Reviews of Palm Court Hotel, Qawra, Malta

We knew what this looked like...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs Anne Moore

Comments:

We knew what this looked like from the outside, having had a week last year in the sister hotel, the Venus.



Well, the staff were lovely, but despite being half board, we never once used the restaurant as it smelled of old fat - so not fair to comment on the food.



However, the rooms were kept clean, as was the linen, but our fan was broken and the air con did not work, and the lock on patio doors was not functioning either.



A novel way to improve the bath had been devised - it was painted, and said paint ended up on toes while having a shower! We didn't bother to complain, but from what I saw, any complaint was taken seriously and dealt with. We were happy to use it as a quite comfortable, central place to sleep in and get clean. It is not luxury, but value for money.



The positive points are its nearness to the Malta bus terminus at Qawra/Bugibba, and the Maltese-run pub We5. Each night, loads of lovely snacks and a friendly greeting.



Last year in my review, I mentioned the excellent value and good food to be had at the Cafe Blue Bar on Triq il Mulett, just two minutes away from the Palm Court.



Well, the standards have been maintained, the service is excellent and Joe and his wife remember everyone. So if you want to experience real Maltese hospitality, even old Fawlty Towers, (as the Palm Court is known locally by expats,) delivers this.



But go to Joe's for lunch and dinner, the Cafe Blue Bar will not let you down, try the Steak Dianne and see if you can walk! Then have a drink at We5, while still being able to hear the 'entertainment'? available at Palm Court.



Maybe we are easily pleased, as regards accommodation, but the magic of Malta makes everything of little importance. If you want basic decent value, then Palm Court is fine.

For the money you pay my partner...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr J Wilson

Comments:

For the money you pay my partner and I believe this hotel to be excellent value for money.



Whilst the hotel itself is a little 'rough around the edges', the food served is good quality and the staff are very helpful.



The rooms are basic but they are kept clean and have all the facilities you could reasonably expect.



In all, this holiday represents excellent value for money, especially for young couples such as us. Considering how cheap the package deal is I must say that it represents an excellent bargain and we would highly recommend it to others seeking a cheap break.



To summarise: you get what you pay for; in the case of the Palm Court you certainly get a good deal!

I have just returned from Malta...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs K Hall

Comments:

I have just returned from Malta after 7 weeks in the Palm Court hotel and intend to return soon.



The staff were very pleasant, very helpful. I have been visiting Malta for a number of years not always in the Palm Court the rooms are basic but clean.



The food is basic but edible. The pool area is hosed down every morning, the pool clean, the staff cannot be held responsible for the type of guests it gets.



Most of the all inclusive guests got plenty of service at the bar.



I enjoyed my holiday very much and as I am a single traveller I was made very welcome and the Maltese people are very nice people, considering some of the visitors they are landed with.

We travelled to Malta twice last...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

wkdlass

Comments:

We travelled to Malta twice last year and stayed at the Palm Court for 9 nights and on the second occasion had a week in the Venus (it's sister hotel).



We knew of all the stories about the place and our family and friends had stayed at the Palm Court in 2005 when we got married in Malta (we stayed elsewhere for that as it was our honeymoon), and they had all told us it was basic but basically ok.



I have recommended the hotels to many people, and I do always state, if you are looking for luxury, stay elsewhere as you will be disappointed. But if you want a great holiday in a beautiful country and you're on a budget stop here.



Admittedly, the decor isn't fabulous, but they have such business they could never justify closing down to refurb the place and still charge low prices.



People go back year after year to the place, so they must be doing something right!



The food again, isn't gourmet, but with lots of great restaurants all over the island you only need to use the food as a snack.



If you bear in mind, most self catering holidays would cost more, you get a great deal.



The Venus is smaller and slightly nicer than PC. The food is brought over from the main hotel and you can use all of the facilities of Palm Court.



We are going back at the end of May to the Venus and can't wait!

Well, what can I say? The worst...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2005

Tour Operator:

Expedia

Submitted By:

Miss C Williams

Comments:

Well, what can I say? The worst hotel I have ever been to.



There was blood on our bed sheets the first night we arrived. The pool area was filthy, with the rank smell of dirty drains making you feel physically sick.



There were scraggy, disease ridden stray cats running around the place, lingering for food scraps. The pool was tiny, so constantly full.



There was so much chlorine in the pool (as an attempt to keep it reasonable clean) that the water was murky, and you could not see to the bottom.



And to make it worse, the guests from the hotel over the road were using our facilities as they had no water over at their hotel! So it was uncomfortably over crowded.



