“Fascinations galore” – Sheryl Crow (Bond theme).
My Stay at The Famous British Hotel in Valletta, Malta
Arrival in Malta in September 2017 was something of a surprise to me and to my followers. The truth is that I have really only backpacked one new country in the last 12 months. That is so odd for me as before I decided to relocate to Poland, I was backpacking the world pretty hardcore – 154 countries were swallowed on my journey with normally at least 10 new ones per year, but 2016 – 2017 was different. I met friends who chose to lie to me about petty things rather than choose honesty and I was too depressed to travel anymore. Yes, I did visit some micronations and debated republics, but Mongolia was my only globally recognised new country in 2017, in fact over a period of 11 months, Mongolia was the only new country, the last time that happened in my life was 2003…
Backpacking Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia in 2017
Malta was my second new country of 2017, and I was also here to check out the obscure and absurd Sovereign Military Order of Malta – the only UN recognised country / entity with no official land. However, I found out they lease part of Fort St. Angelo in Birgu, Malta so touring that place was high on my agenda. First up, I needed a good hotel for my first two nights here. I chose the famous British Hotel in Valletta, Malta’s capital city, an inspired choice.
Surprise arrival in Malta in 2017
On route to Malta in 2017
The “British” is famous – it was one of the first hotels in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. It’s a unique two star hotel with breathtaking views over the grand harbour, one of the biggest natural ports in Europe. The Hotel has 44 comfortably furnished guest-rooms. All rooms have an en-suite with a bath or shower, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a phone.
Backpacking to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Backpacking to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Backpacking to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Backpacking to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
I was checked in by Jake, ready to explore Malta and this was a brilliant base for my first two nights. Here are my top 5 reasons to stay here when you tour the Maltese capital city of Valletta.
1.Views
The British Hotel is in a seafront position, 6 storeys high and offers scintillating views over the bay and even cooler, you can see Fort St. Angelo from it – the fort that flies the Sovereign Military Order of Malta flag.
Views from The British Hotel
Views from The British Hotel
Views from The British Hotel
2.Panorama Bar and Restaurant
Occupying the second and third floors of the hotel is the stunning Panorama restaurant. A fantastic menu and swanky bar here with cold local beer (Cisk) as well as a good whiskey range.
Panorama Bar and Restaurant
Enjoying a beer in the Panorama Bar, British Hotel, Valletta, MALTA
Panorama Bar and Restaurant
Panorama Bar and Restaurant
Panorama Bar and Restaurant
Panorama Bar and Restaurant
Panorama Bar and Restaurant
Panorama Bar and Restaurant
3.In Room Wi-Fi
I was on the 5th floor in Room 122 and had Wi-Fi in my room. It’s available all over the building. I started blogging about Malta and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta from this very desk.
My room had Wi-Fi
4.Location in the Heart of Valletta!
Valletta is a gorgeous city, in my three days and two nights here, I loved it. The British Hotel is bang in the heart of the city so you can explore the entire capital on foot! I also enjoyed some nights out here and can’t wait to write about it soon!
Touring Valletta, capital city of Malta
Touring Valletta, capital city of Malta
Touring Valletta, capital city of Malta – eating rabbit
5.Famous Guests
Travel bloggers love a stay in a hotel with a bit of history or fame. You might remember I did the Michael Palin pilgrimage in India and Singapore and I slept in The Hemingway Inn in San Jose, Costa Rica. Here at the British, Bernard Jean Étienne Arnault (CEO of Louis Vuitton) recently dined out in the exquisite Panorama Restaurant!
Famous Guest!
So what are you waiting for?! Explore Malta, head to Valletta and stay at the British Hotel!
Here are the details for booking the British Hotel:
Hotel Entrance – 40 Battery Street, Valletta, VLT 1222, MALTA
Restaurant Entrance – 267 St. Ursula Street, Valletta, VLT 1231, MALTA
Telephone – (+356) 21224730
Fax – (+356) 21 239711
E-mail – [email protected]
Website – http://www.britishhotel.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/vallettahotel/
Here are some videos I made in the British Hotel:
Hi, Sheryl.
Nice to read your lovely experience in Valletta and Ft.St Angelo. But if that is all you saw in Malta, I should say it’s next to nothing… Do you know one of the most ancient structures of the Neolitic period in the world are located in Malta? Much deeper roots in the history than the Sovereign Military Order Of Malta.
As you are just a collector of countries, that explains it. But I wish you returned to Malta some day and enjoyed in full its wonderful nature (Blue Lagoon, Dwejra park, Dingli, Blue Grotto) and historical heritage.
I’m not from Malta, but I love this country. I just wonder what superficial impressions you have got from my native country, Latvia. I presume, it’s on your list of the countries collected.
Best wishes of fantastic travels in the future!
Regards,
Ilze
Hi Ilze, Thanks for the comment. What do you mean “is that all you saw in Malta?” I backpacked that country for almost a week including Gozo, Comino, Popeye, Mdina, Vittoriosa, Birkirkhara, Sliema, Valletta and about 5/6 other towns! As for Latvia – yes I backpacked it twice and hated it. Easily one of my bottom five countries and unlikely to be back there – horrible people, untrustworthy burglars and corrupt peelers. I loved Lithuania though and Poland is my favourite European country. Safe travels, though I don’t normally judge people as harshly as you! #buckeejit Jonny
Thanks for the awesome and very detailed blog post. You even went the extra mile by adding your vlogs. Malta has a lot to offer. There are tons of great historical sites that you can visit. You can also go to the island’s amazing beaches if you want to have a more relaxing holiday in the island. When it comes to accommodation, there are a lot of great but fairly affordable hotels on the island where you can stay during your visit. I hope you got to try out the food from the restaurants in Valletta as well.
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Hi Adam – same guy from AFC Bournemouth or not??! Thanks for the comment and I am extremely sorry for the huge delay in replying to you. I have been going through problems with depression and wasn’t checking the comments or messages that much. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Caroline, thanks for the comment and apologies for the delay in response. The blog and I have been going through serious mid life crisis and depression, caused (not by me of course) by a serial liar and a Guru God wannabe. Yes useful tips. Stay safe. Jonny