Reviews of Palm Court Hotel, Qawra, Malta

This was our worst holiday ever,...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr R Crossan

Comments:

This was our worst holiday ever, after so looking forward to a 2 week holiday, we ended up in this minus 3 star hotel, it was disgusting to say the least, it should be condemned. We eventually moved out to a 4 star at a substantial cost to ourselves, but the releif to get out of there was fantastic.



On the three nights we stayed there, we were woken up time and again with rowdy drunks shouting and fighting at all hours of the night. I would not go back there even if I was paid, stay well away, you have been warned.



ps I have given this a 1 rating only because it wont allow me to put in a minus.

On arriving at said hotel (Palm...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs I M Nassau

Comments:

On arriving at said hotel (Palm Court) I was reminded of the films I had seen when inmates of concentration camps arrived, not believing what they were seeing and horrors that were in store. You arrive tired and need a wash or shower, forget it, our shower was non existent, it was a plastic shower attachment over a bath that was about 50 years old and they had tried to paint it to hide all the rust marks, the paint was chipping off, no way would you have a bath in there and the smell in there yuk. The sheets were grey and pillows stained.



Well enough about room, what about restaurant? Have you ever been to London dungeons? Fly infested, ant infested, cockroach infested hell hole. Needless to say didn't eat in there. Malta nice island shame about Palm Court... I will go to Malta again but definitely not Palm Court.

Well as we didn't have a very...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss N Wood

Comments:

Well as we didn't have a very good start to our holiday, I was looking forward to seeing the hotel and relaxing, but I wasn't prepared for the shock I had in store for me......



The reception was welcoming, clean and pleasant, but has you ventured into the corridor to your room, the carpets were a dirty dark brown colour with stains and lifting off, and had a horrible smell has you walked through.



Finding the room took a while as each corridor looked exactly the same, when we found out room, I fell into it as there was a high step that took you by surprise!!



As we looked around our room it wasn't exactly welcoming. The corners of our room were thick black with dirt, our curtain was half hanging off, and the bathroom - well it was more like a cubicle! very cramped and dark and dingy, and the shower curtain had damp mould at the ends and would only turn to HOT or COLD no in between.



We couldn't even stay there more then one night, we didn't eat there because we didn't know what to expect after everything we had seen!



So we decided to look for other accomodation and the Palm Court suggested we were 'upgraded' to the Venus hotel - which by the looks of it from the outside was even worse so we refused and found our own accomodation at more cost but at last it was clean!



Like everybody else I read these reviews and thought maybe they would be wrong and that it couldn't be as bad as it seems.... but TRUST ME it was.



NEVER AGAIN will I stay here or book my holiday with Malta Bargains.



After reading this people will probably say "well you get what you pay for" - that is true, and I don't mind basic as long as it is CLEAN which this hotel was not.



PLEASE DO NOT STAY HERE!! Malta is a lovely place and as I am a quarter Maltese, luckily I will come back again but other people may not. It's hotels like this that give Malta a bad name.

The place needs to be shut down....

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Miss Norah Clelland

Comments:

The place needs to be shut down. The room was damp the night we landed, the kitchen had been shut down. It reopened on the 20th of Oct.



Malta is run down, the place it's the pits. Its overrun with time share people who get abusive if you say you’re not interested.



If you like hill walking then I would suggest this place but I would also suggest you take a tent it would be damp free.



It was cheap yes £540 for a fortnight half board including flights.



The halls of the hotel were dirty smelly.



I found the price of things abit on the costly side except the Leyland bus, it was cheap but then again it rattled. Mind you that’s because the roads are... well let’s say unkempt.



Dog dirt every few yards.

This hotel is an absolute flea...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs A Waddell

Comments:

This hotel is an absolute flea pit, how it is allowed to accommodate guests is beyond me, this hotel should be closed down, it is unfit for humans. My husband and I have just returned from a weeks stay in Malta half board, we had to endure the first 3 nights of our holiday in this flea pit before we were able to be moved to another hotel at a a cost to ourselves but believe me it was well worth the money. This hotel is filthy, stinking and should be closed immediately, how anybody can advertise it as a 3 star is a joke, it should not be allowed, anyone thinking of going here please think again as it may be cheap but it is a disgusting hell hole. If I could rate it 0/10 I would, tour operators should not be allowed to promote this hotel.

