Pergola Hotel & Spa

The hotel's multi-level design built into the hillside, offering stunning views and a unique Cave Bar, stands out as a memorable characteristic, complemented by its multiple pools, including an infinity pool. Guests consistently praise the hotel's overall cleanliness, the comfort of its accommodations, and the generally friendly and attentive service from staff across various departments. The diverse dining options, particularly the breakfast buffet, receive positive remarks. Its location in Mellieha, with convenient access to public transport, is also a key advantage for many. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking varied recreational options and spacious accommodations, as well as couples looking for a relaxing getaway with scenic backdrops. Explorers and sightseers will appreciate its strategic position for accessing Malta's attractions. To enhance your stay, familiarize yourself with the hotel's unique lift system upon arrival to navigate its various levels efficiently. Additionally, consider utilizing the excellent local bus services for convenient island exploration, as the hotel is well-connected.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts multiple pools, including an infinity pool with impressive views, and an indoor pool. While outdoor pools are generally unheated, the indoor pool is popular, though some guests find its temperature inconsistent or that it gets crowded. Sunbeds are available, but some guests report issues with availability. A spa area offers a relaxing environment, with massages receiving high praise, though jacuzzi and sauna temperatures are sometimes inconsistent. The fitness center is present but frequently criticized for being small and equipped with old or non-functional machines, including treadmills and cross-trainers. Wi-Fi availability receives mixed reviews. The hotel's multi-level layout and numerous lifts are a recurring theme, often described as confusing or labyrinthine, requiring multiple transfers. Parking is available, but it is typically paid and limited. Some rooms include a kitchenette, though certain appliances like a microwave might incur an additional fee.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests commend the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are spotless and receive daily housekeeping with fresh towels. However, some isolated reports mention initial dirty rooms, a musky smell, or specific incidents. Feedback on room condition is mixed; some describe rooms as spacious and comfortable, while others find them dated, with old furniture, broken tiles, or rusted fixtures. Sofa beds, when present, are frequently noted as uncomfortable. A significant concern for many guests is noise levels. Thin walls mean sounds from other guests, lifts, and street activity are often audible, leading to disturbed sleep. Construction noise nearby also impacts some rooms. The air conditioning system receives varied feedback; some find it efficient, while others report it as ineffective, loud, or broken, contributing to stuffiness or a damp smell. Bathrooms range from spacious to very small, with common complaints about showers that leak and flood the floor, or provide only lukewarm water. Many rooms offer pleasant views of the sea, church, or town, and balconies are a valued feature.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is consistently praised for its variety and quality, offering an extensive selection of hot and cold items, including cooked options, cold cuts, cheeses, and fruits. Guests appreciate the plentiful choices, ensuring a good start to the day. Some minor criticisms include a desire for more diverse fruit options or better coffee quality. Feedback on dinner is more mixed. While many guests find the buffet varied, with different themes nightly and tasty dishes, some describe it as basic, overcomplicated, or not particularly satisfying. Options for vegetarians and vegans are noted as limited, sometimes requiring special requests. A common point of contention is that drinks, including water, are not included with half-board meals, leading to additional costs. The Cave Bar serves as a popular spot for both drinks and food. Its cocktails, especially during happy hour, are highly recommended and enjoyed by many. Food quality at the Cave Bar receives varied reviews; some find it delicious and good for snacks, while others describe it as disappointing, pricey, or of poor quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Mellieha is highly regarded, offering a quiet environment conveniently close to the village center. Situated on a hill, it provides many rooms and common areas with impressive views of the bay, the church, and distant islands. Guests appreciate its proximity to local points of interest, including the Mellieha church and WWII air raid shelters, with charming cafes and restaurants nearby. A major advantage is the hotel's excellent access to public transport; a bus stop just a short walk away provides frequent services to various parts of the island, including Valletta, and facilitates easy connections to ferries for Gozo and Comino. The beach is approximately a 20-minute walk downhill, though the return journey is uphill. Parking is available, but often described as limited and comes with an additional fee.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise, being described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Many guests highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The reception staff are frequently commended for their quick check-in process, their extensive local knowledge, and their ability to provide valuable advice for exploring the island. They are also noted for their responsiveness in addressing guest concerns, such as accommodating room changes, providing fans, or assisting with mobility needs. The restaurant staff are generally described as efficient and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Similarly, the bar staff, particularly at the Cave Bar, are praised for their friendly service and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere. Housekeeping is consistently lauded for maintaining high standards of cleanliness, with daily room cleaning and fresh towels. The spa staff are also recognized for their professionalism and the quality of their treatments, particularly massages. Overall, the dedication of the entire team significantly contributes to the positive guest experience.

Additional Information
A unique and frequently mentioned aspect of the hotel is its complex, multi-level layout, often described as a labyrinth. Guests note that it can take time to learn to navigate the various buildings, corridors, and numerous lifts, which do not all stop on every floor. This distinctive design, while adding character, can initially be confusing. Guests on a half-board plan should be aware that drinks are not included with dinner, even water, leading to additional costs. The hotel has a specific towel policy for pool use; guests are typically provided with one pool towel per person for their entire stay, with additional towels incurring a fee. Some guests also report being charged for towels stained with makeup. There is ongoing construction in the vicinity, which can result in noise disturbances and impact views. Some guests have reported safety concerns such as wet and slippery floors in hallways, leading to falls, or issues with room fixtures like sparking power sockets or unstable balcony railings. While many guests find the hotel to offer good value, some feel that certain aspects do not align with a four-star rating.