Riviera Resort & Spa

Nice for the price

The public spaces (pool, restaurants, spa) of this well-priced, family-friendly hotel (expect lots of children) are far nicer than the guest rooms, which seem ready for some redecoration. This reviewer suggests a room facing the pool/sea as the other side’s ’country view’ includes the parking lot. The buffet breakfast, a typical spread, is well prepared with choices to satisfy European and American tastes. (Try to get breakfast as part of a package price as otherwise it’s a costly add-on.) The room service dinner menu was limited, but delivered quickly. While the hotel’s staff is generally very pleasant, some services could be a bit more considerate. (To get a beach towel for use at the pool you have to sign one out from the spa for your stay, and we had to make a special request for our room to be cleaned before our daily return at 3PM.) The location is about a 30-minute drive from the airport and especially convenient for boat trips to Gozo and Comino. Parking a rental car is easy and was without charge, and there’s wi-fi in the hotel lobby areas.

Traveler's tip on recreational activities

Find your way to the island’s seaside towns for excellent fresh fish dining, outdoor cafe style, with a local bottle of wine.

Not Impressed

As far as were concerned we’ll never go back. It wasn’t horrible, considering the price. The food was average at best. The room did however have a fantastic view of the most beautiful ocean scene ever! The air conditioning was broken, the TV didn’t work, and the shower wasn’t cleaned properly by housekeeping. As far as we can tell, it your typical European resort. European’s don’t demand comfort and lush like American visitors. So I guess it was on par for European resorts, but it was no 4 star stay as advertised. If your looking for cheap, this is your resort! If your looking for Comfort, go somewhere else!

Decent but isolated hotel

The location was a mixed blessing. It was isolated, so it was quiet with little traffic. Great views of Comino and Gozo islands from the sea-view rooms. Would have preferred to be closer to more restaurants and shops. The nearest bus stop was only about 500 meters away, and Mellieha was about a 10 minute bus ride. Be prepared for numerous petty charges (room safe; pool towels; exchanging pool towels; internet access), and bring all your own toiletries -- there wasn’t much soap, lotion, or shampoo available in the room. The air conditioning struggled to keep the room barely cool. On the other hand, the pools were nice, and the spa offered a wide range of treatments. Staff was helpful too.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

The buses were easy to use, frequent, and relatively cheap -- 50 cents to get to Valletta. Make sure you get a seat, as the ride can be wild. From the front steps of the Riviera Resort, you can take a water taxi to the Blue Lagoon on Comino island. Definitely worth the trip. Even better if you can visit Blue Lagoon via a day cruise, so you don’t have to hunt for a precious patch of rock or beach to keep your stuff while you swim.