| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
Irene and Barrie from Lee-On-The_-Solent ,Hampshire travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Mercury Direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2008 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: HOTEL FORTINA & SPA
The all inclusive food in the hotel was of quiet a good standard and there was lots of it, we were both impressed with the variety of choice that you were given at each meal time it looked scrumtious and tasted excellent.
I did not see much of food snacks inbetween the meal times for the all inclusive, may be some times at about 4pm in the afternoon by the pool a small tray of sliced cake would be placed on top of the cocktail bar.
The hotel was clean and the service from the staff was good.
Shame about the lifts they just don't seem to much up to a four star hotel rating. They are seriously in need of some help quiet soon they are very very small not just in width but hight and a bit ricketty to use, you'd kept your fingers crossed when you used them.
The location of the hotel was briliant the views across the harbour over to Valetta was of out-standing beauty.
ENTERTAINMENT
The entertainment was only of a fair rating for a four star hotel ther was somthing different every night but it was not of a very good standard.
ACCOMADATION
The delux bedroom was of a high standard the two Queen beds and the spaciousness of the room was without a dought excellent.
DOWN SIDE
The only down side was the time-share scam that every one went through at the hotel, you were cond into it when you went for breakfast on the first morning that you arrived stating that you had to collect your free tickets for your harbour cruise that came with your holiday and also to have a look around the spa and also the five star accomadation that was available in the hotel that you could up-grade too if you wished. We were told it would only take an hour of your time not true four to five hours later they were still hanging onto you they even followed us when we went for lunch.
A big put off I'm afraid but we will not be going there again.
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
|
| |
Allen from Bracknell travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Travel Republic
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2008 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We visted the Hotel Fortina which is divided strictly into two parts 4 and 5 star. We stayed in the 4* and the food was sub standard and luke warm better to eat out. Great views though across harbour.
Entertainment poor and mainly by the pool outside which was chilly and breezy during our visit.
Bombarded by agressive approach to take a guided tour of Hotel. Beware the free boat trips are a ploy by the time share bandits .If you can get away with the tickets unscathed ,the trip is worth taking
Overall we were disappointed with our vist and would not go back
|
| |
smith from oxford travelled to Fortina Hotel with
chevron
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2008 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: this hotel has no entertainment whatsoever unless you count the time share sales who badger you at meal times.
food is on a par with motorway service stations as is the service id expected alot more having gone on the adverts in major sunday papers.
reading some of the reports id imgaine most are made by the staff or frinds there of would we go again not even if it was free.
|
| |
Tom35 from London travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Air Malta
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: My girlfriend and I just returned home from a great holiday in Malta at the Fortina Spa Resort. It was our first time visiting the island and didn’t really know what to expect. The location of the Fortina was ideal and we had a stunning view of Valletta from our balcony. The ferry port was just a few minutes walk away which made it easy to pop over to Valletta for a browse around. The staff at the hotel were very attentive, the rooms kept very clean and my girlfriend enjoyed her Balinese massage in the spa, I didn’t book in for a treatment but might do so next time. Most of our time was spent lounging around the pool out on the seafront and eating in the variety of restaurants. We liked the Japanese restaurant the best, who would have thought you could find such tasty sushi in Malta, I would go so far as to say it was the best I’ve ever had. All the food we had was all incredibly fresh and well presented, I wouldn’t bother with the pizza, quite bland. I think we have both over indulged slightly but it was worth it, we had a fantastic holiday. The view from the seaside pool really takes your breath away and the relaxed atmosphere was just what we needed. Strangely enough I paid a visit to the dentist while I was there. They have a small dental clinic just outside the hotel called the Fortedent Clinic (I think it’s part of the hotel). I had always thought about having my teeth whitened and decided that as the price was much more reasonable than in the UK I would go for it. I had it done on my last day and could only white food for 2 days afterwards but the results are great, not too white but white enough. I actually thought the dentist that treated me was better than my dentist at home and I will certainly go back to him next time I book a holiday to the Fortina.
|
| |
|
|
dr Botton from hendon travelled to Fortina Hotel with
mercury
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 03 2008 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: shocking borderline diabolical a complete waste of money id have had a better break at home.
