Santa Maria Aparthotel, Bugibba, Malta
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Hotel Description:
The Santa Maria Hotel is positioned to give easy access to the resort attractions, 500 metres to the Bugibba seafront and promenade with its many bars, restaurants and shops as well as to the sandy beaches. The modern Santa Maria is stylish with comfortable furnishings and attractive decor and it consists of hotel rooms and apartments around a large swimming pool. loading...
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Santa Maria Aparthotel Reviews
" Had booked 1 bed apartment on room... "
Submitted By: Ms T Allen
Had booked 1 bed apartment on room only basis - on arrival apartment not available - offered 2 rooms with B&B. There were 3 people in group so 1 ended up in room on own.
Staff were very nice. Hotel was in need of refurbishment and food was atrocious. I would definitely have been very cross if I had paid for food - couldn't even eat the breakfast and it's hard to get that wrong
Location - reasonably close to main night areas and car-hire very close.
Swimming pool acceptable but Jacuzzi had cold water in it.
Staff were very nice. Hotel was in need of refurbishment and food was atrocious. I would definitely have been very cross if I had paid for food - couldn't even eat the breakfast and it's hard to get that wrong
Location - reasonably close to main night areas and car-hire very close.
Swimming pool acceptable but Jacuzzi had cold water in it.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Sunshine.co.uk
" My partner and I did a cheap teletext... "
Submitted By: Mr D Flitney
My partner and I did a cheap teletext deal to get away for a week. Bearing in mind the price we paid, I reckon we just about got the level of accommodation we paid for.
The entrance to the hotel was welcoming enough and the reception staff friendly and approachable. The lifts were tiny. You can barely squeeze in with your luggage!
The stairs aren't very wide either. It makes life difficult when you encounter someone coming the other way.
Our room was on the first floor. A lot of them have inter-connecting doors (I suppose if you have a large family they open them up so that you get 2 rooms together).
However, despite the fact it was locked, you could hear every word that was being said next door. In addition to that, if the people in the next room are smokers, it can waft through into your room, and it was a good job our fan was working to take the stink away. Also, our floor was quite dusty too which isn’t good once you've just had a shower!
The food was OK. There is a reasonable choice for breakfast, but only two choices for cereal (sugar puffs or corn flakes). Evening dinners were ok too. There was normally a carvery meat, then another meat in sauce. There was often a fish dish, pasta, chips/potatoes, and veg. Salads also available. I recommend the sweet house wine (90c for two glasses).
Some previous entries have mentioned entertainment. There is daily bingo at 7:30pm in the bar, which proved very popular. However, we were visiting outside peak season, so we didn't get to experience any of the games or activities around the pool.
There is a board up advertising ten pin bowling, water basketball, and aerobics, but none of this was happening. It may change in the summer months. If you look closely enough, there is also a mini cinema in the basement, along with a leisure bar (including sports TV and pool tables etc).
This is probably a good place for the youngsters to go, but we only came across it by accident.
Just another point, please be very careful when out and about in Malta. The streets are safe, but there are no end of people promoting various timeshares etc. They promise to shower you with free gifts.
One offered us bottles of Malibu and Whisky in return for looking around a local hotel. We did exactly that and stuck to our guns by not going along with their offer, and they did give us the gifts we were promised.
However, whilst walking back to town to have lunch we were approached by another couple doing the same thing. They put a scratch card in our hands and made us open it up, which sort of commits you to playing along. They told us that we had won 7 nights free stay at any Radisson hotel, and to claim our voucher all we had to do was look at the local Radisson hotel for 30 mins and then go.
Unfortunately, we played along with it, and ended up sacrificing almost a whole day with both of these offers. When we got our 7 night voucher, it only applied to persons over the age of 30. So for me, aged 26, and my partner 24, it was useless, and they didn't warn us about it when we were first approached. We've therefore got no choice but to offer it to our parents...
The moral of the story is avoiding these people like the plague.
If anyone asks you to look round any hotels, whatever the incentives, tell them firmly where to go. You will just end up being dragged into a hotel and forced to sacrifice your own time when you should be enjoying your well earned break away from work etc. It's a good job there wasn't a third experience of this nature that afternoon.
My choice of words to them would not have been appropriate for this forum!
This experience has not affected my rating, but I give the hotel 6 out of 10. I did hear rumours that it was being demolished/refurbished/turned into an old people’s home (delete as appropriate) but nothing definite.
I probably wouldn't stay at the hotel again, as I feel there are probably better alternatives in Malta.
The entrance to the hotel was welcoming enough and the reception staff friendly and approachable. The lifts were tiny. You can barely squeeze in with your luggage!
The stairs aren't very wide either. It makes life difficult when you encounter someone coming the other way.
Our room was on the first floor. A lot of them have inter-connecting doors (I suppose if you have a large family they open them up so that you get 2 rooms together).
However, despite the fact it was locked, you could hear every word that was being said next door. In addition to that, if the people in the next room are smokers, it can waft through into your room, and it was a good job our fan was working to take the stink away. Also, our floor was quite dusty too which isn’t good once you've just had a shower!
The food was OK. There is a reasonable choice for breakfast, but only two choices for cereal (sugar puffs or corn flakes). Evening dinners were ok too. There was normally a carvery meat, then another meat in sauce. There was often a fish dish, pasta, chips/potatoes, and veg. Salads also available. I recommend the sweet house wine (90c for two glasses).
Some previous entries have mentioned entertainment. There is daily bingo at 7:30pm in the bar, which proved very popular. However, we were visiting outside peak season, so we didn't get to experience any of the games or activities around the pool.
There is a board up advertising ten pin bowling, water basketball, and aerobics, but none of this was happening. It may change in the summer months. If you look closely enough, there is also a mini cinema in the basement, along with a leisure bar (including sports TV and pool tables etc).
This is probably a good place for the youngsters to go, but we only came across it by accident.
