Gozo hotels - Our Expert's

Top 6

Malta has over 38,000 guest beds so there is no shortage of places to lay your head. More than half of these beds are in hotels rated four or five star, many of them quite large. Most of the five-star hotels would compare with equivalent resort hotels elsewhere in the world – indeed, many are part of international chains. The four-stars are more of a mixed bag and some would rate three stars in the UK. There are of course cheaper options, as well as a small – but increasing – number of boutique-style places with more individual character and, particularly on Gozo, there are some delightful lower starred hotels and guesthouses.

Gozo

Gozo is the opposite of the main island of Malta in terms of accommodation. It has only two five star hotels - only one of which currently deserves the rating - and quite a few mid-range places. There is therefore less price flexibility in Gozo than on Malta and the star ratings are even less indicative of quality.

Past and future

It is just dawning on the Maltese tourist trade that there are visitors who like to stay in smaller hotels in historic settings. Malta has a wealth of such settings and I think there will be some interesting developments in holiday accommodation here over the next few years – I’ll keep you posted!

I’ve tried to offer a good range of prices as well as styles and locations – and of course, hotels I simply like! You’ll find I’ve included a greater proportion of Malta’s few idiosyncratic hotels than of the chain hotels that dominate the market. This is partly because I am personally drawn to their more individual style but also because I think they are harder for potential visitors to judge than are the large hotels with a chain identity. I have not ignored the big hotels, of course: many are included.

Gozo

Location has played a significant part in my choices here: you will notice for instance that I much prefer the relatively unspoilt Xlendi to the overdeveloped Marsalforn. These are of course personal preferences – but then this is my personal selection.