Standards at five star hotels are by definition nigher than elsewhere. Everything has to be right. So how did this hotel rate?
A cold January, single night stay is perhaps not long enough for a view. But some comments.

Room: partial sea view meant the balcony looked directly,, about 10 metres.. onto the impressive fortress walls and at 90degrees gave a view of the sea, looking along the balconies of the remaining rooms on the floor. Room was indeed large, one of the largest hotel rooms I've been in. Decor was faded 1970s dark brown wood, carpet needs replacing, several deep stains. Bathroom large as well, good complimentaries but like the room really is in need of a renovation to bring it to 2010s standards and look.
Bed was very large.. two singles together. Firm and warm.

Overly fussy desk with lots of hotel things leaving little space.
Internet: it is now essential! At reception desk informed that free wi-fi was OK in the public areas but couldn't be sure in rooms. Otherwise would need to pay for wired access. Luckily wi-fi worked in my room but this should be automatic in 5 star hotels now. (and indeed in all!!).

Breakfast was adequate but not really 5 star standard. To be generous it was out of season in a very empty hotel.
The gym etc looked really good but didn't use. Prices seemed steep. pool area again looked Ok in the cold but didn't use it! Didn't ask if it was heated, which a five star hotel should provide out of season.

One problem: there was a party or reception in the dining room on my floor. As it finished several of the party goers were rather noisy in the corridor.

Hotel location is next to the old town but up a very steep hill. There are courtesy cars at some times but not for those not wanting a steep climb.

Reception staff were helpful, stuck I thought in the rules (wi-fi) and watch out: you will be charged EUR5 if you leave with your room card.
Overall: probably trading on its location, lack of competition in the old town. Could do with a major refit to sharpen itself up to project a more contemporary feel for Valetta.

A great hotel in a superb location. Superb views over Valletta harbour. Well appointed rooms, excellent restaurant and good Gym! Recommended.

The location close to the centre but near the water is great, It ook me 10 minutes to walk into the middle of Valetta. My room was on the 5th floor, 502 and faced the sea with a lovely balcony. The restaurant was good, food was excellent and service was good. I went for a treatment in the spa and the staff were very welcoming and professional. The sauna and steam room are small and I was glad that there was only me there.
My room had tea and coffee making facilities and the cosmetics were good. The bed was superb, really comfortable and the room was dark so I slept really well. I will definitely stay again.

We went to The Grand Hotel Excelsior in August, a private taxi picked us up from the airport with a very friendly driver. We were slightly shocked on arrival as we were asked to leave a large deposit for charges such as meals, room service so on... in case we used the services the money wasn't deducted.

Our room was very spacious and well air conditioned we had a fridge stocked with water daily, and a large TV with a few English channels. A great easy use safe. Turn down service was done every night. Our balcony overlooked the service entrance but we could still see the old town, water and firework displays on a night! We had a large clean bathroom with shower/bath stocked with plenty of toiletries.

Breakfast was amazing a large buffet full of fresh fruits, cereals or cooked breakfast something for everyone, my favourite was the banana bread.

The pool and beach area was great always somewhere to sit near the pool. Immaculately clean, Tiki bar staff always around the pool for snacks and drinks. We personally preferred the indoor pool as it was out of the sun and very quiet. The gym was well equipped so much so that the Maltese national football team were using it.


The best place to buy water is up in Valletta by the fountain a short 'uphill walk' we found it was cheapest to buy big bottles.

We booked our holiday with Thomsons and a helpful representative gave us lots of info about day trips. We opted for the Comino blue lagoon boat trip. We are a young couple yet we were very disappointed as we weren’t expecting it to be a massive rave with music booming and no where to sit accept from jagged rock, we wish we had opted fro the Gozo trip. It was a beautiful place ruined by tourism perhaps better in non peak months.

We would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Malta. Valleta is a magical place especially at night, very romantic with amazing views and fireworks every night during religious festivals.