Just another point, please be very careful when out and about in Malta. The streets are safe, but there are no end of people promoting various timeshares etc. They promise to shower you with free gifts.
One offered us bottles of Malibu and Whisky in return for looking around a local hotel. We did exactly that and stuck to our guns by not going along with their offer, and they did give us the gifts we were promised.
However, whilst walking back to town to have lunch we were approached by another couple doing the same thing. They put a scratch card in our hands and made us open it up, which sort of commits you to playing along. They told us that we had won 7 nights free stay at any Radisson hotel, and to claim our voucher all we had to do was look at the local Radisson hotel for 30 mins and then go.
Unfortunately, we played along with it, and ended up sacrificing almost a whole day with both of these offers. When we got our 7 night voucher, it only applied to persons over the age of 30. So for me, aged 26, and my partner 24, it was useless, and they didn't warn us about it when we were first approached. We've therefore got no choice but to offer it to our parents...
The moral of the story is avoiding these people like the plague.
If anyone asks you to look round any hotels, whatever the incentives, tell them firmly where to go. You will just end up being dragged into a hotel and forced to sacrifice your own time when you should be enjoying your well earned break away from work etc. It's a good job there wasn't a third experience of this nature that afternoon.
My choice of words to them would not have been appropriate for this forum!
This experience has not affected my rating, but I give the hotel 6 out of 10. I did hear rumours that it was being demolished/refurbished/turned into an old people’s home (delete as appropriate) but nothing definite.
I probably wouldn't stay at the hotel again, as I feel there are probably better alternatives in Malta.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Edrichton Holidays
" The Santa Maria is a typical 2 star... "
Submitted By: Mrs B Brooks
The Santa Maria is a typical 2 star hotel in Malta. The reception area is beautiful, marble everywhere and very clean.
Both the pools were kept clean, as were the Jacuzzi’s. The hotel was adequately kept, staff were helpful, bed linen was changed twice in one week, and freshly laundered towels every day.
Unfortunately, because of the appalling weather, rain and thunderstorms, water was everywhere and water with marble makes a treacherous duo, I slipped down the entrance steps to the hotel. It would have been much safer if a 'rush' mat had been placed on the steps or even a 'wet surface, slippery' notice had been in place. The staff were wonderful and very concerned.
Although very nice, the hotel is located up a hill, making it difficult to walk down to the sea, and even more difficult walking back, especially if elderly or infirm.
I could certainly recommend this hotel to families with children.
Both the pools were kept clean, as were the Jacuzzi’s. The hotel was adequately kept, staff were helpful, bed linen was changed twice in one week, and freshly laundered towels every day.
Unfortunately, because of the appalling weather, rain and thunderstorms, water was everywhere and water with marble makes a treacherous duo, I slipped down the entrance steps to the hotel. It would have been much safer if a 'rush' mat had been placed on the steps or even a 'wet surface, slippery' notice had been in place. The staff were wonderful and very concerned.
Although very nice, the hotel is located up a hill, making it difficult to walk down to the sea, and even more difficult walking back, especially if elderly or infirm.
I could certainly recommend this hotel to families with children.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Before booking we made sure that our... "
Submitted By: Mr M Jones
Before booking we made sure that our flights would have reasonable times - been caught out before arriving/leaving at unreasonable hours! Flight was on time. On arrival there were loads of reps about helping you to find the correct coach. Journey time from the airport around 30 mins over typical bumpy roads.
On first look we were impressed with reception area. At the back we could see the webcam security monitors which were on continuously (more about security later!).
We were directed to our rooms and found them easily enough. The hotel is split into several sections - the 2 main sections serviced by 2 small lifts each (holding max 4 persons). Lifts were clean(ish).
Entering the room we were not surprised by them - exactly as described. 3 single beds, 14" TV, wardrobe, 2 bed cabinets, makeup cabinet/mirror, wall safe, extra sheets and pillows et al. Large patio style door opened up onto a small balcony overlooking the large pool and patio area.
The rooms were serviced every day by friendly cleaners. Sheets changed at least 3 times (it was too hot to sleep under the bed clothes to check!). The ceiling fan wobbled at medium speed, no air con.
Luckily (for us as we were making our own arrangements for tours etc) we missed both the 'welcome get togethers'. From previous experiences Reps are after extra money for tours and bar crawls. He phoned up once and never bothered us again! Result!
The pool is open from 8AM to 6PM so there was no noise from poolside in the evening -very pleasant to look over in the cooler evening.
We went half board as we knew we weren't going to take advantage of the 'free' drinks or lunch menu. Just as well - as it would have taken a lot of drinking to make up the difference. On reflection we should have gone B&B as we only had 3 evening meals there. If you go B&B or self catering don't even try to sneak in for a free meal!
You get either cards saying what board basis you are on or a photo ID. These are checked EVERY time you enter the dining area. You can buy meals for a reasonable amount though.
The breakfast was standard fare. For a change these were cooked properly in the English style! No German sausages here! And plenty of it and all steaming hot! Cereals and melons were also available.
Evening meals were much of a muchness - nothing fancy - but well cooked and hot. Some of the meals were over salted though. Probably due to the desalination process of the local water.
All of the staff were helpful and friendly to us. Even when the wife messed up the combination on the wall safe! The duty manager arrived within a few minutes to sort it out!
Entertainment? Well - no actually! As far as I could tell (we weren't in the hotel much during the day) there was none! If you wanted hotel entertainment you walked across the road to the sister hotel, but in all honesty (apart from a few games for the kids and internet access) don't bother. They had Malta's number one (apparently) folk duo on one night and they were so out of tune it hurt! If you want nearby evening music go to the San Paulo around the corner - just follow the noise - you'll find it!
The poolside area was cleaned and tidied every night. Both the Jacuzzi’s were drained and refilled. I saw that chlorine was also added. There were plenty of loungers at both areas. We went to the rooftop area most of the time and usually there just 4/6 people there. A fairly private area at the end if you fancied a more 'all over' tan!
