Reviews of Palm Court Hotel, Qawra, Malta

Flight with British Jet very...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr S Whitfield

Comments:

Flight with British Jet very good. Arrived at hotel at about 2am. booked in found room eventually through dark narrow and very tatty corridors. We were hit by the moldy smell as we opened the door. The room was basic with 3 single beds for some reason.



The air-con didn’t work nor did the fan, the room was on the ground floor behind the pool and large air-con units were chugging away 4ft away from our balcony windows so we couldn’t open them to let any air in. Also the shower was moldy there was no cold water so we couldn’t shower, the bed coverings were damp and stank of damp.



Next morning we asked for another room which we got. This was on the second floor, bit better didn’t smell but air-con also not working. Over the holiday the food was passable but basic and got very repetitive so we ended up eating out most of the time. Now I understand that this is a cheap holiday and this is why there are so many pensioners staying here so often, but if you have any reservations about cleanliness or hygiene don’t stay here.



It is amazing to me that anyone on this or any other review forums can say nice things about this place. It seems that here the higher the floor the better the room, just make sure if your silly enough to waste your money here get a high floor. It’s a shame because Malta is a lovely place and we will go back soon, but not at the Palm Court.

Me and my wife have stayed in...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

M Hargreaves

Comments:

Me and my wife have stayed in Malta 6 times before but always in St Julian’s. We booked (Fawlty Towers) sorry the Palm Court for a week all inclusive and paid £114.00 each and had a fantastic time.



The hotel could do with a paint and new carpets in the hallways but at the end of the day you get what you pay for. The room was basic but clean the maids came in every day made the beds and cleaned the room.



The food was good with a great choice every day three times a day. Someone has already mentioned Freeways across the road for cheap trips they also do cheap car hire So go to the welcome meeting if your up in time get your free map but book your trips at freeways and save money Remember your room is for sleeping in it’s not a prison cell.



So go to Malta go to the Palm Court and enjoy it, but watch out for the time share touts you can't miss them there write outside the hotel and a few other places as well. Oh and if you get chance try Fuegos Salsa bar down the street packed at the weekends and open will about 5am. But best of all go to Malta and enjoy it it’s a beautiful place.

I stayed in the palm court in...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss J Kenworthy

Comments:

I stayed in the palm court in February and was quite worried what I was going to expect with all of the reviews that I had seen.



But if thought that it was great value for the money that we paid!



The hotel can do with a little revamp but which hotel doesn't!

The hotel was practically full, with a lot of the people on long stay which was up to 4 months, and they thought that it was a great hotel.



The food is fine, it is mostly a carvery every night but there are loads of other options to choose from and there is salad available for the healthier option.



The breakfast is a cooked breakfast with cereals available and unlimited tea and coffee. Lunch is just like the dinner, with loads to choose from but you can order a packed lunch if wanting to stay out for the day, these are really healthy, you get 2 sandwiches, cheese and crackers, fruit and water.



The bar was great, with great staff and good local beer and spirits. The reception staff are also very helpful.



The hotel is situated right next to the bus station, which gets you to any part of the island.



The people that are moaning about the hotel are expecting 5 star quality but for the price (we paid £792 for 4 people all inclusive) it is a great budget hotel!!!

After reading other people's...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss AM Hipwell

Comments:

After reading other people's reviews on this site I was a bit concerned, but not too worried, as I thought they must be a bit snobby or stuck up. However, as soon as we opened the door to our room we realized that all the bad reviews were pretty accurate. Although the room was pretty clean & had clean sheets on the bed, the walls were filthy, the furniture was old and in need of repair or restoration and there was a distinct odour of 'warm damp', is the only way I can think to describe it. When my partner had a shower the shower head broke off in his hand and the beds cracked and creaked every time we even so much as sat on them.



I am very much aware that we only paid £211 each for All Inclusive, but even only having paid such a small amount, we expected things to be a bit better than they were. We got the distinct impression from the majority of staff that they were so used to receiving complaints and weren't really bothered about anything- which I'm assuming was the case for most of them.



The food was very basic and we did have a couple of nice meals there, but the lunchtime menu was atrocious. Breakfasts were ok though. We ended up eating out for at least 50% of our meals.



Another thing we didn't appreciate was that everywhere we looked were signs and notices warning you that you're being monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV, to not ever take any food up to your room or you'll be prosecuted, and to be honest it makes you feel like a criminal when you haven't even done anything wrong!!



Our main issue is the fact that the Palm Court is advertised as a three star hotel, when it would be very kind to say it is a two star. Just having a wander round the resort you come across beautiful hotels that are four star, so the difference between three and four stars is tremendous, according to whoever graded the Palm Court.