We had booked into this hotel...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr DM Jarvis

Comments:

We had booked into this hotel with Malta Bargains and after reading some of the reviews had some reservations about what we would find. Upon arrival at the hotel on the Sunday evening our worst fears were confirmed. Whilst the reception looked ok, once entering the corridors it was dark and dirty, the carpet was horrendous. At the room door on the ground floor the door was dirty, badly dented, and the room had a terrible smell.



The toilet did not flush, the window looked out to a wall and the room was noisy and uncomfortable.



We found out the restaurant had been closed by the health people and food was being provided at the Venus next door. The food was pitiful, with a very limited choice and a transport cafe type of dining room.



We booked in on the Sunday and booked out on the Monday never to return. If you want a good holiday in Malta do not stay at this hotel.



The island of Malta is very nice but the start of our holiday was spoilt by the Palm Court. I guess at the end of day you get what you pay for but this hotel is just not fit for purpose of any kind.

This hotel is a total disgrace...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

 J Baggs

Comments:

This hotel is a total disgrace and should be shut down. The carpets are filthy and torn and the rooms were disgusting with mould on the walls. The food, well what can I say? I feed my dog better than they were serving, even my grandson who is 13 months old said yuk and pushed the plastic spoon away.



My wife also pointed out the colour of the swimming pool. No, not the clear blue water but the filthy water with dirty green moss round the side of the pool and loads of dead flies in the water.



Most of the staff were pleasant enough and the locals are very friendly. We had to be moved to the Venus Hotel next door where the room was a lot better but still had to go to the Palm Court for drinks as we were all inclusive. I kid you not, as when I was walking to the bar after ordering my drinks at the reception the bar tender saw me arriving to get my drinks and she walked away from the bar and came back five minutes later.



I could go on all day about the faults at the Palm Court Hotel as they wish to call it but trust me and never ever go to this hotel for a break as you will end up like me and many others eating rotten food and sleeping in a damp dirty room.

I stayed at this hotel with my...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs M Evans

Comments:

I stayed at this hotel with my husband and 3 children 7, 9 and 12. On arriving in Malta I was asked by another passenger where are you staying I replied Palm Court and she replied you mean faulty towers! I was worried but I thought well you get what you pay for (£185 for two weeks half board).



The hotel is in bad need of major refurbishment. Carpets are stinking. On the fourth day the restaurant was closed down by the health and safety authorities. The food up until then had been satisfactory, but after the food was being bought in by outside caterers there was no means of keeping the food warm, food had to be eaten off plastic plates and plastic cutlery. There was no children’s option on the menu so we had to buy food for the children otherwise they wouldn't have eaten for two weeks. Cockroaches were roaming freely in the restaurant when staff were informed we were ignored.



We found the staff were extremely rude. The TV in the room didn't work every day we reported it and nothing was ever done. The bathroom smelt like sewage even after the maids had been in to clean. On one occasion there were two cockroaches in the shower.



The pool area was grubby and untidy. How anyone hasn't caught any serious illnesses from this place I don't know. Malta is a nice place but I can safely say I will never be staying in this hotel again.

Well I really don't know where...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss Laura Meller

Comments:

Well I really don't know where to start, well we arrived on 19 Aug with my mum, my step dad and my nan, my disable uncle and my lil' sister, there was no wheel chair access at all. The moment we arrived, checked in they put us on the 5th floor and that day the lifts didn't work but only was it on the 5 floor but right at the other end nowhere near the lift and that from just being there after 5mins, we hated it. So my mum went and complained but nothing was done so we waited till the next morning for the rep but she was crap as well, 3 days we finally got moved but the room was absolutely horrible. So we all dicided to go for a swim so we went down but as we got near the door we couldn't the door was not big enough for the wheel chair, then still had to get him down the stairs which was really hard work even when the floor is slippery.



I never really ate the whole holiday as the food was minging and as I am a veggie there was no veggie options so I had to make them make me something everyday. The waiters there are so rude one of the dropped dinner all down me and didn't even say sorry, she stamped on my foot and walked off. On the second week we got introduced to the riza which is such a lovely hotel it put palm court in such shame, it really does. compare the swimming pool to Riza then to palm court and you will quickly decide which colour it should be. That day my mum heard people talking at reception some Maltese man was talking English to someone saying the pool to needs to be closed but the manger didn't care and still let people go, it what shame really.

Once we got to the hotel and got...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr G  Arnold

Comments:

Once we got to the hotel and got into the room it was very smelly, the toilet flush did not work, the towel rail fell off the wall as soon as you put a towel on it, the taps on the sink just went around and around.