Entertainment was nil i was bombarded with the hotel staff trying to sell me time shares 5***** this was most definatley not.
|
| |
Andy from Hawkhurst, KEnt travelled to Fortina Hotel with
N/A
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2007 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Excellent Hotel, we stayed in the 5* Tower, rooms were fantasticly clean, as were most public areas (exception of Lido area). The location is possibly the best on the island. The food was fabulous (5* dine around thingy!).
Only thing we were not impressed with, was the 'lido' area, not worthy of 4* let alone 5*.
I liked this so much I am going back in May 2008.
|
| |
Suzie Q from London suburbs travelled to Fortina Hotel with
n/a
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Pleasantly surprised. I've just come back from a weeks holiday at the 4 star Hotel Fortina. Being a single mum with 3 kids, it was far too expensive to book the dine around programme and therefore chose the cheaper option of buffet meals only. Upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised. We had a wonderful room with 2 queen size beds. The room was clean and our room
attendant very pleasant. All our meals were in the buffet restaurant.
Breakfast was extensive and eggs were cooked in front of you rather that being prepared beforehand and kept warm. Pasta dishes are cooked in front of you for dinner. The kids really enjoyed their meals and had a good selection. The swimming pools were very clean and needless to say we spent full days on the front pools. The staff were nice & friendly One evening, we paid a small supplement to eat in the Chinese restaurant which is on the 5 star side and in a blissful ambiance of a tropical garden. The only downside of the holiday was that we didn't really get to see much of Malta except forthe one time when we went on the Harbour Cruise. I did manage to escape from the kids for an hour whilst they were looked after by some friends we made and had a fantastic chocolate massage which was wonderful. Have already re-booked for next year. We all can't wait to return.
|
| |
DR Morris from Lichfield travelled to Fortina Hotel with
SPA TRAVEL
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 02 2007 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel Spa resort five star. On our arrival,there were insufficient staff to deal with the registration of the new arrivals. Room eventually allocated and then had to find it yourself! We had paid for a sea view, our room allocated overlooked a building site and which work commenced at 05.30 every morning! I had queried this with the hotel before travelling and was assured all building work was complete and that the clients were expected to have occupied before our arrival..WRONG.
Also be prepared to have to stand in a queue to book your meals in the restaurants up to three days in advance..oh and if you want to eat before 9pm make sure you are at front of the queue
|
| |
Mike Sturgeon from Norwich travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Thompson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have taken many All Inc 4* holidays over the last few years and I must say that this one was easily the poorest.
Firstly the 'superior sea view' room was in fact a 'rabbit hutch' of a room and was extremely tired and the on suite was so small that we had no where to even put our tooth brushes. I understand that some of the more luxury ones had a shelf. After a few nights sleeping we were woken every morning by the construction Lorries passing the hotel at about 6 am.
We had a word with our rep and she managed to change our room to one at the rear of the hotel. This was much quieter and yes the rumors were true this ensuite had a shelf.
Yes we did do the hard sell timeshare presentation and were given a tour of the 5* tower etc. 5* this was not. As one of the other reviewers mentioned, the quality of finish was poor and the concept of mixing 5* and 4* in the same hotel just does not work.
As an 4* All Inc guest supplements were charged in some of the restaurants and in one everything had to paid for except for the house wine. If you missed a meal time then that was tuff and there was no where to get any snacks.
However later on in the week we heard on the guest grape vine that there might be the odd cheese roll available behind the bar if you could manage to get the eastern European staff to under stand that you did not want a new type of ‘Sheese Rool’ cocktail.
Talking of drinks the management had obtained an amazing line in small glasses which meant that if you ordered a beer it was served in a quarter pint glass. So if you decided to drink, say four pints in an evening you would have to visit the bar and incredible 16 times as you were only allowed one drink at a time on presentation of you AI card. The cocktails were not much better but slightly taller and thinner. So if you enjoy drinking out of an over grown test tube then this bar is for you.
Will we be going again? I do not think so.
|
| |
|
|
Mr D Gregory from Penryn Cornwall travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Mercury Direct
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After reading other peoples widely differing views on this hotel we really didnt know what to expect. We booked a one weeks all inclusive break staying in a deluxe garden view room in the four star part of the hotel.
The location of this hotel is superb,overlooking Valletta,close to the shops and boat trips and yet in a peaceful setting.