My boyfriend was ill the whole week ... the food was awful.



Avoid it like the plague!

My husband and I have just...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs D Fisher

Comments:

My husband and I have just returned from another pleasant holiday at the Palm Court Hotel and we felt we had to reply to others comments made on this site.



This is now our fourth visit to the hotel and we will be going back in the summer with our family. We really wonder what people expect from a bargain holiday? It cost us £330 for the two of us for a week’s half board. When you take off the cost of the flight, inflight meal, airport taxes and transfers to the hotel, how much of that money actually pays for the hotel, I wonder?



Bearing this in mind, we have no complaints to make about the hotel. Yes, the Palm Court isn't the Ritz, but the staff are polite, friendly and helpful. The rooms are basic, you have your bed, a wardrobe, TV, chest of drawers and most rooms have balconies, so what else do you need? The rooms are tidied daily and the towels were changed three times during our stay.



The food is basic but there is plenty of choice and as it is self service you can eat as much of what you want. There is unlimited supply of tea and coffee (fruit juice as well at breakfast time) and 'regular visitors' take their own mugs for a bigger cuppa!



All this hotel needs is a lick of paint but then how many of the 'bargain holidaymakers' would want the cost of this added to the cost of their holiday when so little time is spent at the hotel?



The organised excursions are good value for money and cover all of the essential sights to be visited during your stay.



The only complaint that we have is that we get fed up being hassled every day by the timeshare touts. They pounce on you as soon as you come out of the hotel and there are always more around every corner. If you manage to avoid those standing around, you then get them screeching up beside you in their cars as you walk along minding your own business. They really do make a nuisance of themselves, but we appreciate that they have nothing to do with the hotel so cannot be stopped.



All that said, we appreciate that we get good value for money at the Palm Court hotel and will be returning again.

I went to the Palm Court last...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss JJ Boxall

Comments:

I went to the Palm Court last year with my entire family and best friend for two weeks in June on an all inclusive basis.



After reading all the reviews (Me and my boyfriend are going this year again but to the Venus aparthotel in sept) I couldn’t resist but to make a comment.



When we first arrived at the hotel, the rooms we were given were disgusting and to be honest, I wouldn’t of liked a rat to have to slept in them... but after informing the staff, we were moved onto the 5th floor where the rooms were in much better condition.



The beds and sheets were clean, the bathroom was clean and all linen was changed, every other day or more frequently if requested.



We only paid £420 for two weeks all inclusive and for that money; no-one has the right to complain.



The food was a little boring, but perfectly edible and the staff were always willing to help.



The drink ordering system was a pain in the bum but after awhile everyone got used to it.



Malta is a gorgeous, cultured island and anyone who goes there and wants to stay in the hotel the entire trip wasted a great deal of money.



For what you pay, it’s brilliant.

Just returned, after spending 3...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs A Dougan

Comments:

Just returned, after spending 3 month at this hotel.



The cost for our stay was £600 each - where else could you stay half board for that, and over the Xmas and New Year period. You couldn't live at home for that.



I agree that the hotel needs a lot of T.L.C. but it is ok as a base.



The room we had was on the ground floor and was cleaned every day. Towels were changed when required. Every day, if you wanted.



A lot of the people, over this period, go to this hotel because it is cheap. You really do, get what you pay for.



Food - Soup or Pasta starter. You had the choice of 2 carvery meats every night, Chicken, Fish, and casserole of some sort. Potatoes, Chips, Either Rice or Couscous. And Omelettes. If you cant find something to eat out of that lot, then you’re very hard to please.



Even eating out, at Tavern Pub, just round the corner, (3 course meal - ML3.50) the Bell Pub - Excellent meals for around ML3.00.



We found the staff very helpful. But then again, it depends on how you yourself approach people.



We've gone to Malta for the past 3 years, (twice to this hotel), and will probably go back next year.



There's plenty to do and see in Malta. The Maltese people are lovely. So don't let other people put you off. Go and see for yourself.

My wife and I have just returned...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

vicedwards

Comments:

My wife and I have just returned from Palm Court, Malta.



The hotel seems to have a reputation, we however were quite pleased.



The cost of the holiday was £320 each for 42 night’s half board.



The food I must say was ok and we had no complaints in the 42 days.



Our one complaint was our first room on day one, which was changed straight away.



The hotel can be quite noisy but most hotels are.



My advice to any one going to this hotel is sort out your complaints immediately. The staff are very good and only want you to enjoy your stay.

Don’t go. It’s worse than...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr J Evans

Comments:

Don’t go. It’s worse than your worst imagination.



