The hype
Great value for the price if you keep your expectations low, but the property is tired and in desperate need of a refresh.
Topaz Hotel
$40-80/ night
Book this if You're a budget-conscious traveler or group who just needs a cheap base with a pool and doesn't mind dated decor or a 15-minute walk to the action.
Why People Love It
- Extremely affordable rates compared to seafront hotels
- Large outdoor pool with a dedicated kids' paddling area
- Decent indoor heated pool for winter stays
Quick Take: A budget workhorse that feels like a 1990s time capsule—clean enough to sleep in, but you'll want to spend your days elsewhere.
Reviewed by @chopandtravel: I stayed here for a budget summer trip and honestly, for the price, the pool scene is great. The room was basic but had a nice balcony for evening drinks. Just a heads up—bring your own pool towel to save cash!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'free wifi' is often spotty or non-existent in the rooms, forcing guests to congregate in the lobby like it's 2005.
- You are saving your budget for excursions and food
- You are a large group or family needing multiple cheap rooms
- You want a heated indoor pool in the off-season
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is provided, but it's 'surface clean'—don't look too closely at the corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but tired. Grout often shows age/discoloration. Some reports of mold on bath mats.
- Maintenance: The biggest issue. Leaky faucets, broken AC knobs, and peeling paint are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Clean but well-worn. Towels can be on the thin/scratchy side.
- Odors & scents: Common areas can smell of chlorine (near pool) or dampness (near lifts). Rooms generally smell neutral unless you get a smoker's neighbor.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Corridor noise from heavy fire doors slamming
- Street noise in outward-facing rooms
- Plumbing sounds from adjacent bathrooms
Before you book
Good to know
- A refundable deposit is often required for the TV remote and safe key
- The indoor pool requires a swimming cap (sometimes enforced)
- Check-out is strictly 11:00 AM; late check-out fees are applied aggressively
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for the thin walls)
- Power strip (outlets are scarce and often inconveniently placed)
- Swimming cap (for the indoor pool)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Pool View rooms on the top floor of the Main Building (better view, slightly less street noise)
- Internal-facing rooms if you prioritize quiet over a view
Rooms to avoid
- Any room in the 'Annex' building (often used for large student groups)
- Ground floor rooms near the game room or bar (noisy)
- Rooms facing the street (morning traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room in the MAIN BUILDING on a high floor, specifically facing the POOL. Please ensure I am NOT placed in the Annex or near the elevators.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the wifi actually free?
Technically yes, but signal strength in rooms is notoriously weak. Expect to use the lobby for reliable speeds.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, but it's often centrally controlled or on a timer. Don't expect to turn your room into an icebox.
How far is the beach?
It's a solid 10-15 minute walk downhill to the Bugibba seafront. The walk back is uphill.
Is the pool heated?
The indoor pool is heated in winter. The large outdoor pool is unheated and can be chilly outside of peak summer.
Are there fridges in the rooms?
Most rooms have a mini-fridge, but check if it's plugged in. Some guests report needing to ask reception to activate it.
Is it good for families?
Yes, the separate children's paddle pool and game room make it a decent budget pick for families.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Royal Oak' pub on-site is surprisingly decent and often cheaper than bars in the square.
- ✨
Skip the hotel buffet and walk 5 minutes to 'Made in Sud' for some of the best pizza in Malta.
- ✨
There is a secret 'library' area that is usually empty if you need a quiet place to work with wifi.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators are tiny, slow, and often smell of 'stagnant water' or damp.
💡You have to slam the room doors to get them to latch, creating a chorus of bangs every morning.
💡The 'Annex' building is sometimes connected via a tunnel or walkway that feels like a service entrance.
💡Housekeeping is efficient but sometimes rushes, leading to missed spots like under the bed.
💡The hotel has a 'fish-shaped' outdoor pool that looks cool from the balcony but is just a pool from ground level.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Topaz Hotel is located and what's nearby.