Now security. I have noticed this at nearly all the hotels we have ever been to. If you've got the bottle you can get into any room you like! Walk in, have a glance over the receptionists shoulder to see what keys are in the slots and ask for one! It's that easy! At no time were we challenged to see if we were in room xxx. This is not unique to this hotel but I wish they'd hide the keys away at least!
The journey back was again around 30 minutes via a different route. We were impressed by the airport. Very clean and modern - no delays.
The only real gripe was the entertainment. Don't go all inclusive! Meals are easily available elsewhere but I wouldn't recommend the Chinese on the corner. We had sweet n sour. Portions were small and VERY overcooked - batter seemed to have been fried for 20 minutes and rock hard! Try the Italian or the Chinese by the Chapel (20 minute walk). The Italian is one of Malta's best dining areas. Very friendly staff but the fresh fish in the chiller cabinet kept looking at me!
There is a bit of confusion about this hotel. On 2 occasions we were told it was being closed next year for total refurbishment, the rep said it was not. Who to believe? Check next year’s brochures I suppose!
All in all 3 star is about right. Cheap and cheerful I suppose! We paid £650 for 7 nights (another couple paid £1100 all inclusive - so it pays to shop around!).
On first look we were impressed with reception area. At the back we could see the webcam security monitors which were on continuously (more about security later!).
We were directed to our rooms and found them easily enough. The hotel is split into several sections - the 2 main sections serviced by 2 small lifts each (holding max 4 persons). Lifts were clean(ish).
Entering the room we were not surprised by them - exactly as described. 3 single beds, 14" TV, wardrobe, 2 bed cabinets, makeup cabinet/mirror, wall safe, extra sheets and pillows et al. Large patio style door opened up onto a small balcony overlooking the large pool and patio area.
The rooms were serviced every day by friendly cleaners. Sheets changed at least 3 times (it was too hot to sleep under the bed clothes to check!). The ceiling fan wobbled at medium speed, no air con.
Luckily (for us as we were making our own arrangements for tours etc) we missed both the 'welcome get togethers'. From previous experiences Reps are after extra money for tours and bar crawls. He phoned up once and never bothered us again! Result!
The pool is open from 8AM to 6PM so there was no noise from poolside in the evening -very pleasant to look over in the cooler evening.
We went half board as we knew we weren't going to take advantage of the 'free' drinks or lunch menu. Just as well - as it would have taken a lot of drinking to make up the difference. On reflection we should have gone B&B as we only had 3 evening meals there. If you go B&B or self catering don't even try to sneak in for a free meal!
You get either cards saying what board basis you are on or a photo ID. These are checked EVERY time you enter the dining area. You can buy meals for a reasonable amount though.
The breakfast was standard fare. For a change these were cooked properly in the English style! No German sausages here! And plenty of it and all steaming hot! Cereals and melons were also available.
Evening meals were much of a muchness - nothing fancy - but well cooked and hot. Some of the meals were over salted though. Probably due to the desalination process of the local water.
All of the staff were helpful and friendly to us. Even when the wife messed up the combination on the wall safe! The duty manager arrived within a few minutes to sort it out!
Entertainment? Well - no actually! As far as I could tell (we weren't in the hotel much during the day) there was none! If you wanted hotel entertainment you walked across the road to the sister hotel, but in all honesty (apart from a few games for the kids and internet access) don't bother. They had Malta's number one (apparently) folk duo on one night and they were so out of tune it hurt! If you want nearby evening music go to the San Paulo around the corner - just follow the noise - you'll find it!
The poolside area was cleaned and tidied every night. Both the Jacuzzi’s were drained and refilled. I saw that chlorine was also added. There were plenty of loungers at both areas. We went to the rooftop area most of the time and usually there just 4/6 people there. A fairly private area at the end if you fancied a more 'all over' tan!
Now security. I have noticed this at nearly all the hotels we have ever been to. If you've got the bottle you can get into any room you like! Walk in, have a glance over the receptionists shoulder to see what keys are in the slots and ask for one! It's that easy! At no time were we challenged to see if we were in room xxx. This is not unique to this hotel but I wish they'd hide the keys away at least!
The journey back was again around 30 minutes via a different route. We were impressed by the airport. Very clean and modern - no delays.
The only real gripe was the entertainment. Don't go all inclusive! Meals are easily available elsewhere but I wouldn't recommend the Chinese on the corner. We had sweet n sour. Portions were small and VERY overcooked - batter seemed to have been fried for 20 minutes and rock hard! Try the Italian or the Chinese by the Chapel (20 minute walk). The Italian is one of Malta's best dining areas. Very friendly staff but the fresh fish in the chiller cabinet kept looking at me!
There is a bit of confusion about this hotel. On 2 occasions we were told it was being closed next year for total refurbishment, the rep said it was not. Who to believe? Check next year’s brochures I suppose!
All in all 3 star is about right. Cheap and cheerful I suppose! We paid £650 for 7 nights (another couple paid £1100 all inclusive - so it pays to shop around!).
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Have been visiting Malta for 22 years... "
Submitted By: Miss C A Byford
Have been visiting Malta for 22 years now as parents have timeshare in Topaz and have stayed in many different apartments over past few years as we have outgrown 1 bed, 1 sofa bed in Topaz!! We read some reviews with worry, but as myself and eldest (14) said on reading them so long as we have somewhere to sleep, shower and make a drink we don't care! (The price we paid was ridiculous two weeks accommodation for less than one of our flights!)
Well what can I say? We expected a one bedroom apartment with sofa beds, but when we turned up we had another single room ok it was only a bed and a wardrobe but my 14 year old loved the fact they had their own room!! We even had a pool view! The staff were amazing, so friendly (but that is the Maltese for you), when I reported that our shower didn't work within 24 hours it was repaired!