However, all was not a disaster as my partner and I both had a lovely time in spite of the many problems we encountered, and would definitely go back to Malta, but perhaps at another hotel....



One word of warning- don't book any excursions through your rep, go across the road to Freeways and get the exact same trips for up to a quarter of the price- don't believe what the reps tell you with regards to them not being licensed, that's just a sales pitch, Freeways were fantastic and we booked no less than seven excursions with them.



We would also recommend the Mongolian Barbecue Restaurant down by the sea front, excellent food at even better prices!

I've just read a few of the...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr J Lewis

Comments:

I've just read a few of the reviews of Palm Court. I have to disagree with the people saying its awful, it smells etc. At the end of the day you’re paying no more than £200 and getting everything you need.



I went with a friend in June. It was my first holiday abroad without parents and I enjoyed it. We didn't stay stuck in the hotel all day, we just used it as a base. There's so much to do on the Island that there’s no need to stay stuck in all day and pick faults about the hotel.



Its good food, nice rooms and above all affordable prices! I'm going back in May & can’t wait.

I’ve been to this hotel twice....

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr K Tarrant

Comments:

I’ve been to this hotel twice. In this life you get what you pay for its not the best but if you just want too get your head down its fine. I’go too a five star.



Me and my family are out most of the day my kids loved it. I’ve also stayed at the Santa Marie which is about the same. Yes not a problem for me too return as I don’t moan like the typical British person thank god for what you have its ONLY a holiday. B LUCKY GOD BLESS.

The old thing is you get what...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs DE Duncan

Comments:

The old thing is you get what you pay for. My mother and I stayed here and it was fine, not the best hotel I’ve been to but a last minute holiday for 2 weeks £200.00. What more do you want.



The room/ beds and bath room was clean. The food was basic but good choice. The staff helpful and friendly. I've stayed at better BUT paid for it. The £200.00 included flights, transfers, room, food and entertainment. What more do you want for £200.00? I've spent more than that on a hand bag!



If you want luxury pay £800.00 and go through Thompson’s, if you want a bargain go to Malta Bargains.

Well in fairness it was cheap!...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr Spiers

Comments:

Well in fairness it was cheap! However, on arrival, the corridors and lifts are clearly a giveaway that your room is going to be chronic! When we arrived in our room, my 4 yr old said “we can’t stay here – it smells!” The beds were damp, the air-conditioning and fan grills were covered in dust, the room depressing and pokey and the bathroom rancid. Our shower tray had a hole in it big enough to lose a small child and the sliding patio door handle came off in my hand! If I could give you one tip – nip across the road and buy antiseptic wipes, bleach and plug-ins!



You’re sooo right about the canteen style dining area!! When you put your hands under the seat to pull your chair in... be afraid! Awful dining area, filthy plates and hospital food. We only managed one night and two meals before upgrading to the Bella Vista down the road!!



Great island though, weather fab, people great and lots to see!

I'm fed up with people giving...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs C.A. Dyett

Comments:

I'm fed up with people giving bad reviews to this hotel. We paid just over £200 a head for all inclusive, first time we've done all-inclusive, and we had a brilliant holiday in a lovely place with excellent service from this hotel at all times.



I had read reviews before we went and as we were taking my getting-on in years in-laws I was extremely worried as to what to expect. My worrying was completely unfounded, the rooms were absolutely fine with maid service daily. The food was more than adequate with several choices at every meal except breakfast.



The bar was open until 1am every night, with entertainment until 11pm. The hotel lounge was comfortable and the staff were great, very friendly. My in-laws said it was the best holiday they have ever had and we can't wait to go back next year. If you want 5* luxury then pay for it!

We found this apartment on the...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Internet

Submitted By:

Mrs L Bourne

Comments:

We found this apartment on the internet, we wanted to stay on Malta for 6 weeks from 28/9/05 until 8/11/05.This was our 39th visit and was truly the holiday from Hell .It was cheap and if it had conformed to the EU standards for the disabled and had had hot water in the kitchen and had had outside roof furniture, and wasn’t so very dark, there’s basic and there’s basic and this was basic.



Our main problem after getting over the shock of the many steps we weren’t told about, (we are both disabled) was the people that rented a garage of the owners and a car garage that was being used as a car repair business which was situated right under our bedroom, cars were being delivered daily as early as 5am even on the only Saturday we spent there, and we might add the intimidation we received from the owner of that so called garage was shocking beyond belief and should never be allowed, we stayed for only 5 days of our 6 weeks and we had to book into another hotel.



