Urban Valley Resort & Spa, San Ġwann

The Urban Valley Resort & Spa is a 4-star hotel in Kappara, a district of San Ġwann. It borders the Wied Għollieqa nature reserve, in the centre of the island. Valletta is only a quarter of an hour away by car. The grounds bring together several low-rise buildings around two pools and gardens. It has 103 rooms, suites and apartments.

The rooms are modern and often very spacious. Superior rooms have a balcony or patio, some with a view of the valley. Family rooms and suites offer a separate living area. Some of them have a kitchen. The 71 m² penthouses add a large terrace with sunbeds.

The Silver Heron restaurant serves the breakfast buffet from 7 am to 10.30 am. In the evening, it offers a themed buffet, included in half board. By the pool, TRI Bistro serves Mediterranean cuisine from May to October. The Thistle Lounge Bar welcomes guests in the lobby. The Viento cocktail bar only opens in season.

For relaxation, the hotel offers two large outdoor pools, one with a children’s pool. The Dee Spas spa houses a heated indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna and a hammam. There is also a small gym, tennis courts and archery sessions. Children aged 4 to 12 have a play area, Leela’s Hut. Dogs and cats under 10 kg are welcome.

Recent reviews praise the staff above all. Reception, the restaurant and the bar are mentioned in over half of detailed comments. Many guests describe a warm welcome and frequent upgrades. The rooms win near-universal approval for their size. Several guests speak of real apartments, clean and well equipped. The daily housekeeping and the beds are also appreciated. The large family rooms and suites with a kitchen are very popular with families.

The setting is liked for its peace and greenery, far from the bustle of the seaside resorts. The breakfast buffet is seen as generous and varied, with a different theme each day. Over a long stay, however, some find it repetitive. The dinner buffet is more divisive: some find it good and affordable, others too limited. Both outdoor pools are clean, and there is no shortage of sunbeds. The free parking and the shuttle to Valletta are often cited as real advantages.

The location remains the main reservation. There are few shops and restaurants within walking distance, and the sea is far away. A car, a taxi or the shuttle quickly become essential. The spa is seen as small, and its water sometimes feels too cool. The hammam was also out of order during several stays. Finally, the outdoor pools are shallow. A few rooms suffer from odours, weak air conditioning or noise from the main road.

The Urban Valley is best suited to couples and families who hire a car to explore the island. It also appeals to business travellers, thanks to its conference centre and proximity to the university. Its many loyal guests return for the peace and the welcome. Those who want the beach and nightlife on their doorstep will prefer Sliema or St Julian’s.

The Urban Valley Resort & Spa is in Kappara, a district of San Ġwann, in central Malta. It borders the Wied Għollieqa valley, near the university and Mater Dei Hospital. The Sliema seafront is about 25 minutes’ walk away, downhill. St Julian’s and the sandy beach at St George’s Bay are about ten minutes away by car. The international airport is about 20 minutes away.

Good to know: bus stops are a few minutes’ walk away. The hotel also runs a free shuttle to Sliema, Valletta and Spinola Bay. It must be booked at reception at least two hours in advance.