People have remarked about staying at the Topaz-sorry to burst your bubble but the rooms are tiny and the general decor around the rooms (away from the reception and public areas) is awful.
When people complain about the food I just smile to myself, AI is fine in far flung places but in Malta when you can get a lovely 3 course meal with wine for about £9.00 a head in many lovely restaurants I find it daft!!
The pool may be small but it is perfectly formed and if my 6 year old non swimmer could manage in it I am sure anyone can. We also had the misfortune of a 'Maltese' power cut one morning and the management came to all the apartments and offered us a free breakfast.
With regards to bars shutting too early if people actually left the complex they would find 'D-Breeze' bar on pioneer st (heading down to square) was open 7pm til 7am and 'Freeze' in the square is open til about 4.
All in all we had a lovely time, as it was more than we expected and we can't thank the staff enough. If I wasn't going to move out there I would stay there again - would definitely recommend to friends as hopefully will be round the corner to where I will be moving to!
Well what can I say? We expected a one bedroom apartment with sofa beds, but when we turned up we had another single room ok it was only a bed and a wardrobe but my 14 year old loved the fact they had their own room!! We even had a pool view! The staff were amazing, so friendly (but that is the Maltese for you), when I reported that our shower didn't work within 24 hours it was repaired!
People have remarked about staying at the Topaz-sorry to burst your bubble but the rooms are tiny and the general decor around the rooms (away from the reception and public areas) is awful.
When people complain about the food I just smile to myself, AI is fine in far flung places but in Malta when you can get a lovely 3 course meal with wine for about £9.00 a head in many lovely restaurants I find it daft!!
The pool may be small but it is perfectly formed and if my 6 year old non swimmer could manage in it I am sure anyone can. We also had the misfortune of a 'Maltese' power cut one morning and the management came to all the apartments and offered us a free breakfast.
With regards to bars shutting too early if people actually left the complex they would find 'D-Breeze' bar on pioneer st (heading down to square) was open 7pm til 7am and 'Freeze' in the square is open til about 4.
All in all we had a lovely time, as it was more than we expected and we can't thank the staff enough. If I wasn't going to move out there I would stay there again - would definitely recommend to friends as hopefully will be round the corner to where I will be moving to!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:lowcostbeds.com
" After reading some of the very... "
Submitted By: Miss A Henderson
After reading some of the very negative comments about this hotel I have to admit I was dreading arriving. However I must let you all know, I was very pleasantly surprised. I think some people have just complained for the sake of complaining. The hotel itself was basic, but it was clean enough. Our rooms were made up everyday. We had a twin room and pushed the beds together. When the bed was made we were delighted to find that double sheets were put on.
The bathroom was clean, however there was a lot of scale on the taps. But this caused no problems. The food was lovely. Plenty of choice for all meals. The food presentation wasn’t brilliant, but it tasted good. I usually suffer with tummy upset when I go away, this time I had no problems at all.
There was no entertainment in Santa Maria so we went to the sister hotel across the road and did the bingo each night. Not my cup of tea really but we met lots of nice people and had a laugh - what holidays are for! People have complained that the pool at the SM has no shallow end for children. Well that shouldn’t matter, as children shouldn’t be left on their own anyway. They have steps to get in and out. The Jacuzzi was clean in the morning but by lunchtime it was mucky, this is because the guests don’t wash their sun lotion off as asked. The staff were all very pleasant and couldn’t help us enough.
Bugibba itself is an acquired taste. I think you either like it or you don’t. I loved the way it was 'rickety and dusty'. The only bad points are that the bars close too early in Bugibba.
Oh and take some extra pillows or ask for some. The ones they provide are only about 2 inch thick.
The Santa Maria is not the Ritz and doesn’t claim to be, so don’t go there expecting the best of everything. All in all - I would definitely love to go back again.
The bathroom was clean, however there was a lot of scale on the taps. But this caused no problems. The food was lovely. Plenty of choice for all meals. The food presentation wasn’t brilliant, but it tasted good. I usually suffer with tummy upset when I go away, this time I had no problems at all.
There was no entertainment in Santa Maria so we went to the sister hotel across the road and did the bingo each night. Not my cup of tea really but we met lots of nice people and had a laugh - what holidays are for! People have complained that the pool at the SM has no shallow end for children. Well that shouldn’t matter, as children shouldn’t be left on their own anyway. They have steps to get in and out. The Jacuzzi was clean in the morning but by lunchtime it was mucky, this is because the guests don’t wash their sun lotion off as asked. The staff were all very pleasant and couldn’t help us enough.
Bugibba itself is an acquired taste. I think you either like it or you don’t. I loved the way it was 'rickety and dusty'. The only bad points are that the bars close too early in Bugibba.
Oh and take some extra pillows or ask for some. The ones they provide are only about 2 inch thick.
The Santa Maria is not the Ritz and doesn’t claim to be, so don’t go there expecting the best of everything. All in all - I would definitely love to go back again.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We were pleasantly surprised by the... "
Submitted By: Miss J Midgley
We were pleasantly surprised by the Santa Maria, especially having read some mixed reviews of the place. The lobby and communal areas of the hotel are lovely, the staff were helpful and even though our room was not quite ready when we arrived at 12 noon, the staff offered us complimentary drinks in the bar. After 15-20 minutes the receptionist told us that our room was ready and that our suitcases had been taken up.
Our spacious one bedroom apartment overlooked the pool area, as well as the kids' Astroturf play area, Jacuzzi and heated indoor pool. The apartment was basic but comfortable, excellent value for money. There's no air-conditioning in the rooms but all have a ceiling fan, which I prefer as it's better for the environment and keeps the dreaded mosquitoes away! (Of which there were many.)
Bugibba is an excellent location for a break in Malta, there is a bus stop less then 5 minutes walk away from the Santa Maria where you can take a bus to practically anywhere on the island. We visited Medina, Valetta, Golden Bay and Gozo - all easy to get to from our base and must-see sights for anyone visiting Malta.
