InterContinental Malta by IHG, St Julian’s

The InterContinental Malta is a 5-star hotel that opened in 2003. It stands at St George’s Bay, in the heart of St Julian’s. It is one of the largest hotels on the island, with 481 rooms and suites over 19 floors. All have a balcony or terrace, facing the town or the garden. The Highline suites occupy the upper floors. They come with access to the Club lounge on the 15th floor.

Dining is spread across six restaurants. The breakfast buffet is served at Harruba. Waterbiscuit offers bistro cuisine throughout the day. On the bay, Paranga serves fish with Sicilian flavours. Right next door, Lubelli makes Neapolitan pizzas. The Al Fresco garden and the SkyBeach rooftop open only in season. As for bars, the Brass Bar occupies the lobby and Narcis livens up the pool in summer.

The hotel has three pools. The lagoon pool on the 10th floor is for hotel guests only. The SkyBeach infinity pool on the roof is free for suites and paid for other rooms. These two outdoor pools close from November to April. The heated indoor pool stays open all year round. It adjoins the Carisma spa, with a hammam and sauna, and the large Cynergi gym. Guests also enjoy a private beach club on the bay, around 200 m away.

Families make up most of the guests. The hotel does not advertise a kids’ club, but cots are free. The indoor pool is for adults only early in the morning and in the evening. Casino Malta, on the 2nd floor, attracts an adult crowd. The conference centre, with 24 meeting rooms, also hosts many business travellers.

Recent reviews put the staff far ahead of everything else. Reception, guest relations, housekeeping and the Club lounge receive consistent praise. Problems are solved quickly, often with a goodwill gesture. Upgrades and birthday touches also come up very often. Guests also appreciate spacious, well-soundproofed rooms. The bathrooms are large, and most find the beds comfortable.

The location is seen as very convenient. Restaurants, bars, the beach and bus stops are a few minutes’ walk away. The breakfast buffet is the other strong point, praised for its choice. The Club lounge on the 15th floor is often felt to be worth the extra cost. In summer, Paranga and the SkyBeach pool are very popular. The very large gym is also often mentioned. The beach club wins guests over with free sunbeds, even if the beach is small.

The downside comes up again and again: the building has aged. Carpets, corridors, bathrooms and furniture are judged worn for a five-star hotel. Leaking showers, air conditioning problems and a damp smell are reported. The neighbourhood is also an issue, as the hotel is next to the bars and clubs of Paceville. In summer, the pools are packed and seen as small for a hotel of this size. Waiting for the lifts is frustrating at peak times. Finally, a few guests mention fire alarms in the early hours.

The InterContinental Malta suits couples and families who want to do everything on foot. It also appeals to business travellers, thanks to its Club lounge and conference centre. It is best to ask for a garden-side room or one on a high floor. Families with young children will prefer a quieter area. Travellers expecting new, flawless luxury may also be disappointed.

The InterContinental Malta stands at St George’s Bay, in the Paceville district of St Julian’s. It lies on Malta’s north-east coast. The sandy beach at St George’s Bay is around 200 m away, across the road. The St Julian’s bus station is a two-minute walk away. Valletta is 15 to 20 minutes away by car. The international airport is 10 km away, around a 20-minute drive. The hotel does not offer a shuttle.

Good to know: the area is very lively at night. For a quiet stay, ask for a garden-side room or one on a high floor.