Emma The Pergola Club Hotel and Spa is a 4-star rated hotel (probably more 3-star UK rating wise). This was another bargain found through Travelzoo. Located at the North of the Island within easy reach of Gozo, and about an hour from the airport. Flights were with Ryanair from Edinburgh to Malta’s only airport. We were picked up by a mini bus and by way of dropping everyone off, had a mini tour of Malta. The town of Mellieha is quite steep in places, with the hotel at the top of a fair set of stairs. The mini bus dropped us off (and picked us up) at reception, which is at the top of the stairs but we have read that buses can drop you off at the bottom, resulting in a bit of a climb up when you arrive, so be aware!
A photo of the front of the hotel with the stairs just peeking into the left. It was very clean all around the outside.
The reception area. Free WIFI is available here, with plenty of seats about for you to lounge in. A small cafe is also situated here.
The courtyard pool area.
A double (twin) room
The room had tea/coffee making facilities, a fridge, TV, en-suite shower/bath, hair dryer and toiletries. The rooms were cleaned daily with new towels supplied when required. As part of our deal we had free WIFI, which was slow and intermittent, it may depend where you’re situated within the hotel but we would probably recommend sticking to the free WIFI in reception lobby/cafe/bar areas instead.
Wall mounted toiletries as well as nail file, cotton buds and shoe shine
We had read mixed reviews about the food so were a little anxious. On arrival the buffet looked impressive, however, on the first night many items were tepid. Generally the food was OK if a little bland. Service was friendly and helpful. Starters included salad items – the potato salad deserves a mention as it was perfect! Mixed meats, cheese, fish and peppers at the cold table. Soup was available daily, which was tasty. Main courses ranged from gammon steak, pasta, roast chicken as well as a selection of vegetables. Desserts were local cakes, ice cream and local cheese.
Evening Buffet
Evening Buffet
You could also use the sister hotel along the road – Hotel Solana – which we did on one night. The selection of food here was wider and hotter! The hotel also has a gym and indoor pool with jacuzzi. The gym equipment is very basic but functions as expected. The indoor pool is cool as is the jacuzzi (?!). We had a treatment included with the in-house spa. This seemed to consist of sitting in a hot tub – what the jacuzzi in the main hall should have been. Another treatment was booked as the prices were excellent. This time a scrub and wrap. This was more like a spa experience. Gentle music, comforting massage and excellent staff.
View of Mellieha (10 minute walk from hotel)
The town of Melliha was an ideal base to explore Malta. The bus service was regular and very cheap – €1.50 for an all-day ticket! With mild weather, friendly locals and lots of history around, Malta is an ideal tourist destination throughout the year but especially to escape the winter blues back home.