The Santa Maria is a 5 minute stroll to the seafront and it was lovely to walk along the promenade each evening after dinner. We also tried fishing - you can buy rods for very little and the locals who were casting their lines off the little harbour were more than happy to help us get the hang of it!
All the Maltese people we met were very friendly, polite and courteous, and ready to help visitors find their way around.
As we went in June, most of the other visitors at the Santa Maria were pensioners! The nightly entertainment programme of bingo and cabaret acts went down very well with most of the guests, although it is not really our thing.
There is an abundance of fresh fish in Malta, and guests who stay on a self-catering basis should visit the local fishmonger which conveniently has a supermarket and bakery on either side, again it's a short walk from the Santa Maria.
I'd read that the Chinese restaurant next door to the Santa Maria is good. We only went once and we ordered a take-away, which was very disappointing in it's small size! The cartons were half-full and the food was overpriced to start with, so be careful and check your boxes while inside the restaurant if you're taking food out.
Overall, I highly recommend the Santa Maria and already we plan to return next year.
Our spacious one bedroom apartment overlooked the pool area, as well as the kids' Astroturf play area, Jacuzzi and heated indoor pool. The apartment was basic but comfortable, excellent value for money. There's no air-conditioning in the rooms but all have a ceiling fan, which I prefer as it's better for the environment and keeps the dreaded mosquitoes away! (Of which there were many.)
Bugibba is an excellent location for a break in Malta, there is a bus stop less then 5 minutes walk away from the Santa Maria where you can take a bus to practically anywhere on the island. We visited Medina, Valetta, Golden Bay and Gozo - all easy to get to from our base and must-see sights for anyone visiting Malta.
The Santa Maria is a 5 minute stroll to the seafront and it was lovely to walk along the promenade each evening after dinner. We also tried fishing - you can buy rods for very little and the locals who were casting their lines off the little harbour were more than happy to help us get the hang of it!
All the Maltese people we met were very friendly, polite and courteous, and ready to help visitors find their way around.
As we went in June, most of the other visitors at the Santa Maria were pensioners! The nightly entertainment programme of bingo and cabaret acts went down very well with most of the guests, although it is not really our thing.
There is an abundance of fresh fish in Malta, and guests who stay on a self-catering basis should visit the local fishmonger which conveniently has a supermarket and bakery on either side, again it's a short walk from the Santa Maria.
I'd read that the Chinese restaurant next door to the Santa Maria is good. We only went once and we ordered a take-away, which was very disappointing in it's small size! The cartons were half-full and the food was overpriced to start with, so be careful and check your boxes while inside the restaurant if you're taking food out.
Overall, I highly recommend the Santa Maria and already we plan to return next year.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" First all inclusive ever taken ,bit... "
Submitted By: Mrs B E Commins
First all inclusive ever taken ,bit worried in case we were left huggy, but we never were myself husband daughter(14) and son (12) enjoyed every minute of this 2 week holiday, hotel was clean we had clean sheet and towels every day the room it self was just a basic room for 4 but with such a beautiful country to explore why did we need more than that.
Food was very good there was a great choice for breakfast lunch and evening meal, we also tried a packed lunch on 2 occasions which were ok , the pool area was cleaned every day as from our balcony we would see the staff out there cleaning from 7am until around 8:45, the snacks were ok nothing special children enjoyed them drinks were very good as my husband and i sat around the pool taking in the sun a few days during the holiday.
We really enjoyed this holiday and the staff were very very friendly well so friendly that we have booked up again for this year and cant wait to get back, all we hope is that we have as much fun and sun as this year.
Food was very good there was a great choice for breakfast lunch and evening meal, we also tried a packed lunch on 2 occasions which were ok , the pool area was cleaned every day as from our balcony we would see the staff out there cleaning from 7am until around 8:45, the snacks were ok nothing special children enjoyed them drinks were very good as my husband and i sat around the pool taking in the sun a few days during the holiday.
We really enjoyed this holiday and the staff were very very friendly well so friendly that we have booked up again for this year and cant wait to get back, all we hope is that we have as much fun and sun as this year.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" This was a last minute booking, we... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Webster
This was a last minute booking, we did know the resort and hotel we were staying at and both looked okay in the brochure. We had heard reasonable comments about Malta before we went.
Our party was myself and my husband, we are both in our 50's. When we arrived our first impression of the hotel was that it looked nice, tidy and clean. Our room was also clean, and cleaned regularly. Always had new towels and changes of sheets etc.
The Hotel was also poorly positioned near a main road, which created a lot of noise. We also suffered with restless nights from banging doors.
The pool area was nice, but the pool was too deep. I am not a confident swimmer and did not like the depth. There were plenty of sunbeds.
Unfortunately, this is as far as the good bits go!
Food: We did stay all inclusive and were very disappointed by the quality and variety of the food. It was the same day after day, there was no fruit, but plenty of salad. Meat was always tough, the beef dishes were the worst.
Entertainment : Well our only comment is WHAT ENTERTAINMENT!! It was none existent. The Hotel did really cater for older people - say well over 60, who enjoy bingo and a quiet drink. Most evenings we actually went outside of the hotel to see a bit of life.
The drinks were extremely poor, the whiskey was particularly watered down.
St Paul's Bay, however, is a really nice place - if you like a harbour area. Malta's only drawback is it''s lack of beaches, we were aware of this when we booked though.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend Malta if you enjoy a lively place, with beaches. It is more an historical resort, set back in its history.
Our party was myself and my husband, we are both in our 50's. When we arrived our first impression of the hotel was that it looked nice, tidy and clean. Our room was also clean, and cleaned regularly. Always had new towels and changes of sheets etc.
The Hotel was also poorly positioned near a main road, which created a lot of noise. We also suffered with restless nights from banging doors.
The pool area was nice, but the pool was too deep. I am not a confident swimmer and did not like the depth. There were plenty of sunbeds.