Then it was time for evening meal, we went down into the dungeon and to our horror there was no proper cutlery or plates, it was all plastic. The food was slop and the red wine was fizzy. The only ones enjoying the dining area were the cockroaches and ants.



Needless to say we ate out every mealtime after that first meal. The staff did not seem very interested at all.

I AM SO PLEASED TO SEE EVERYONE...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mrs D HODGES

Comments:

I AM SO PLEASED TO SEE EVERYONE HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS HELL HOLE! This place does not deserve any more custom from us british tourists. It is a shame because Malta is a lovely place to go, if you do not stay in the Palm Court.



I myself went with my mom and 3 young children and as everyone else has stated it is pure disgusting filth. Yes it is cheap but I myself would now need paying to stay there. People say you get what you pay for but I have stayed in other hotels for around the same price and I tell you they were the Ritz compared to this place. I phoned Malta Bargains after reading bad reports on this and other sites and was very worried, but they reassured me that they were all lies and the hotel, food and pool were all clean and I had nothing to worry about.



The reports on this site are all true it is Malta Bargains that LIE!!! Our room was filthy, blood stained sheets, holes in sheets, bathroom was gross, my eldest daughter would not have a shower in there. Air con unit leaked 3 times all over clothes in suitcase and after three days of problems they said they had fixed it. 2am the following morning was awakened by smell of burning, sparking switch and dripping of water. The air con unit had leaked into plug socket below and started to set on fire. The reception staff sent up the cleaner who promptly evacuated me, my mom and three hysterical kids from the fourth floor in the early hours of the morning. No room was offered for 3 hours and I sat with my 3 children wrapped in bed sheets in the reception until eventually after playing my face a room was offered in the apartments next door.



I could not believe it when I was shown 2 single beds in a poky room for five of us. Basically to cut a long story short sat in reception all night with rude staff and eventually spoke to the manager Victor Spitarri at 8am the next morning. All staff are rude and don't give a stuff they have your money and you have to either shell out more for a change of accomodation or stay in that filthy place.



The food IS disgusting slop and like being in a sauna. The pool IS green and slimy and non of us went in it for the duration of our stay, the reps ARE rude, ignorant and don't give a toss you may as well talk to a brick wall. The whole place is utterly disgusting and words cannot describe how they have the guts to advertise this as a 3* hotel. I wouldn't send my dogs there!!!! Please if you have booked this hotel cancel it today or you to will be adding your names onto this forum when you return home.

When I first arrived at Palm...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss J Fay

Comments:

When I first arrived at Palm Court hotel I wasn’t surprised I had heard a lot and read many reviews so I wasn’t really shocked.



Our room was good, we had 4 single beds for the 3 of us (only one has broken and dipped in the middle but we swapped that with the spare). At 18 on my first holiday with my friends I admit I don’t have very high standards, I wasn't really fussed.



Good Points - The room was big and cleaned, the hotel is close to all the bars and clubs (feugos especially. If you go for a party holiday definitely go to feugos).



The pool was ok as long as you ignore the peeling paint on the floors. There were lots of sun beds but I warn you know if you’re looking to get of a sun bed gracefully it’s not going to happen. I swear their they’re just to embarrass you. The entertainment wasn't that bad albeit quite boring to us. We did have very effective air conditioning which we were lucky to have after talking to other people about their rooms.



Bad Points - There was a brown stain on one of the towels. Our room and the surrounding rooms had no power from the plugs and some without lights about 3 days into the holiday, we asked reception if it would be fixed within the day and we got a shrug in reply. Another night the power went off twice in a row.



The staff were unbelievably rude, I can't stress enough how bad they were, so bad infact that after my friends camera mysteriously broke (only explanation is an accident from one of the maids) she had to fill out a report form and the receptionist snatched the pen away which later resulted in a bit of an argument in which the receptionist man was very rude and patronising.



The hotel manager was impossible to get hold of, especially when I had to report missing money and Clothes!



The food is a big issue!! It was absolutely DISGUSTING!!



We were all inclusive and because of that we didn’t think we needed much money and so had to eat form the basement restaurant which did give us toilet issues. We did get locked out once which I admit was out own fault but after sitting in a hot smelly hallway for about an hour after 3 keys didn't work they had to resort to breaking into the room with some tools.



The Lifts!!! Tiny lifts that sounded like they were going to brake and could only fit about 4 people in, annoying when your trying to get to your room with suitcases and being on the 5th floor it was annoying when they broke down for the whole day.