The room was spacious and exactly as described,it was serviced daily my only gripe being that they did not replenish the teabags, whitener or the minibar even after I requested them to do so. Leaving me no alternative but to help myself to supplies from an abandoned maids trolley in a corridor, also the hairdryer didnt work and it took 24hrs for them to sort that out.
I attended the welcome meeting and was told to collect my free harbour cruise tickets from the timeshare sharks that were waiting outside the room, I told the aforementioned sharks that all I wanted was the harbour cruise tickets and nothing else my request was granted and I was not approached again during my stay despite them camping outside the entrance to the restaurant and cruising the public areas of the hotel througout our stay.
We only used La Vallette restaurant which had an exellent varied choice everyday and in which the staff were both friendly and helpful we had no problems and could eat as much or as little as we pleased.
All the other facilities were good including the bars,pools and the spa, with the exception of the adults pool in the garden which was in the shade all day.
The Putting Green has seen better days along with the lifts within the hotel which towards the end of the week were almost completely unuseable.
Yes there are one or two problems at this hotel but overall a good time was had by all, the most serious problem which needs looking at urgently is that of the lifts in this hotel.
We would use this hotel again in the future.
|
| |
M.Hart from London travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Direct with Hotel
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I have been monitoring this website since booking my holiday at the Fortina Spa Resort and was rather concerned with some of the reviews prior to our travel. Have now returned from what I can seriously consider as one of the best holidays my partner and I have ever had.
The Fortina operate two hotels with separate entrances. One is the 4 star Hotel Fortina whilst the other is the 5 star Fortina Spa Resort. We stayed in a tower room with a Seaview in the 5 star which, also shares some of its facilities with the 4 star. This hotel is not listed on this website for some reason. Only Hotel Fortina is listed and this is probably why our concerns initially arose.
Nevertheless, we rate our holiday as absolutely fabulous. Our accommodation was brand new and very spacious. Our view over to Valletta can only be described as majestic. Our balcony faced south and was so large that two sunbeds fitted spaciously. The All-Inclusive concept is exceptionally good with a choice of restaurants offering divine cuisine that if offered in London, would cost at least £100 per couple. There are a choice of 7 restaurants. Two restaurants are exclusive to the 5 star hotel which are Hibiki (Japanese) and Taste. The Japanese restaurant offers wonderful sushi, fresh from the Mediterranean sea and Malta really has crystal clear waters. Taste restaurant is themed by Tom Kime. These were our two favourite restaurants although we did try all of them during our 10 day visit. All the restaurants offer a friendly and professional service.
During our stay, we met another couple in the spa who were staying in the 4 star section and also shared the same views as us. I am sure that they will also place their review as they too were concerned prior to their travel.
We can go on and on ranting and raving…..and yes, we’ve booked again for the New Year and splashed out for a spa bedroom. Definitely money well spent!
|
| |
Laura from London travelled to Fortina Hotel with
None
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2006 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: A couple of days before my holiday, I was suddenly terrified that I had committed all this money and had no idea what I would fine on arrival. I eagerly searched the web to try to find out more and came across this website and promised myself that if all went well, I would make sure that I posted to help others as much as I had been helped.
I was very confused prior to my departure because the ratings were so disparate - the experience was either apalling or it was excellent. I am pleased to say that for me it was fabulous. I stayed in a spa bedroom and whilst booking directly with the hotel I asked if an upgrade was possible. I was told that they would try but it was not guaranteed. On arrival and check in I was told that I had a spa bedroom with a private swimming pool. I was delighted but apprehensive and wondered if the room would look anything like the pictures on the website. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was an exact match and the room was spacious, the mini bar was well stocked and all the equipment and toiletries were fully functional. The best bit was the private swimming pool that you accessed via a spiral staircase and it took you up to a lovely pool with jets and shower and barbecue etc. It was just fantastic. A skeptic at all times, I thought that the service would be abysmal but everyone was extremely polite, friendly and most importantly, very hardworking. There was a safe and sachets of all types of treatments to use with the different machines in the bedroom, ranging from a therapeutic bath, jacuzzi in the bedroom, shower and steam room, Dermalite machine. It was just spectacular and really decadent. The cleaners were so friendly and would thoroughly clean the rooms and refresh the minibar etc. and any products used on the prior day. Towels, robes and slippers were changed daily and it was just very well taken care of. The rooms were cleaned impeccably and one morning, I watched the cleaner who took so much time lifting each bit of furniture and thoroughly cleaning around it.
