrived at the hotel at 22:30 at night along with three other couples who were on our flight. On our arrival we were greeted by the hotel staff in what is without a doubt a beautiful hotel - The Dolmen.
We were all told that there had been some overbooking and we were to be moved to the Sunshine Hotel for the first four nights, to return to the Dolmen on the Sunday night for the remaining three nights of our stay. We were all tired and did not put up much of a fight as we were assured that the Sunshine was the same standard as the Dolmen. Needless to say the Sunshine is listed as a four star, but is old, run down and in need of renovation (2-3 Star at best).
I am not a "Holiday Snob" by any means - but I do (like anyone else) expect to get what I have researched and paid for. We returned to the Dolmen the first morning of the holiday and when I explained that we had booked the Dolmen and not the Sunshine - the attitude of the manager and staff was "we are double booked and have placed you in a four star hotel". They would not be budged and we remained at the Sunshine.
When we did get into the Dolmen for the last three nights it was as fantastic as we had researched and I would happily go back there time and again as the location and facilities are great. However given the way we were messed around and relocated I would not risk it again.
I have rated the holiday overall a 2 out of 10 and this is based on our poor experience as stated above - it really did ruin what could have been a perfect holiday. If I had been at the Dolmen for the whole week I have no doubt I would have graded it a 9 out 10.
Please be warned - this is a fantastic hotel and reasonable in price - but you DO run a BIG risk of ending up in the Sunshine that I would rate no more than a 2-3 star hotel at best.