Thread: Malta, Anyone?

Originally Posted by mrs767er

Trip Report! Might be kinda short since it's football Sunday and I have lots to do before Boss gets home.
Smooth trip CVG/CDG. Spent the night @ Sheraton w/points. Fave restaurant, Hippopotamus, closed, and option was $$ and so-so. Oh well, good hotel club w/free drinks.
Off to Malta on KM rev tkts. Lovely service, 2+ hr flt. Checked bag since no charge.
Left paperwork @ seat. (Lost my guidebook, tho!) It was held@ office but I couldn't return inside to get it. Waited for 1/2 hr for someone to bring it out to employee entrance where I was held by military guard.
Then after 1/2 hr more, driver didn't show, had to call hotel and he finally arrived, very apologetic. Short 20 mins to Corinthia Palace. Great concierges, nonchalant reception. Well worn suite but it was huge w/big terrace with fabulous view of AC units and flat green roof. UGH. Changed the next day--smaller but better view. Bfast was mediocre English stuff--greasy, beany, overcooked. One good thing: Maltese savory pastry.
Onward to the island. Comp shuttle to Valletta--wandered around everywhere except down the steep streets (have to come back up sometime). It may be small but plenty to see--just avoid the hokey performance crap and you can see plenty. There's even a military museum, war room, etc. So much history.
Next day, bought bus pass 15E for 12 rides, can be used by multiple people w/onward transfer inside 2 hrs. We visited Mdina right next to Rabat city (small, too). Carriage ride in Mdina 30 mins was 16 and not worth 35E.
Be careful w/buses--get schedule since many stops have no info on posts. Ask on bus and folks are happy to assist. BTW--some place names are really weird. Qawra is Ow ra (sorta). There are some real doozies w/Xs and Ks. Maltese is Arabic, French, Italian mishmash.
There is a beautiful palace garden across the road from hotel. We had to wait for cars coming out of the President's driveway next door--not sure if she was in the entourage. The US embassy is in the town next door, Attard, and we walked up there twice for a great little Italian restaurant--awesome pizzas and owner family always helpful w/menu and wines. Scenic church next door w/choir during service. Lovely!
Wines are pretty cheap in Malta, local and EU--there are a few wineries and olive farms.
We planned a spa/pool day but I was a bit ill one day, so it was moved and then the rains came! We lost some sightseeing time but I would go back to see more next time. Maybe rent 400yr old farmhouse w/pool in small village. There are plenty on Gozo alone.We didn't go to Gozo which is much smaller than Malta but it's reached by ferries. Malta is only 120 sq miles. 17 on the diagonal. Roads twist and turn, up/down so buses take alot more time than you'd think!
I'm sure there are lots more things to tell. My bread dough can sit and green beans can cook when I'm damn ready!
Hope you enjoyed my report. We go back next year as several issues were reported on TA and to a concerned hotel mgr, so we've been offered a complimentary return stay.

OOPS!! Forgot that we routed thru AMS to return. Didn't like the split on arrival--only one seat up front. So we stayed over (after checking into Priority Pass Lounge for rooms) and chose Novotel. Don't bother--it's too weird and their food tastes like...well, you can imagine how a equineburger might taste. Very pricey for Accor discount. Very Dutch in every way. Ibis or cheapest near airport. Still 1-1 split on flt. Didn't want to wait for next one--good thing, even w/S2s we would not have gotten on BECAUSE THEY DON'T FOLLOW PRIORITY!!!!!!! In the long run, they didn't charge our accounts--even for the taxes/fees. Hard to believe they can even function at that station. Might be our last cnx there.

Thank you for the great report!

I avoid AMS and CDG too for those same reasons. Would rather do BRU or ZRH. How long ago did you go? My last time through AMS, I thought they had messed up on my charges too, but they took it out 3 months later. Just an FYI.