The food in the hotel was really good and I ate in Taste, the Healthy Cuisine and the Japanese restaurant. The food was great. I was not too thrilled by the Thai and did not bother to try the Indian or Italian as I do not like those cuisines. It would have been lovely if there was a Maltese restaurant as I never got an opportunity to eat the local cuisine!
Since I had read all the reports of the cold selling of packages, when approached, I firmly told them I was not interested and they very politely retreated and I was never disturbed during my 7 day stay!!
My only area of improvement was with the entertainment - this was really non-existent and think the hotel should invest in this as the evenings are quite boring if you have made the journey for a rest but want something to do in the evening that is not too strenous. The gym was not great either but hey, as long as the machines work ...
All in all, I loved my time in Malta and I really loved the hotel. I paid a lot of money but think it was worth it. I think this is the reason for the disparity in reports. I think you need to invest in the best category to enjoy this hotel. It was steep but I had such a good time that I am thinking of visiting again for a long weekend. I really had so much fun.
I hope this will help someone else make the right decision and right choices.
Thank you to all those who posted before me, it really helped me to structure one of the best, most relaxing holidays I have had in a long time!
|
| |
Martin & Chris from Worcester travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Mercury Direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2006 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The best thing about the Fortina hotel was the view from our room – we had a harbour view – which was magnificant from the 6th floor. As for the rest of the hotel – we thought it very much over-hyped and well below equivalent other 4* hotels we have been in.
Our room was basically OK but tatty – as is all of the old part of the hotel as they’re pumping money into the new section. The hotel is currently surrounded by building sites – a builder hammering a steel bucket at 0600 on a Saturday morning is no way to be woken up.
We tried to use the spa – but could never get a slot and if you want to use the spa indoor pool after 3pm forget it as its taken over for use by private treatments. We also found that there were far too few sunbeds on harbour-side pool; many were broken from the last season and hadn’t been replaced. The reception staff with one exception were are not a lot of use and seemed relatively unknowledgable.
Of the resturants we tried Taste, the Bistro and Health are good – just don’t go near the Italian one – our food was burnt in one case and tasteless in the other! We ate out after a few nights and found good food at very reasonable prices in local restraurents (why don’t they have a Maltese restraunt? – we’ve got home versions of all the others and we look for something local when away!).
Our biggest turn-off is the “staff” trying to flog the new 5* section. They’re actually employed by another company and selling timeshare with all the associated “trade a week here for others round the world or we’ll sell it for you”. We thought it would be interesting to look round the new bit – only an hour of our time they promised. After 1 hour and 15 minutes with the 2nd rep and only half-way through her sales pratter, we stormed out: they completely misrepresented what they were selling and tried to foist on us something we didn’t want.
The Mercury rep was also unhelpful – we were on our guard after she described absolutely everything as “amazing”. When we spoke to her, she just wasn’t interested.
We may well return to Malta – but will avoid the Fortina like the plague and go for a hotel with much more reasonable deals.
|
| |
Anna Brown from West Yorkshire travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Kwick Travel
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 03 2006 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was wonderful clean and very wellcoming, the staff could not do enough for you and they allways had a smile on their faces.
The staff in the spa department were attentive and as I suffer from trauma induced osteo arthritis in my knees took great care of me. The room that we stayed in was gorgeous and cleaned every day and there was always tea and coffee a biggy for me :-)
The food was to die for and I can imagine that it would not take much to pile on the weight:-) The only complaint I have about the hotel and its only a small one at that, is the reps that try to sell you the spa bedrooms....my feeling is that we had already paid for a holiday and were there to chill out and not be hassled and once I explained that to them politely then they left us alone.
All in all it was a lovely holiday and I would not hesitate to go back again.
Anna Brown
|
| |
Robert Williams from CAERNARFON travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Mercury
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 12 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Reception good, arrived in time for buffet lunch, food throught the week very good, good selection, staff very attentive.
There are various other restraunt in the hotel and you have to pay extra in some of them.Xmas day entertainment was very good, with various act throughout the day.
