Roma Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its prime seafront location in Sliema, offering guests stunning sea views from many rooms and balconies. This signature feature makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and budget-conscious travelers who prioritize accessibility and scenic surroundings over modern luxury. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a major positive, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. While the property is recognized as being older and in need of renovation, its excellent value for money is frequently noted, especially for those planning to spend most of their time exploring. For an enhanced experience, guests are strongly advised to request a room with a sea view, as rooms facing the inner yard can be dark. Be prepared for a more basic accommodation style, focusing on location and service.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, though some are noted as dated. Guests appreciate the presence of a small fridge and an electric kettle in the rooms, allowing for basic self-catering. Air conditioning is available and generally effective, providing comfort in warmer weather. While Wi-Fi is offered, many guests report that the connection can be unreliable or slow, particularly in rooms. An elevator is present, but it starts from the first floor, requiring guests to climb a flight of stairs to reach the reception area, which can be challenging with luggage. The hotel does not feature a swimming pool or dedicated dining facilities, but it does offer plug adapters upon request, a thoughtful convenience for international travelers.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, often reflecting the hotel's older nature. While many reviews describe rooms as clean and well-maintained with daily towel changes and bed making, others note issues with dust and a general need for renovation, particularly in the bathrooms. The beds receive varied comments, with some finding them comfortable and others describing them as basic or having squeaky frames. Pillows are often cited as uncomfortable. Showers are frequently mentioned as being very small, sometimes with mouldy curtains or issues with water drainage and temperature control. Some rooms, especially those facing inner courtyards, are described as dark with limited natural light. Noise can be an issue, both from street noise in sea-view rooms and from corridor activity or noisy air conditioning units.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer its own dining facilities or a breakfast service, which is a consistent point noted by guests. However, its prime location means there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bakeries conveniently located within a very short walking distance. Guests frequently mention popular nearby spots like a Chinese restaurant on the ground floor, a Japanese bakery, and other establishments offering breakfast options such as Dr. Juice. This arrangement allows guests the flexibility to explore local culinary offerings and dine out, rather than being confined to hotel-provided meals. While the lack of in-house dining is a common observation, the abundance of external choices is seen as a practical alternative.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Sliema is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset. Situated directly on the seafront, it offers easy access to the promenade and stone beaches. Guests find it exceptionally convenient for exploring, with bus stops just a minute's walk away, providing excellent connectivity across the island. The ferry to Valletta and the vibrant area of St. Julian's are both within easy walking distance or a quick bus ride. The surrounding area is bustling with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and cafes, ensuring guests have everything they need close by. While the hotel does not offer dedicated parking, guests have noted the availability of free parking in the general area.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently highlight the positive interactions with the 24-hour front desk team, who are described as accommodating and ready to assist with various requests, from providing local information and bus directions to arranging room changes and storing luggage. The check-in and check-out process is generally reported as seamless and efficient. Housekeeping is also commended, with guests appreciating the daily cleaning service, including fresh towels and bed making. The overall sentiment is that the staff's dedication to service significantly enhances the guest experience, often compensating for the hotel's older infrastructure.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that while the hotel offers good value for its location, it is an older property that has not undergone extensive modernization, which is reflected in its dated decor and some aspects of its infrastructure. A notable point of access is the requirement to climb a flight of stairs to reach the reception area, as the elevator does not start from the ground floor. Some guests have expressed concerns regarding balcony privacy, as adjacent balconies may not have high dividing barriers, and have noted that room and balcony door locks could feel more secure. Despite these points, the hotel is widely considered a suitable option for those traveling on a budget who prioritize an excellent location and friendly service over luxurious amenities.