Reviews of Dolmen Resort Hotel, Qawra

Hotel was excellent - food above average . Management and staff very helpful . Service again above average . Spa and all pools within hotel grounds clean and well maintained. There is a tennis court which we didnt use . Malta is alittle more expensive since it has joined the E.U. but bus fares remain very cheap and eating out is still good value . Would certainly use this hotel again and would book with Travelrepublic - airport parking prebooked with Travelrepublic was very good value and was a very smooth transaction . Transfers - flights and hotel again all perfect.

As a middle aged couple, we have just returned from a week at The Dolmen. Prior to going I had read reviews on here and didn't really know what to expect as the reviews were very mixed. We don't usually choose a hotel which is so big but we were very pleased with it.



It is called a Resort Hotel I guess as it is a resort in itself and really does have something for everyone from children straight through to adults.



There is a wonderful cafe bar where you can eat in or out around the pool. There is an upmarket restaurant, a restaurant right besides the sea with the most stunning views, a spa, an indoor pool, numerous outdoor pools, an entertainments room (this was done outside when we went), a wine bar, a nightclub and a casino. I am sure that I have forgotten something, oh yes and an ancient temple in the grounds!!!!!



We did book one of the superior rooms on the 6th floor. It was amazing and we had one of those tempur mattresses which you really did not want to get out of. The size of the room was exceptional and the balcony was almost as big as the room.



We booked this room as we wanted to ensure that we were at the top of the hotel and there are only superior rooms at the top. I do have to agree that some of the rooms on the other floors looked tired in comparison. What we always find is that a four star hotel in Malta is not as smart as one in say, Spain or Portugal.



The room was cleaned daily to a high standard and we could have fresh towels when we liked. There was a small mini bar in the room which was not overpriced but we took out all the hotel stuff and used or own and put our milk in there (and wine!) as we had tea making facilities. The air conditioning was very good, we really needed it as it was 30+ most days. It was also left on for us by the cleaners so that our room was cool when we returned. In many hotels it is switched off when you are not there.



The hotel encourages recycling and there are containers on each floor for bottles and newspapers.



The only downsides we could find is that with late entertainment etc and breakfast going on until late we were needing to sleep. The cleaners would knock on your door to clean your room quite early. Even when we made sure that the "do not disturb" sign was on, they were still very noisy in the corridors. In addition the hotel was full and there were often queues for breakfast.



The resort was heaving and that made hiring a car difficult and parking often a nightmare. The hotel has its own car park but there is a charge. If going in the summer my advice is to book a car before you go.



Qawra is a few minutes walk from the next town which is buzzing at night with lots of bars and restaurants through we didn't find the food, on the whole, very exciting.



I would recommend the hotel and would pay the extra for the superior room as it is well worth it.

We have just returned from an excellent 2 week break at this hotel. We stayed in a junior suite, which was extremely spacious and modern in appearance, it had two bathrooms, 1 bedroom and would comfortably sleep 5 (there were 3 of us). The views were fabulous, the hotel facilities brilliant. Our 5 year old son loved the kids club, daily activities etc and so did we. I think the summer programme commences on 1 July (for activities etc). Excellent resort for those with younger families who want a hotel centred holiday. Our son took part in a mini Happy Feet musical staged by the fabulous Animation team, I think the adults enjoyed watching it more than the children who were taking part. Guests were a good mix of British, Irish, French, Scandanavian, Spanish, Italian and German.



Good range of other facilities, sea front bathing area more suited for adults with direct access into sea, beauty spa, Amazonia club etc.



We also visited Gozo (a must, the ink blue sea around the Azure window is very beautiful), and the Popeye Village (I would give the latter a miss next time round!).

In February I booked a 1 week holiday at the Dolmen Resort from 11 - 18 June. Having previously had 2 enjoyable stays at this hotel I was really looking forward returning. However, I arrived just after midnight to find that they had given my room to someone else and arranged for me to stay at another hotel for the night. Needless to say this hotel was awful. As a 78 year old woman travelling alone I was really really upset about this treatment. I was not allowed to check into the Dolmen until 2pm the following day and the management were not at all apologetic. This totally ruined my holiday and although I have emailed them twice to see if they would apologise they do not even bother to respond. They really don't seem to value their customers at all.

This has to be the worst hotel by far for choice of food. As a very well travelled person, and well aqauaint with 4 star accommadation, I have to seriously query the standard of this hotel. The rooms are dated, the bathrooms are small, and very outdated and tired looking. The choice of food has to be the worst thing about this hotel. As we were half board, we expected the choice of food to be of an edible standard. There are only 3 choices of main course for evening meal and 2 choices of sweets. If you want soup, then there is the take it or leave it choice! Cheese and biscuits are available, but again, 2 cheeses and only the one kind of biscuit. I would not recommend this hotel on a half board basis, but if you just want somewhere to sleep, and that is central for everything, then this is ideal. It is spacious with plenty of sunbathing places, and plenty of beds...no having to get up and lay your towels to reserve a bed. The entertainment is very limited and not at all like the brochure suggests. On the whole, I would rate this hotel 2 star for food, and 3 star for rooms but 5 star for location. Take a picnic with you if you want to eat at this hotel as the word "diabolical" springs to mind. I write this as a qualified mystery shopper. (23 years experience)

we have been to malta 5 times but last year we stayed at the dolmen in jul we had a nice time the food was a1. The staff was very helpful the adccommodation was very clean allround. Hope to go back soon ie 08. Things to do in the dolmen was loads kids club pools x4 disco bars good entertainment most nights .Out and about loads of bars and food places the weather was very hot 90s most days. The dolmen is a 4 star and should be a 5 star the maltese people are very nice. the veiw from the dolmen is very stunning

We arrived excited and hoping for a relaxing Autumn break in Malta. We booked 7 nights B&B at the Dolmen after researching the various hotels on this and other review sites.



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.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)