The fumes from the constant revving of the cars left us both with sore throats also. We have photos sadly what we didn’t have was a camcorder.

I do not understand why people...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr R Earl

Comments:

I do not understand why people are knocking this hotel yes maybe its not the Ritz but you are not paying Ritz prices. Yes the rooms are basic but that’s what most hotel rooms are in the med if you go budget air con that works and you get it free sat TV not loads of channels but you don’t spend much time in the hotel unless you are on all inc.



Food is ok yet again basic stuff a carvery every night we are here with our daughter who is pretty fussy about what she eats but she is happy no spicy food just good basic stuff. I would recommend this company to anyone just wanting a budget holiday not for anyone used to 4 star add-ons people should bear in mind star rating vary all over the world Malta being no exception.

We are not over fussy and have...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

A Collins

Comments:

We are not over fussy and have stayed in all sorts of hotels, from two stars to five stars, throughout Europe but this Hotel is the worst we have ever stayed in. The whole place had a musty unpleasant odour, the rabbit warren of narrow corridors was more like a hostel for the homeless than a hotel, the carpets were stained and the dingy dining room in the basement was depressing. The window in our room was hanging off its hinges and so could not be closed and the bathroom was decidedly grubby. We won't even mention the pool!



We do not expect something for nothing and this Malta Bargain was not that cheap. We paid £750 for 5 nights on a half board basis. When we expressed our dissatisfaction, the morning after our arrival, we were upgraded to another hotel but had to pay an additional £56. This meant we had paid over £400 per person for five night’s half board for a last minute bargain. In May we paid £290 for seven nights at a four star Hotel in Southern Spain. It was far superior!!



We spent the remaining four nights in the Qawra Palace where the rooms were a good size and clean, the dining room pleasant and the food varied and tasty.



The rep tried to assure us that all Three Star Hotels in Malta were of the same standard as the Palm Court but we took the time to look around some others in the resort and found them to be simple, with basic facilities but clean and bright. That’s all we expected of the Palm Court. I rather got the impression that Malta Bargains had a vested interest in this hotel and so advertised it as their flagship accommodation. Are the guests who have given it 8/10 plus related to the owners by any chance????



The flights were good value, the island was interesting and the people of Malta friendly so we would go again, but will certainly book our own accommodation direct next time.

Before commenting on the hotel,...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr FC Rayner

Comments:

Before commenting on the hotel, I would like to point out that the air service offered by British Jet (part of Maltabargains.com) is actually very good.



Unfortunately, the Palm Court Hotel is a long way short of good.



The hotel itself is very dirty, with smells of sewage in many of the corridors. The rooms are of a poor size, and not well maintained. Upon arrival we had to move rooms due to the noise of the air conditioning unit outside our window.



The second room was more quiet, but still small and dirty. My parents in law also had to move from their first room, and the second room given did not have cold running water in the bathroom. Following two visits by the plumber, this was corrected, although only after a couple of days without being able to wash.



The food is of a poor standard, and is in fact the same every meal. No "healthy" option is offered. At breakfast time, they even try to charge extra for fruit, even for those on an all inclusive basis.



The best thing for the Palm Court would be to pull it down and start again. You may also like to review the footage of the hotel on the ITV program "Holidays from Hell" before making your mind up.



If this comment means that one family will reconsider staying at the Palm Court, then it will have been worth while.

Oh my god what a dive that was,...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains.com

Submitted By:

C Burgess

Comments:

Oh my god what a dive that was, Fawlty Towers springs to mind...... it was smelly and dirty, the pool was rubbish and the food wasn’t much better. The staff were rude and completely un - helpful. Everyone was moaning about the accommodation so I know it's not just me!!



I would advise any holiday makers to give this hotel a miss unless you want overall disappointment.

My wife and I have had two...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr J Butler

Comments:

My wife and I have had two holidays of at least a month at a time each year for the last three years at the Palm Court. We cannot understand the previous comments complaining about this hotel, when practically every week summer, or winter the place is full.



We both found the staff to be courteous and helpful. The food plentiful and a large variety. The dining room spotless. Our bed linen was changed twice a week, towels changed every day and the room cleaned every day. Nothing was too much trouble for the girl who cleaned our room.



Being pensioners, we picked this hotel for the simple reason, that we do not go out of an evening, and there is entertainment every evening which consists of either, dancing, quizzes, and bingo on the sixth floor. Lots of people do not know that this floor exists or that entertainment goes on. It is run by a Maltese couple Espedito and his wife Connie - who make everyone very welcome.



There is also other entertainment including Karaoke in the downstairs bar to suit the younger guests.



We have already booked for a six week holiday at the Palm Court for summer 2006.