Car parking is very limited and double parking is the norm. Shopping is good,buy all your duty free locally, buses and ferries are quite near 1/3 mile near the shops.
|
| |
Robert Williams from CAERNARFON travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Mercury
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 12 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Reception good, arrived in time for buffet lunch, food throught the week very good, good selection, staff very attentive.
There are various other restraunt in the hotel and you have to pay extra in some of them. Xmas day entertainment was very good, with various act throughout the day. Car parking is very limited and double parking is the norm.
Shopping is good,buy all your duty free locally, buses and ferries are quite near 1/3 mile near the shops. In the entrance to the main restraunt ther are time share sellers and that is the only complaint.
|
| |
David Fullard from Broughton N. Lincs travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Via D Tel ad
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We were, like almost everyone else, given a free upgrade. Ours turned out to be because our pre booked and paid for rooms had been given to someone else.
The staff were mostly surly and unhelpful apart from those in the restaurants around the garden pool area. The Valetta Restaurant, for 4 star visitors, is indescribably poor, especially at breakfast when it is worse than any English greasy spoon establishment one might have the misfortune to eat at!
The garden pool is unheated and abysmally cold due to its siting in an area that receives zero sun.
We were beset with major building work going on throughout the hotel and its environs. Our top of the range, expensive suites were only haphazardly cleaned.
Staff are simply overwhelmed trying to respond to myriad complaints albeit many should be sent on customer services seminars to improve their attitudes towards paying guests.
This is simply not a five or indeed four star establishment albeit the food in the Indian, Thai and Japanese Restaurants was excellent.
Value for money? Give it a big miss!
|
| |
Christine from Chester travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Belleair
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was our seventh visit to the hotel, but it will probably be our last.
The standard of the hotel has dropped over the last ten years, even though the new part of the hotel has 5 Star status.
We booked a deluxe Garden View room, but were "updated" to one of the new Tower Bedrooms. The accomodation was ok, clean , but not to UK 5 Star standard by any means. We were partly overlooking the building site next door, but this did not really bother us. The "4 Star" part of the hotel is badly in need of renovation, and is also not particulary clean,the lifts especially need some attention.
The overcrowded pool area at the front of the hotel needs some repairs, the sunbeds were dusty and there was quite a bit of litter around the pool.
The pool at the back of the hotel, overshadowed by the 17 storey Tower, is very cold and almost unusable.
The food is ok, providing you pay the 4.50 extra to dine Al a Carte. The Vallette restaurant breakfast was very poor, very greasy streaky bacon, undercooked fried eggs or overcooked omelettes.
Some of the staff who have worked there for a long time, seem stressed out and overworked, the owner does not appear to have provided extra staff to cope with the additional guests. Some of the newer staff were quite surly and appeared to be more interested in talking amongst themselves than serving the customer.
Although we did enjoy our holiday, in our opinion we paid a 5 star price, but did not get 5 star service.
The owner needs to update the old accomodation, provide more sunbathing areas (maybe demolish the Lido bar and use the Cocktail bar) and get the Garden pool heated.
He needs to start using the hotel dining rooms himself in order to gauge the quality of the food being served. He needs to provide his staff with training in customer service and maybe he should start holding meetings with the longer serving members of his staff as they seem to have some ideas on how the quality of the hotel could be improved.
|
| |
Ivan from Goxhill travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Mercury Direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked through Mecury direct and got a free up grade to a Deluxe Garden View room as part of a special offer. Upon arrival we were given a sea view tower room in the newer 5* tower development. This afforded good views over the harbour to Valletta, and to the building site next to the hotel, although we found this to be completely unobtrusive. The room was quite large, as was the bathroom, and was furnished very nicely.
Our room was cleaned to a high standard every day, and the mini bar was always re-stocked. We found the rest of the hotel to be of a similar standard of cleanliness throughout, and there always seemed to be a number of cleaning staff busy tidying some part of the hotel.
This was the first time we had gone all inclusive, as we have always been cautious of repetitive hotel buffet restaurants. With the choice of seven, we ate in a different one every night, so this was not an issue. We made sure we always booked up where we wanted to eat 48hours in advance to ensure the booking, which is well worth doing. The food in all the restaurants is still a bit mass produced, but we didn't have one bad meal, and there was always something on the set menu we would eat (upgrading to the al a carte menu costs 4.50ML each, but we didn't feel the need to).
