Barceló Fortina Malta

BarceloFortina Hotel we were familiar with Barcelo as had stayed at one of the chains hotels before and expected a lovely time and experience. The hotel looks impressive and the reception aroma was wonderful. With the green wall and flowers everywhere. We waited 3+ hours for our room but not a problem as we explored locally the area. We are positive thinking couple to enjoy our 5 day trip which we were looking forward to for years. Our room was impressive rich dark wood big TV fantastic bathroom. But the balcony was not what we expected, we had loungers in the advert at the TUI shop but barely enough room for two chairs and table. Our over look was the back of another building in a constant shadow thus no natural light in room so needed the lights on all the time. 90% of tv channels didn’t work . Though the room was on the 11th floor we could hear all the noise from hotel bar below. We had intermittent issues with door handle which we could see they had tried replacing(not a problem we thought) we could see the room had been abused by previous customers and painted over wood and light fixings. The Manta beach experience was dreadful, it was filthy sunbeds and we found a group of people severely drunk , we asked to be moved but the manager Angela smirked sorry nothing left. When their drunkenness got worst and sex discussion and more whole bottles of vodka and tequila ordered we moved ourselves from the danger. We complained to reception of our experience but it seemed Manta valued money over their obligation to the hotel patrons. We had the most amazing breakfasts at the hotel , over looking Valletta opposite every morning . Our last morning we had breakfast and collected our luggage from room only to find the door handle had finally given up and we just couldn’t open door. A fire risk I’m sure. We were released last minute before bus came for us and we forgot to reclaim our $250euros insurance for room. The hotel itself is beautiful and the staff can’t do enough to make your stay wonderful and every night a chocolate delivered or placed on the bed is great. Surprising our room was superior and can honestly say it wasn’t.

The hotel was lovely and staff were amazing, they could not do enough for us. The rooms were clean and well looked after. We will be going back.

I booked interconnecting family rooms. This hotels reservation team failed to communicate that to the front desk. Managers were rude and unhelpful. The superior sea view rooms of the harbour and Valletta on the website are not as shown, they are obscured by a rusted footbridge that blocks the view. Aircon did not work, it was stuck at 23 degrees Celsius, sink did not drain, and the toilet took several flushes to clear. Managers and staff were indifferent to the distress they caused. Yhese people ruin dreams and holidays. You cannot access the pool when you want, you have to book a day in advance. It’s just rules after rules. The bar, restaurant and pool by the sea is ruined by excessively loud music and all the sunbeds are crammed in, stained and dirty. This hotel has no idea of what it means to provide 5 star service. My recommendation avoid this hotel especially if you have children or want adjoining family rooms to provide support to your loved ones.

Loved the location. The room was huge and the bed was really comfy. The only negative for me was having to book a space the day before for the outdoor pool - we weren’t sure of our plans each day so didn’t want to stick to a time for the pool - would have been nice to just turn up when we did have time

A tall tower hotel, next to a mall. Relatively new hotel. Not a good check-in experience. With a check-out time of 12pm and check in time > 3pm, you would think a room would be ready to move in arriving just before 3pm. Booking a room directly with hotel website doesn't serve any advantage too. Not allowing to enter room a minute earlier than 3pm is far too strict. Something is not right. Room size is ok. Rather dark with dark coloured furniture. Could do with more or brighter lights. Modern gadgets. Good size TV but internet linked therefore some channels may lag. ONLY 1 bottle water (750ml) per room; don't ask for more unless you are prepared to see a bill at check out. Taps in washbasin seize up; expect to take longer to adjust to your desire temperature. Bath area - take candles/ torch because it is too dark around it. If you ask for Valletta view, expect main traffic road noise. Balcony was nice to absorb the atmosphere. Room service is brilliant. Very hard working staff. Room attended at least twice a day. Over rated. Room for improvement and perhaps more rooms too would be advantageous for the hotel.