Reviews of Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort Hotel, Mellieha Bay, Malta

An Interesting Week!

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2008

Tour Operator:

Island Residence Club

Submitted By:

j10joy

Comments:

My husband and I visited the resort for a week as part of a Timeshare Bonus Weeks deal. The room was lovely although we looked onto the countryside and were woken every morning about 7.30 by the sound of gunfire. Due to the local custom of shooting everything that moves or flies, there are many hides on the land behind the hotel where locals spend all day every day trying to lure and kill birds or rabbits. The whole island is very lacking in birdsong! We also had to sit through a 5 hour timeshare presentation - even although we said from the start that we would not be buying. The hotel itself is beautiful and extremely well appointed with a good selection of restaurants and bars. Prices vary but are generally similar to the U.K. Its main problem is that it is quite remote and there is only one small bar/restaurant nearby if you don't want to eat in the hotel itself, which can be expensive. We were on a self catering basis and had a small kitchen. Although there is a Deli in the Hotel, it is expensive too. The nearest, very small shop is about a mile away. Luckily there is a good local bus service to nearby towns where you can stock up on essentials. The hotel also runs a courtesy bus, which we used frequently. We would like to return to the Hotel though- even if we do have to suffer the sales pitch again. All the staff were very pleasant and helpful. On the whole, a lovely break. I don't think we would have liked 2 weeks - not enough to do.

excellant hotel 5 star rating...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

thamespirate

Comments:

excellant hotel 5 star rating very clean rooms we had a one bedroom apartment with a sofabed in a second room which was not very comfortable so the children tell me . we had a large balcony overlooking the maltese country side with lots of campsites some of the sites had groups of scouts camping , as we were staying on a promotional basis we did not get the seaview , but we did not mind . It was more interesting watching the maltese camping out. our room had airconditioning , 2 tv so we could watch the news and olympics , the restaurants were a bit expensive we found it cheaper to order room service for breakfast . We ordered one contiental breakfast and one baskets of pastrys and cakes which came with a pot of coffee and orange juice , which we all shared between the 4 of us 2 adults and 2 children . in the evenings we eat out of the hotel at local restaurants . My wife on our second day had a small accident with the heat and climbing steps from the beach [ we had not yet worked out the lift to the beach] she fainted whilst with the children , i was still on the beach , the hotel staff were excellant and quickly attended to my wife the response was very professional . i found out as i came up the steps to this scene which was a shock at first , but all ended well . we found the staff helpful and polite , when needed , information local buses they provided bus timetables and advice . the free mini bus to Valletta and back which the hotel run .

We arrived at this hotel and...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Island Residence

Submitted By:

Mrs J Hall

Comments:

We arrived at this hotel and from the moment we stepped out of the courtesy shuttle bus this holiday experience was magical. The hotel is spotless - staff work tirelessly to keep all rooms and areas up to the high standard that it is. Everyone so kind and efficient. The spacious room we had was great - main living area with bed sofa, dining and study areas as well as SAT TV also twin room. To our surprise the sheets were changed daily - much appreciated, as was the double sinks in the luxurious marble bathroom. The attention to detail was great in all areas - housekeeping, restaurant, reception etc. we had read on web about area being remote, not for us ....bus calls regularly (cheap)with a choice of destinations and journey times and also the Apples eye restaurant / bar is a very short stroll and has an extensive and reasonably priced menu. It is easy to access the beach from inside the hotel but if you take the route through the car park and down the hill you will come across a truck selling a great range of things from fruit cocktails which are chilled and delicious to homemade wine.....we'd recomment the 4 bottle deal!!! Both beach bars good too, not just for drinks but toasties and ices are good too and cheap! Other things to note about hotel is: there's a shop on lower ground floor, the pool, spa and gym are all great and do not do what we did and leave it a few days before you visit them as you will only be disappointed!! Room service menu is good value and good quality - even the childrens menu is quality!! Order something to try , as we did, early on and you will discover what it is like.



Part of our holiday deal was to go to a presentation...no problems, interesting and unfortunatley we were not in a position to consider this - or any other - resort. Would we go back? You bet! It was so very special and our only problem now is finding a holiday within our budget that compares!



I wish there was something we could moan about to make this sound less like an ad but the truth is there was'nt in our case. On the last night there was a really big storm with thunder and lightening and we even loved that!!!