The hotel is situated in a good position for getting to the Sliema centre, and the cruise vessels, and the Valletta ferry are only 5 minutes walk away. However, there is some building work going on next to the hotel, which while not obtrusive, could block the views from some of the hotel rooms.
We found the staff to be helpful and polite, if not all of them very cheery. The service in the restaurants is ok, but not up to the standards of 4 and 5* hotel restaurants in this country.
As for entertainment, from what we encountered, its a bit like a local opportunity knocks. Just a bit of background noise.
If you are tempted by the free trips offered by the time share reps, be wary, as we went for the jeep safari, but this only operates Mon to Thurs. We arrived late Monday, and were approached by the rep Tuesday. We could only go to the meeting Wednesday, so by the time we got our voucher, Thursdays trip was booked. If you are staying longer, it might be worth listening to them for a couple of hours to get the free trip, as it is worth quite a bit of money.
Overall we were very impressed, but we did get the free upgrades, and some free sessions in the spa, which made it very good value for money. We would go again, but we doubt it would be as good next time.
|
| |
Mitchell from Lancaster travelled to Fortina Hotel with
direct booking
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Having previously enjoyed a holiday at this hotel 2 years a go, I returned looking forward to another excellent holiday. Not so!!
We booked a Deluxe Jacuzzi sea view suite, and were given a deluxe garden view suite, nice room, but not what I wanted! Tried to complain, but after being told by reception 3 times to come back as they were very busy with room complaints, I got to speak to the manager, who just shrugs a lot and kept saying "we overbook sea view rooms" (More expensive than sea view rooms) I was told I could have the room I booked in 2 days time, but I wouldn't like it as it was tiny (managers words) at £1500 for 2 for a week, not what you expect!
The room we had was nice, not exceptional, (they are currently quoting £1150.00 per person per week for this room next year). It wasn't clean, hair on the carpet that wasn't ours and a pair of someone else's knickers down the back of the bed! It did have a hot tub on the balcony, but the balcony never actually got any sun.
The food was poor in the main Valletta restaurant, buffet style with strict portion control by the staff, and treated like Oliver when you ask for more! Fruit juice and brown sauce watered down (ran off the spoon) The other restaurants in the garden are very good, but you pay extra to eat in these, Chinese and Indian are very good and I would recommend the Indian Buffet at lunchtime. You need to book for all these restaurants and the Chinese needs 48 hours notice, we did book to go to the Japanese, but the cockroach under the table put us off that!
As for the pool areas, good Luck!!! 700 room hotel, with probably 100 sunbeds at the most. If you want one you got to get up early!! (pre 7am) not my idea of a relaxing holiday. There is no beach or anywhere else to sunbathe, so if you don't get a sunbed your a bit stuck really.
You do have to carry cards all the time now as they also sell half board and B & B and you will be told in no uncertain terms if you go to the bar with one card and order two drinks ONE CARD ONE DRINK!! You are given free tickets to on a free harbour cruise, the catch? you have to get them off the timeshare reps that are all over the hotel, always trying to get you to talk to them.
All in all a very disappointing holiday. I expect a certain standard of holiday for £1500.00 for a week, although the staff and manager did not think I should!
Staff are very unhelpful and rude at best.
It was also very disappointing as this had been a great hotel 2 years ago, but now you get the impression that there are severe cuts being made in service and standard, but not unfortunately in the prices they charge.
|
| |
Carolyn from Kent travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Booked direct
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The Fortina Hotel sells itself as a Spa Resort - it is not a resort. We were expecting a relaxing all inclusive resort, in a quiet location, with other like minded travellers, (we are in our 30's). This it is not, it is a hotel with a spa on a busy street next door to a building site! It is not on the seafront but on a river with a 'lido'& it is not all all-inclusive.
Only some guests are all inclusive, which means you have to carry a card with you at all times - which is quite tiresome. Children were also there - not what we expected.
Having said that, the food in the speciality restaurants was very good & the service reasonable.
I can't say much about the staff as there were not many to be found.
|
| |
Barnett from Crawley travelled to Fortina Hotel with
booked direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed in 8th floor deluxe room with sea view and balcony. Sea view across another block and building site. View not as good as more attractive harbour view across to Valletta. Twin double room size adequate with very large bathroom. Lifts inadequate and frequently out of action - don't go if you're not able to climb 8 flights of stairs. Our room was directly above the Indian restaurant and towards the end of the evening there could be a noticable smell of curry fumes on the balcony.