All inclusive 11am-11pm meaning that you can't get a drink before then or after without paying. That’s not ALL inclusive!



There were some issues that made Palm Court live up to its reputation but you do get what you pay for, it’s an OK place if your just there to sleep in, and it is in a good location.



Ignoring all the bad points we did have a good holiday. Not sure if we would ever return there though maybe if they replace the staff and give the hotel a good clean up.



Place to go for food if you take a left up the hill there is a small restaurant called The Bell (I think not sure) it’s the place to go especially for breakfast . Full English and a coffee 1.05cent and its nice.

Well I think the people below me...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss J M Welton

Comments:

Well I think the people below me are being a bit to harsh. This is my fourth time going to Palm Court. The pictures on Malta Bargains website are exactly what the hotel looks like minus the british holiday makers. It is only a 3* hotel, its cheap to go to and that is what you get. Service was fine got on well with all the staff found them to be helpful. The rooms are pretty basic, but have beds to sleep in, a bath room to wash in and a balcony to sit out on. They are cleaned daily, beds made fresh and new towels left if requested (energy savings idea, why wash whats not dirty). The hotel itself does need a bit of loving, but when you consider how much your paying, it isn't like there making a fortune. This last holiday I paid £118 pounds for 1 week half board. Flights, transfers the lot, which is cheaper then I can get here.



The food in the hotel isn't 5* but its okay. Plenty of choice everyday. Evening meals change all the time, you have a choice of 5 different main meals, few desserts. Also the breakfast has a choice to full english, toast, cereal and fruit. During peak seasons it can get very busy and very hot downstairs but the hotels has at least 400 rooms maybe more to feed. If you go all in ya get sandwiches throughout the day whenever you ask, and if your going on a day trip they pack you a nice hearty lunch 2 sandwiches, fruit, cheese and biscuits and few bottles of water.



The hotel has a few bars which is more then enough. A roof lounge bar generally with ball room dancing going on and a downstairs bar with local entertainment or karaoke. The only strange things about the bars is the way in which you pay, you have to go to the reception pay there then take ya receipt to the bar. Same if your all inclusive, then you have to take ya swipe card to the reception and pay there, but a good idea everything is computerised then.



There is always 3 pools in the hotel, a roof top pool (outdoor), a normal outdoor pool, quite nicely sized and a smaller indoor pool.



If you plan to spend ya holiday in the hotel, then this ain't for you, there is a few pools and a some entertainment of the evening, but during the day there isn't really to much except sitting around the pool. Its very close to the high street, few nice little bars and pubs. I recommend a place called the We5 amazing place, bar upstairs restaurant downstairs food is amazing, and it is literally opposite the hotel just next door to the shop bizzbuzz. The bus stop is just a 2 mins walk away, which makes it easy for day trips all over the island (quite cheap too).



Overall if ya looking for a nice cheap get away to an amazing island I'd recommend it, the cost leaves you with more spending money to spend at the airport.

Never had such a terrible...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Sunshine.co.uk

Submitted By:

Mr Donald Smith

Comments:

Never had such a terrible experience. Place bit like rabbit warren!



Toilets near dining room - stench horrible, water on floor in hall. Wardrobes full of ants - food looked like it had been warmed up for days. People were eating elsewhere even though had paid for half board.



Some tried for upgrades but weren't successful - others just put up with the place as somewhere to sleep and store possessions. Apparently it had been checked, at one point and closed down. Even Timeshare touters were shocked when they asked where we were staying - they sympathised.



Some comments we read said people had been satisfied in previous years - well all we can say is they must be very easily pleased.

Having read the comments of the...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Mr Dv Mariner

Comments:

Having read the comments of the supposed previous guests that submitted their comments on the maltabargains web site; I was slightly dismayed to look on the Thompson web site and read different reviews.



I went with my partner hoping that the latter was just a few disgruntled guests; unfortunately this was not to be and I was sorely let down by the overall hotel and majority of the staff and attitude, the hotel was dirty, with disgusting carpets throughout the hallways and landings, the so-called restaurant was a stinking, sweltering, insect ridden dive with although, quite a few items on the menu they were pretty much the same for each sitting, although after the second day both my partner and myself only suffered the toast and rolls that we had for breakfast other than this we were out for most of the day.



This is not a hotel that I would recommend to anybody that has "standards" of any sort and would not recommend taking either your family or partner there.