Unfortunately, this is as far as the good bits go!
Food: We did stay all inclusive and were very disappointed by the quality and variety of the food. It was the same day after day, there was no fruit, but plenty of salad. Meat was always tough, the beef dishes were the worst.
Entertainment : Well our only comment is WHAT ENTERTAINMENT!! It was none existent. The Hotel did really cater for older people - say well over 60, who enjoy bingo and a quiet drink. Most evenings we actually went outside of the hotel to see a bit of life.
The drinks were extremely poor, the whiskey was particularly watered down.
St Paul's Bay, however, is a really nice place - if you like a harbour area. Malta's only drawback is it''s lack of beaches, we were aware of this when we booked though.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend Malta if you enjoy a lively place, with beaches. It is more an historical resort, set back in its history.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" The holiday got off to a good start... "
Submitted By: Mr M A Andrews
The holiday got off to a good start with Air Malta being punctual, clean and efficient. Our holiday destination according to the brochure was a popular resort ideal for families.
We (my partner, 8 year old son, and partners 9 year old daughter) arrived at Malta airport bang on schedule. We found the Airtours reps and were pointed in the direction of the coach park and told to get on coach 17. After walking past all the coaches looking for a number 17 I went back to the rep and asked how I was supposed to know the number of the coach. It’s at the back she replied. Again I went back to the coach park and. Only 3 coaches out of about20 had numbers. I did look at all possible places a number could be displayed but there simply were no numbers being displayed. Eventually a driver arrived from nowhere carrying a number 17. Was this a sign of what was to come?
The coach was modern but littered with previous guests rubbish. The 30 minute journey took exactly that and we arrived at the 3 star Santa Maria hotel at 00.15hrs. Feeling rather grubby imagine how tired we were. We entered the moderately impressive reception and proceeded to check in, which took an age, mainly because the receptionist insisted on answering the phone and talking in Maltese laughing and gesticulating.
Eventually we went through into the bar area which can best be described as an estate pub with the decor way back in the 70's. Didn’t fancy that much but as the bar was shut it didn’t make much difference. A cold drink would have been welcome and perhaps even a sandwich. The kids were gasping. We were directed to a vending machine across the road which was out of order. The only help we were given was to come back at 07.00 when the shop across the road was open.
The lifts opened to let us up to the 5th floor, even though we requested a ground floor room overlooking the pool. The lifts were filthy, nuff said. Room 513 was opened and the stench hit us. On looking around, the room looked OK, quite clean and well furnished, with the advertised TV, wall safe, ceiling fan, but alas no fridge. Not to worry, we had nothing to put in it anyway.
It was with trepidation that we opened the door to the bathroom and i really wish we hadn’t. First thing to notice was the smell, then the mildew, then the loose cistern, then the loose shower, then the cockroaches etc. We all went onto the sizable balcony for a breath of relatively fresh air. Here we had to smile at the Furnished balcony. 2 plastic chairs and a small plastic table. Not bad for a family of four.
The balcony wall had previously been made of concrete but this had been replaced with a makeshift metal barrier, presumable after someone fell through. Unfortunately the sharp edges had not been smoothed down and there was a definite chance the kids could cut themselves. The balcony was therefore off limits to the kids. Don’t feel sorry for them, they had nowhere to sit anyway.
The bunk beds provided for the children had no safety rail and the ladders were of a construction that made them practically impossible to get down once you were up. Not a bad idea under normal circumstances.
Finally we tried the telly, the advertised satellite TV in every room was sure to be showing something suitable for the kids to fall asleep to but no, 4 channels of Italian and Spanish drivel.
Eventually we all fell into a sweat riddled sleep all trying to get as close to the ceiling fan as possible.
Now then, normally i would be first in the queue to thump the desk and demand satisfaction but i was on this holiday to calm down and relax so i merely went to reception to enquire where the fridge was? I had to hire one i was told at £16 per week. Through gritted teeth i accepted this generous offer. 10 hours later and after numerous phone calls the fridge was delivered to our room. It took a further 24 hours to cool down sufficiently for us to put our 2 bottles of water in. (2 x 2ltr bottles is all it would hold)
I wont give a blow by blow account of the rest of the holiday, lets just say it followed on from our first 24hrs experience.
The food was appalling
Staff unfriendly
Reps only after your money and totally unconcerned about ones welfare
Staff unfriendly
No poolside attendants
Rotten food surrounding the pool (no one clears the tables)
Staff unfriendly
Had to walk to sister hotel to the pool as the Santa Maria has no shallow end.
The report was dirty, filthy and a disgrace to Malta. We actually saw dead rats in the street and on the pavement. The bin men left more rubbish than they took away.
Bars and restaurants were few and far between and if you did visit them it seemed as though you were not welcome.
The main part of St Johns bay is split by a busy main road so not suitable for excited kids and who wants to eat car fumes.
In general this resort and hotel should be demolished. Mind you it did look as though work had started on the demolition.
There was nice resort (Buggibba) just up the road about 1km but beware the touts.
Finally and perhaps most seriously as i wandered into the games room in the St Anton hotel (sister to Santa Maria) I saw a huge gaming machine topple over onto a small 10 year old boy. Fortunately, I managed to heave it off him and he escaped with minor bruising but just think if a smaller child had been walking past at the time. Absolutely nothing was done about this.
As I was determined not to get wound up by this experience we did still enjoy our holiday, I could have spent the entire week complaining as most oft the guests did. Malta, I am sure is a lovely place and Valletta and sliema were glorious but my experience in this hotel and resort have soured my opinion.
Avoid it like the plague.
Mike Andrews
We (my partner, 8 year old son, and partners 9 year old daughter) arrived at Malta airport bang on schedule. We found the Airtours reps and were pointed in the direction of the coach park and told to get on coach 17. After walking past all the coaches looking for a number 17 I went back to the rep and asked how I was supposed to know the number of the coach. It’s at the back she replied. Again I went back to the coach park and. Only 3 coaches out of about20 had numbers. I did look at all possible places a number could be displayed but there simply were no numbers being displayed. Eventually a driver arrived from nowhere carrying a number 17. Was this a sign of what was to come?