Food quality is mixed. The basic La Valette cafeteria has a wide variety of motorway services quality, rather bland presumably to satisfy the many elderly guests. The watered down fruit juice is inexcusable!
However, we also sampled six of the seven "themed" restaurants, mostly arranged around the pool complex. Without exception, they offered a far higher standard. We particularly enjoyed the Japanese restaurant. For a small supplement, this also served a freshly cooked breakfast as good as you could hope for.
The only criticism is that much of the hotel's procedures seem to revolve around information being issued by package tour reps. A hotel information pack would help independent travellers.
No hotel car park, and on-street parking is a lottery. Our car was blocked in for most of one day by a double-parked local.
|
| |
Joanne Roy from Lincolnshire travelled to Fortina Hotel with
Mercury Direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2005 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: My husband and I stayed here for one week for our Wedding Anniversary.
We were upgraded to a Deluxe Suite in the new five star tower which was very nice with our own outdoor spa. Towels changed daily if requested but thet were not very good quality, bed made daily but I dont think the room was hoovered while we were there or at least it didnt look like it. The corriders were not hoovered either as there was a layer of dust and crumbs etc.
The hotel buffet restaurant was adequate, food ok but it was dirty and there was a cracked pane of glass which could have fallen in on someone. The queues were long especially at lunch.
However the other restaurants we could eat at were good, if you booked in advance you ate a good meal in comfort. The Indian and Chinese are worth mentioning!
Location of hotel is quite good not far from city centre, ferries etc. The lifts in the hotel diabolical, either not working , long queues or getting stuck! Reception staff (day) rude and unhelpful, night staff quite good.
Only saw one singer one night but that was through choice i believe there was something on every night but hotel not really for entertainment.I wouldnt stay there again. Not really five star status alot of building work still going on and time share hovering about!! Quite dirty and dusty with rubble outside and looking from balcony could see it on ledges of rooms.
|
| |
rees from wales travelled to Fortina Hotel with
mercury direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: My wife and I spent our honeymoon at the hotel for two weeks. I have to say that we were a little concerned regarding the building work. However on arrival the work was almost completed so there was no inconvenience.
We were upgraded to a suite which was very spacious and clean. This overlooked the garden area and frankly we couldn’t have asked for better.
The facilities were excellent, however beware that the swim up bar pool is absolutely freezing! I think this is because the new tower overlooks it and stops the sun from warming the water.
Staff were extremely helpful although night entertainment was poor.
Finally the food....this was absolutely fantastic in all restaurants. The standard unbelievable. Expect to gain at least a stone!!!
|
| |
henry from london travelled to Fortina Hotel with
direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Absolutely no entertainment whatsoever unless you count the waiter dressed as a woman.
Main hotel suffers for the build of the new kids running about everywhere we won’t be going back.
|
| |
steve coombes from westbury travelled to Fortina Hotel with
airtours
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed in the Fortina for two weeks full board all inclusive,we had a delux room overlooking the adult pool and I can say we had a great relaxing time. There was seven restaurants to eat in and the food was unfaultable. I can recomend this hotel as it is today. They have just built a new tower 5* on the side of the hotel and the extra rooms are alot so my only concern would be where will the extra people go as we found towels were being put down on the sunloungers early daily. At my time there is was great and I am glad we went there.
|
| |
Richard from Glos travelled to Fortina Hotel with
direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hi all. We stayed at fortina last year and will be going back there as soon as they've finished building.
As a couple looking to unwind it was perfect. Although the staff may not be the greatest who cares.
We had a spa bedroom with all the gizmos, eat well and there was spa sante and treatments galore.
I've seen comments about entertainment being lacking. I'm sorry, but if you're one of those sad people who like X-Factor type morons singing 60's hits then go somewhere else. The entertainment is the location and the peacefulness. Go to Ibiza if you want people who can't sing.
I was annoyed that the adult only area was invaded by children twice in our stay and that the staff did not tell them to leave.
For those of you with children, have a great time but please show some respect for those of us that cannot stand the screaming, shouting and bombing in the pool.
We all deserve a break and we'll have ours again at Fortina.
