Review of Riviera Resort & Spa -Malta

The Riviera Resort & Spa located in the Marfa Bay, Mellieha, on the Island of Malta, is a good hotel for a family vacation. With the Gozo and the Comino in clear sight from all the rooms and breakfast included in the room rate, it is a choice for many people working on a budget. The hotel and spa resort looks classy, has great architecture and will offer the traveler an unforgettable experience. The closest town is a mere 5 km away and the other towns are within walking distance or via ferry or boat if needed. Malta has a rich culture of artistry, dance and music and a stay at the Riviera will allow the guest to enjoy it all.

Features
While the resort is connected to the nearby towns via a channel, it is still somewhat isolated and has a serene and quiet atmosphere. Guests who wish to explore the area can take the public bus or use the ferries for excursions. Then there are boats and ferries that take guests on excursions to the nearby areas. There are 250 rooms having sea or land views, two swimming pools and a separate pool for children. There is a wine bar and a conference room for the business traveler, and a beach only 100m away for family activities. The beach is not isolated and has all the beach facilities needed for the guests to enjoy anything from water sports to scuba diving. Guests can also get pampered in the Elysium Spa, and for those who love the gym, there is a fitness room for a quick workout. There are five dining options with the crème de le crème being the Mirasol Restaurant. This restaurant offers stunning views of the open seas making the meal even more delectable.

Pros and Cons
Regardless of the season the guest visits there is plenty to do. Visitors can take short excursions to nearby towns and villages and there are various beach activities the guest can take part in. Things do seem to get crowded during the high season things but there are rarely any queues, with the staff taking care of the people efficiently and in a friendly way. The hotel has the feel of luxury and yet has allowed itself to become somewhat run down. The guests sometimes have trouble with the sports equipment [complaints of it being broken] and the lack of maintenance in the rooms can be seen by the fading colors on the wall. Though not high class, it is a comfortable and an above average resort to visit if the guest is working on a budget, visiting with family, or just wants to enjoy rather than being pampered.

Bottom Line
The resort is a good option for families with children as the hotel ensures that their needs are catered to so that parents can find time alone using the resorts babysitting service. Kids can also be entertained as a family in the pool, on excursions or when dining. There is plenty to do even if it is only getting pampered at the spa. The spa packages are good and offer enough to ensure guests leave the premises feeling relaxed and comfortable. The overall maintenance does need attention and while the staff is friendly and the guests comfortable, the hotel could do more with what it has to offer in lieu of facilities. Yet, what it offers is definitely worth the money and anyone staying at the hotel would not have a complaint.