The coach was modern but littered with previous guests rubbish. The 30 minute journey took exactly that and we arrived at the 3 star Santa Maria hotel at 00.15hrs. Feeling rather grubby imagine how tired we were. We entered the moderately impressive reception and proceeded to check in, which took an age, mainly because the receptionist insisted on answering the phone and talking in Maltese laughing and gesticulating.
Eventually we went through into the bar area which can best be described as an estate pub with the decor way back in the 70's. Didn’t fancy that much but as the bar was shut it didn’t make much difference. A cold drink would have been welcome and perhaps even a sandwich. The kids were gasping. We were directed to a vending machine across the road which was out of order. The only help we were given was to come back at 07.00 when the shop across the road was open.
The lifts opened to let us up to the 5th floor, even though we requested a ground floor room overlooking the pool. The lifts were filthy, nuff said. Room 513 was opened and the stench hit us. On looking around, the room looked OK, quite clean and well furnished, with the advertised TV, wall safe, ceiling fan, but alas no fridge. Not to worry, we had nothing to put in it anyway.
It was with trepidation that we opened the door to the bathroom and i really wish we hadn’t. First thing to notice was the smell, then the mildew, then the loose cistern, then the loose shower, then the cockroaches etc. We all went onto the sizable balcony for a breath of relatively fresh air. Here we had to smile at the Furnished balcony. 2 plastic chairs and a small plastic table. Not bad for a family of four.
The balcony wall had previously been made of concrete but this had been replaced with a makeshift metal barrier, presumable after someone fell through. Unfortunately the sharp edges had not been smoothed down and there was a definite chance the kids could cut themselves. The balcony was therefore off limits to the kids. Don’t feel sorry for them, they had nowhere to sit anyway.
The bunk beds provided for the children had no safety rail and the ladders were of a construction that made them practically impossible to get down once you were up. Not a bad idea under normal circumstances.
Finally we tried the telly, the advertised satellite TV in every room was sure to be showing something suitable for the kids to fall asleep to but no, 4 channels of Italian and Spanish drivel.
Eventually we all fell into a sweat riddled sleep all trying to get as close to the ceiling fan as possible.
Now then, normally i would be first in the queue to thump the desk and demand satisfaction but i was on this holiday to calm down and relax so i merely went to reception to enquire where the fridge was? I had to hire one i was told at £16 per week. Through gritted teeth i accepted this generous offer. 10 hours later and after numerous phone calls the fridge was delivered to our room. It took a further 24 hours to cool down sufficiently for us to put our 2 bottles of water in. (2 x 2ltr bottles is all it would hold)
I wont give a blow by blow account of the rest of the holiday, lets just say it followed on from our first 24hrs experience.
The food was appalling
Staff unfriendly
Reps only after your money and totally unconcerned about ones welfare
Staff unfriendly
No poolside attendants
Rotten food surrounding the pool (no one clears the tables)
Staff unfriendly
Had to walk to sister hotel to the pool as the Santa Maria has no shallow end.
The report was dirty, filthy and a disgrace to Malta. We actually saw dead rats in the street and on the pavement. The bin men left more rubbish than they took away.
Bars and restaurants were few and far between and if you did visit them it seemed as though you were not welcome.
The main part of St Johns bay is split by a busy main road so not suitable for excited kids and who wants to eat car fumes.
In general this resort and hotel should be demolished. Mind you it did look as though work had started on the demolition.
There was nice resort (Buggibba) just up the road about 1km but beware the touts.
Finally and perhaps most seriously as i wandered into the games room in the St Anton hotel (sister to Santa Maria) I saw a huge gaming machine topple over onto a small 10 year old boy. Fortunately, I managed to heave it off him and he escaped with minor bruising but just think if a smaller child had been walking past at the time. Absolutely nothing was done about this.
As I was determined not to get wound up by this experience we did still enjoy our holiday, I could have spent the entire week complaining as most oft the guests did. Malta, I am sure is a lovely place and Valletta and sliema were glorious but my experience in this hotel and resort have soured my opinion.
Avoid it like the plague.
Mike Andrews
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" My partner and I booked via MY TRAVEL... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Wilson
My partner and I booked via MY TRAVEL and were told the Santa Maria had been refurbished last year. The foyer is fine. The corridors are like being at school, dark, dingy and long with grotty decor. The rooms are worse, just like a very old Butlins and very small. Dirty decor and the air conditioning advertised is one of them old ceiling fans.
The pool is in the centre of the hotel, so surrounded by four sides of balconies and very small for the capacity, also it is 6 ft all round, no shallow area. A nightmare for anyone with small children.
The food is very reasonable with plenty of choice although no fruit or food that is remotely healthy. Meat in sauces and chips with everything. If you want a pudding you order a portion as that isn’t serve yourself. Drinks are available till midnight but you have to go to one window and order then queue at another window for your order and you can only get one at a time. This makes it difficult to get even tipsy as you spend all your time queuing for them.
My travel rep told us the day before departure we were on the 9 o’clock coach and then on departure, we weren’t on the list. We had to pay to get on the coach to the airport.
Entertainment was bingo, every night with the odd cabaret but this was across the road at the San Anton, no entertainment at all at the Santa Maria.
Brilliant for elderly people who only wish to play bingo and retire to bed early with nothing else to disturb them.
As it was we didn’t take our children so spent everyday at the local shops (very few) and a hilly walk. I feel sorry for anyone who has booked and are taking a young family. We made the most of it and spent our evenings on our balcony, playing cards.
If you go here for a rock bottom price, with no children and want just a base as you intend to explore, then you could manage but as far as a holiday, I can’t think of anything positive and every person I spoke to was of the same opinion and complaints were plentiful.