But next time if a child comes into a restricted area I will NOT wait for staff to ask them to leave but do it myself.
|
| |
SHACKLETON from Near BURNLEY travelled to Fortina Hotel with
booked direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Fortina Spa
Booked direct - no problems. We have stayed here before but not in a spa Bedroom. It was amazing every thing you could ask for in a spa hotel.The Spa Bedroom was just Great. One one small quibble. The towels were not of good quality.BUT we had a great time and made good use of all the facilities. The food was excellent.
There was some building work but it did not bother us. One other small quibble the tranquility of the garden area to the rear was often spoilt by loud music from the bar.The lifts more often than not did not work so we took too the stairs. So if you have trouble getting around perhaps ths is not the best hotel to stay in. But I know that they are making improvements and we look forward to going back in January 05 for a Spa Break. Booking direct was so much cheaper than through a travel agent. We priced both. It was really easy and all the arrangements worked well. Cannot wait to return
|
| |
robin from spalding travelled to Fortina Hotel with
fortina direct booking
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Booked with hotel direct, a special offer (discounted). Very clean. Maids do a wonderful job. Some public areas are a little on the small side, but no problem for us.
We booked the more exclusive garden/Italian/brasserie restaurants 24 hours in advance for evening meals throughout the holiday. It's like dining out every night. Watch the waistline! Have been told by other couple we met that Japanese restaurant is excellent, but we were leaving next day, so could not try. Did not try the healthy eating or La Vallette (main, large restaurant) in evening though. La Vallette was used for breakfast and lunch. English breakfast, cold meat, cereal, continental plus more available. Orange juice is sometimes a bit watered down. Good choice, 3 courses if you can handle it at lunch, including meat, fish & vegetarian.
Found all staff very friendly and helpful. Did not view evening entertainment, preffered to take drinks to our balcony and soak up the magic view of Valletta at night, about 500/600metres away. The harbour/sea view type of room is a must, especially at night.
One lift packed up about 10pm one night but was fixed before 8am next morning. Major building work on large scale adjacent to hotel, (50 metres from our room,512). Workers start arriving for 7am, finish about 6pm. Didn't bother us, we normally are early birds. Tower crane jib sometimes overhung pool area at front of hotel. Did not see any work within the hotel. Some noise from workers/machinery on adjacent site if relaxing near hotel front pool. Soon got used to it!
Rear garden area and pool is very nice and quiet, but signs say no children allowed. Car parking not too good in daytime near hotel. I must admit, we knew what building work to expect as this was our sixth visit in the past 6 years. We've experienced it all! We love this hotel.
Apart from duty free, we spent less than £20 in a week total! (Tips, 1 bus fare, 1 return ferry to Valletta, phone cards). We had a standard sea view room, small but ok. Superior are larger, with mini bar, but more expensive. No mini bar in our room. Beds comfortable. Tea making in room. Efficient air conditioning in our room. A balcony is a must for us.
Some people have slated this hotel. Some regular visitors like us praise it. We met a couple who stayed 3 times last year. Another couple had their eleventh stay durin our week there. We can't wait to return.
The seaview view at night of Valletta more than compensates for the adjacent building work at daytime.
Hope this helps, we look forward to a return later this year.
|
| |
Edna Maltby from Sheffield travelled to Fortina Hotel with
booked direct
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11 2003 |
rated the Fortina Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I booked directly with the hotel for relaxing spa break as it seemed much better value than a visit to a UK spa and had the advantage of a different country and perhaps sunshine. All arrangements were perfect; a driver picked me up at the airport and returned me after holiday-much better than package tour coaches. Deluxe seaview room- breathtaking view of Valletta and balcony overlooking the sea-a most comfortable and spectacular room for the modest cost . Excellent food and had different restaurant every night. Very easy place for a solo holiday with the spa facilities but may be better idea to book the type of room which includes entry to Spa sante as that is v. expensive if not inclusive with deal. Only criticism is that the main bar-lounge was rather shabby and lacking in atmosphere-but it was November and very quiet- no real entertainment but did not come for that. Weather was superb,hot all week and Malta is marvellous. I would sincerely recommend this hotel for a spa break at a fraction of the price of UK places and a wonderful country thrown in
|
| |
Subscribe For FREE Updates
Sunny Says there
are 275 visitors online