A week in prison would be far more enjoyable, food maybe edible in there.



The rooms are basic and usually damp, dirty bedding, with many long winding corridors.



5 rooms in 2 days, none were up to 1 star. Most people who arrived with us abandoned ship, booking into other hotels.



Don’t plan on swimming the outside pool was dirty and the indoor pool, well appalling.



Staff all are rude with everything an effort. Was glad to leave... and will not return.



Happy holidays but not here. Think of the worst old people’s home and this is twice as bad, with all the smells. A bargain no!



Have holidayed cheaper Nov 06 and Dec 06 to Majorca and Lanzarote respectively, and had good 3 star accommodations and food.



You have been warned.

I can't believe I fell for it,...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr B JOYNSON

Comments:

I can't believe I fell for it, the friendly helpful lady at Malta bargains on the 0800 number, and what a great deal!



I forgot that nothing is free, and we soon found so when we arrived at this Malta version of Faulty Towers.



Our room was the pits, the food was disgusting and we left after 1 hour.



At age 62 my wife and I don't walk the streets of a strange resort at night with our suitcases without good reason.



We found another hotel and our holiday in Malta was enjoyable.



I can't believe how this place can advertise as 3 star, also I can't believe the good reviews posted.



Be warned don't go to this hotel.

When we first arrived at this...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss A

Comments:

When we first arrived at this hotel I thought your having a laugh, it was dreadful.



Smelly, dirty, rooms smelt of urine, dark dingy. We went all inclusive and we never ate in the hotel as it was so disgusting.



Although we were all inclusive we were only aloud 1 drink each and every 12 minutes, the alcohol measurement was a 10 ml shot, where as the UK and everywhere else I have stayed is a 35 ml shot!



The night manager was so rude I could not believe it. We never ate their and only drank their when we had to.



The snack fridge is revolting, sandwiches left in the fridges all day and night!!



We then went back to are room one night to find our room had been broken into. The reps were far from helpful the management again was rude, not once did we have an apology or anything.



We were not the only people to be stolen from .



If you have booked this hotel, I really do advise you to change your booking.

I went to this dreadful hotel...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss D Anonymous

Comments:

I went to this dreadful hotel last month with my 5 year old son. I had the most frightful time of my life as a traveller.



First of all on my arrival to the hotel my first thought was "you can't be serious"!



The carpets of the hotel smelled and was obviously old and stained with unpleasant marks.



The doors were old and dirty, the room had a stench of urine with a curtain hanging on to dear life itself. The bed linen had not been changed as hair was found in it upon my awaking and please, please don’t get me started on the toilet area.



I was fortunate the following day to get a transfer to another hotel as I complained because I was prepared to get an immediate return flight back to London, as I feared for my child's health.



I would advise you to think very seriously about booking this place and subjecting yourself to an unforgettable experience, unless you have a good sense of humour that is!



Don’t say you have not been warned!

I don't know why everybody is...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss JL Masters

Comments:

I don't know why everybody is putting this hotel down. I, my dad, sister and mum are regulars here.



Me and my sister sat in reception all night every night holding conversations with the manager, he is very kind.



Palm Court is close to all the main nightlife and bars and there is so much to do. The food is fine and the rooms are standard. We go back every year and we feel it gets better.



The staff are all but rude and very helpful when I needed them.



I don't know how anybody can find a downside because there isn't one. Don't listen to these comments they are very wrong.



We will see you all at Palm Court in August for another wonderful holiday.

I go abroad 3 times a year and...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Apollo Travel

Submitted By:

sands

Comments:

I go abroad 3 times a year and have never ever been in hotel like Palm Court.



Arrived early hours, couldn't go straight to sleep as daughters bed had springs poking through. Our bed was on the floor. The rep said guests ask for beds on floor, we had a room change.



Wish I hadn’t bothered, cockroaches in my room, ants in my daughter’s bed, and her mattress was pee or blood stained. The reception gave me pesticides and I sprayed my room, bathroom was dirty, towels threadbare, carpets in corridors were threadbare, fridge with all-inclusive sandwiches in was rusty and green!



Meals, all I can say is, I am not an animal - I don’t like slops.



Our balcony was half wood, half concrete, enough of a gap between them for a small child to do damage, swimming-pool, I thought was lovely, until I watched a man cleaning around it one night -he threw detergents and scrubbed around with brush, then swept the backlog into the pool.



My elderly parents were stuck in lift, the alarm did not work, it was lucky they were heard shouting.



The rep on resort was no help at all, the excuses we were given, were very well thought of.