Excellent comfort and...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2006

Tour Operator:

Apollo Sweden

Submitted By:

Mr CJ Hallor

Comments:

Excellent comfort and service.



The facilities were great and even if it was late in the season, everything was in tip-top shape. And getting away from Valetta is a good idea. If you need to see the town, there are good bus connections.



The food was good, but after 5 dinners from the same buffet, even the finest food becomes ordinary. And don´t miss the lounge bar on the terrace in the afternoon. And for dinner, remember your evening dress/suit.



The room was marvelous with excellent view overlooking the ocean and the sunset. Room service/cleaning came twice a day to look after our needs. And there is a very nice SPA next to the pool area. Only disadvantage for us, was that kids below 16 where not allowed there.



The pool area and beach was also very nice and well suited for families with kids. Ours are 10 and 16. Clean and nice beach, towel service etc. etc. Leisure activities like paragliding and snorkeling are available. And don´t miss the horse riding close to the hotel.



I would very much recommend visitors to go there, if you are not "party animals". As well families with kids as couples without will have a real great vacation there.

This brand new hotel was only...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs Katherine Oxenham

Comments:

This brand new hotel was only finished last October but the teething problems seem to have been ironed out.



Fantastic service, the staff are very friendly and cannot do enough for you. We only had trouble with things added to our bill that should not have been, but they were soon ironed out. Restaurants/bars on the expensive side, but this is a 5-star hotel. Alio Olio restaurant the best value. Great wine.



Kids club a bit erratic but there was always something on. Can't wait to go back next year!

Five star luxury at it’s best...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Ms E Garnett

Comments:

Five star luxury at it’s best on this Mediterranean island. The hotel is luxurious and benefits from an enviable position above its own private beach.



Provides ideal & perfect relaxation for sun worshippers or it’s safe to get out & about for those who want more of an active holiday.



Staff & locals are very friendly, courtesy bus provided, restaurants of excellent standard. Ideal base in absolute comfort for holiday makers who want to explore Malta.

Arrived 3am at what seemed like...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Ms T Francis

Comments:

Arrived 3am at what seemed like a palace, rooms were waiting for us with the beds turned down and curtains drawn.



Next morning we were shown round the hotel facilities which were the best I have ever stayed at, steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor pools, private beach with water sport facility, jet skiing, water skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, banana boat rides etc, etc run by extremely capable helpful staff.



All members of staff, in fact all people on the island, couldn't be more helpful and caring, they were just too good to be true, unlike here in the UK.



The accommodation was very spacious, there were 4 of us, we has a separate bedroom with double bed and 2 singles for children, a bathroom which was larger than my living room, a balcony overlooking the gardens and free internet access to my children’s delight. You don't need to take towels, they supply some for the pool/beach and more for the bathroom, wish I'd known before hand.



Everywhere was immaculately clean, fresh and a pleasure to be in, mellow music played in the corridors just to add to the atmosphere.



The resort is a little out of the way and therefore car hire is highly recommended - there are buses but not very often, hire the car when you get there, go by bus into one of the local towns, they are dirt cheap compared to the hotel or internet prices, (around £180, for the week).



Be prepared for the hotel prices, it is 5* and deserves ever one of them, but the prices of everything are too, e.g. snickers bar, £1.70 from the room service. Food is fantastic here if you like all the fancy foreign types, no basic chicken nuggets and chips for the little ones I'm afraid and again, very expensive.



Go out into the local town and go where the locals eat, excellent quality and value and much more of an experience and if you want that special meal, go to Nostalgia Restaurant, I can guarantee it will be the best meal that you will probably ever have, I can highly recommend the baby swordfish and the chicken with orange and grand Marnier sauce, divine.



The nearest tourist centers are on the bay front at Bugibba, absolutely fantastic night out, go horse riding at Golden Bay is well worth a visit, and the aqua park, advertised as having the largest wave pool in Europe was a fun day, but it's small compared to others I've been too.



Our holiday was a timeshare promotional deal, but I really can't fault any of it, the staff at BWB were extremely helpful and knowledgeable re everything I asked. The staff at the hotel couldn't do enough for us, and the reps at the hotel took us for a guided tour which was great as I don't think I would have found half of the things I did, they supplied a very nice lunch and at the end we told them we were not in a position to buy into a timeshare at this time and they were fine, no problems at all.