The pool is in the centre of the hotel, so surrounded by four sides of balconies and very small for the capacity, also it is 6 ft all round, no shallow area. A nightmare for anyone with small children.
The food is very reasonable with plenty of choice although no fruit or food that is remotely healthy. Meat in sauces and chips with everything. If you want a pudding you order a portion as that isn’t serve yourself. Drinks are available till midnight but you have to go to one window and order then queue at another window for your order and you can only get one at a time. This makes it difficult to get even tipsy as you spend all your time queuing for them.
My travel rep told us the day before departure we were on the 9 o’clock coach and then on departure, we weren’t on the list. We had to pay to get on the coach to the airport.
Entertainment was bingo, every night with the odd cabaret but this was across the road at the San Anton, no entertainment at all at the Santa Maria.
Brilliant for elderly people who only wish to play bingo and retire to bed early with nothing else to disturb them.
As it was we didn’t take our children so spent everyday at the local shops (very few) and a hilly walk. I feel sorry for anyone who has booked and are taking a young family. We made the most of it and spent our evenings on our balcony, playing cards.
If you go here for a rock bottom price, with no children and want just a base as you intend to explore, then you could manage but as far as a holiday, I can’t think of anything positive and every person I spoke to was of the same opinion and complaints were plentiful.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
" Stayed at the Santa Maria Hotel for... "
Submitted By: chubbychops
Stayed at the Santa Maria Hotel for two weeks from 21st June to 5th July 2005. I’ve been to Malta before, but didn’t think the weather would be so HOT in June! It averaged out around 34 degrees for the whole two weeks!
The check in was really easy and staff very friendly. The room was tatty and could have been cleaner, but didn’t expect too much as it is only a 3 star hotel.
The holiday cost £298 each for half board for two weeks and the food was lovely. A good choice of dinner each evening, but the breakfasts were lacking in variety.
There were lots of activities during the day and entertainment every night. The Santa Maria and the San Anton just across the road are part of the same hotel group and you can use facilities of both hotels.
We preferred the pool in the San Anton as the Santa Maria pool was too deep to stand up in and I’m nervous in deep water! The water was lovely and warm in both pools and plenty of sunbeds.
It was too hot to walk around in the searing heat, but we’d been to Malta before in the winter and will definitely go back - there’s loads to see and you can get all round the island really cheap on the Malta buses.
Not many beaches on Malta though and when you do find them, they’re fairly small.
Gozo is worth a visit - I thought it was much better than Malta, not so commercialised and more greenery.
On the downside, there are lots of cats on Malta - therefore lots of cats mess almost everywhere you go. The pavements and roads are really bad - uneven and potholes everywhere. It was very dusty there too - continuous building work going on everywhere - either buildings half demolished or half built.
You either "love it or hate it" is the famous saying for Malta. We hated it when we first arrived in February last year, but loved it by the time our holiday was over and looked forward to going back!
The check in was really easy and staff very friendly. The room was tatty and could have been cleaner, but didn’t expect too much as it is only a 3 star hotel.
The holiday cost £298 each for half board for two weeks and the food was lovely. A good choice of dinner each evening, but the breakfasts were lacking in variety.
There were lots of activities during the day and entertainment every night. The Santa Maria and the San Anton just across the road are part of the same hotel group and you can use facilities of both hotels.
We preferred the pool in the San Anton as the Santa Maria pool was too deep to stand up in and I’m nervous in deep water! The water was lovely and warm in both pools and plenty of sunbeds.
It was too hot to walk around in the searing heat, but we’d been to Malta before in the winter and will definitely go back - there’s loads to see and you can get all round the island really cheap on the Malta buses.
Not many beaches on Malta though and when you do find them, they’re fairly small.
Gozo is worth a visit - I thought it was much better than Malta, not so commercialised and more greenery.
On the downside, there are lots of cats on Malta - therefore lots of cats mess almost everywhere you go. The pavements and roads are really bad - uneven and potholes everywhere. It was very dusty there too - continuous building work going on everywhere - either buildings half demolished or half built.
You either "love it or hate it" is the famous saying for Malta. We hated it when we first arrived in February last year, but loved it by the time our holiday was over and looked forward to going back!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We had a brilliant time at the hotel... "
Submitted By: Mr C Reid
We had a brilliant time at the hotel and Malta in general. I returned to Malta with my wife after leaving it in 1973 and I was surprised to find how little it has changed apart from all the building sites. The hotel service was brilliant, the room was really clean and tidy, the food was tasty and the facilities in the hotel were brill. We’re already planning to go back next year.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Chevron Holidays
" Totally awful hotel, dirty rooms, no... "
Submitted By: Mrs Kim Holt
Totally awful hotel, dirty rooms, no air con, food monotonous. No fruit, head waiter told us that they could not afford to give guests fruit as they were only allocated £5 per day to feed clients. No entertainment. All entertainment at sister hotel across road with seating only for about 50 guests, the two hotels hold approx 700. Staff intimidating, threatening, summoning holidaymakers by annoy. Constantly had to ask reception staff to provide, toilet rolls and towels, soap for outside toilet at pool. All inclusive package a joke, you can get a pint of beer but not a pint of carbonated water with colouring (coke). Dining room too small had to queue to get in, tables jammed together. Queues at bars for drinks a joke, one queue to order drinks then another to actually get drinks, 1 member of staff at till and 1 serving, total nightmare. DO NOT GO TO THIS HOTEL IT IS AN ABSOLUTE WASTE OF MONEY.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2004
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
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The television didn't have anything English on it. The pool was ok but there wasn't enough sun loungers. The breakfast was something the dog had and the only cereal they had were shuga puffs and corn flakes.
But the hotel was situated in a good area. The buses are cheap and come close to the hotel and if you want to go to the beach its the 625 bus to golden bay which is 10 mins away. All in all this is my worst holiday experience ever, never again.