We got very cheap flights online, we flew with British Jet, again very helpful staff, when we checked in we were given seats which weren't together, once on the plane the air stewardess moved us to all sit together. Had a meal on each journey which was OK for an in-flight meal, very clean plane and a smooth journey.



I can't praise the Radisson enough for making our holiday so comfortable and relaxing. Well done to all involved. 5* hotel, 5* staff, 5*service.

The hotel/apartment was a...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Timeshare

Submitted By:

Mrs S Rich

Comments:

The hotel/apartment was a building site. When we got to the hotel, they had just laid the tarmac and the cab was able to drive up to reception. Only one of the three buildings had been completed.



Whilst we were there we had no electricity or water for a couple of days. Building work (banging started very early in the morning and went onto quite late). No entertainment, shop, children's facilities, no staff around pool, no bar at pool, no private beach, no laundry. There was one restaurant and an indoor swimming pool, and outdoor swimming pools, but no children’s paddling pool (dirty water - told not to go in it - my son ran to it). By the pools outside, there were part of steps that led nowhere - a building site.



We were given one of the smaller one bed apartments - there are no ovens in these apartments. We had two young children with us (9 months and 2 years) and there was no space - they would not take any of the furniture away for us. We could not watch the television in the bedroom as none of the flat screens worked in the hotel and anyway there were no programmes in English.



The staff kept apologising but saying that the hotel is not open yet - it was supposed to have been completed beginning of August and we had received a phone call before we went saying it was just cosmetic.



The hotel will probably be very nice - but I think it will take a long time.

I have just returned from my...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr C Tills

Comments:

I have just returned from my holiday at Golden Sands and had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We were due to arrive in August but changed our minds because construction was still taking place. We were going to cancel but then we thought if it's good enough for the Queen and Prime Minister it's good enough for us.



We stayed half board and the restaurant had a wide selection of foods to choose from. The nearby beach was quiet but then it is that time of year. Perfect for us, as all we want to do when we're on holiday is relax.



The resort is finished and looks far better than other hotels we've stayed at. The staff was helpful and couldn't do enough for us. I am hoping to return again in summer.

We recently visited this hotel...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Chrisarol

Comments:

We recently visited this hotel for a week commencing on the opening day. It has been billed as a brand new luxurious experience; the best that Malta has to offer. It forms part of a Time Share run affiliated to Interval International and has been under construction for the past 2 years. Guests stay on a self catering basis but there will be other options available for people who want to book it as a normal 5 star hotel.



Unfortunately, the hotel was still a building site when we arrived. Some of the facilities were open but most were still under construction. There were builders everywhere, even around the pool, and they worked 24 / 7. Apparently the queen is supposed to be staying there in November so they were panicking to get it ready in time.



The rooms had not been completed and there were several problems with the electrics and the ceiling fans. Also the phone line had not been installed in our room and someone from maintenance decided that 11 pm was a good time to sort out this particular job on his list !! He also wanted to sort out the leaking shower at the same time but we declined his " kind " offer.



The dead lock did not work on the door and the staff had no patience when they wanted to come into the room. They would knock and then walk in almost straight away.



The food at the resort was very good but unfortunately the air conditioning in the restaurant was not working. As a result, meals became a complete nightmare with everyone fighting to sit near a floor standing fan to try and keep cool.



I think the resort will be very good when it is eventually finished; it is just a pity that they decided to open it to the public too soon. I have never holidayed in a building site before and it is not an experience that I ever want to repeat !!

We got upgraded to the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2004

Tour Operator:

Malta Bargains

Submitted By:

Miss L A Williams

Comments:

We got upgraded to the 'executive suite' for no extra price. This room included a double bed, lovely en-suite and an extra room on the side, which was a small but spacious living room. The living room had two sofas, a mini bar and a TV with cable and a choice of movies. The room had a lovely balcony, which expanded across, both rooms and the view was directly overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.



Service was great and everyone spoke English and was friendly. The breakfasts had a wide range of foods including traditional Maltese food and a choice of other fried breakfasts and cereal.

I don’t think I will be...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Select

Submitted By:

Mrs G Roberts

Comments:

I don’t think I will be returning to this hotel as first impressions stick with you. It was a building site no amenities whatsoever no onsite shop no entertainment.



Guests fighting over fans at breakfast, as there was no air-conditioning working. The hotel should never have been opened. I’m sure it will be lovely when completed. I’d check it out make sure everything is up and running before you book.