Malta - Radisson Golden Sands (Holiday Resorts in Malta)

Member Name: LIZR315

Product:	Holiday Resorts in Malta
Date:	14/12/08 (178 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice hotel

Disadvantages: Isolated

This is a review about the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort & Spa in Malta. It is located over looking the Golden Bay beach and it's about 20 mins drive from the airport.

This was our first holiday abroad with our baby (6 months). We flew out on Easyjet from Manchester.

Why did we go there?
It was a really cheap week abroad for good quality accommodation. All we had to do was attend the obligatory timeshare presentation (more about that later).

The hotel
Based over three blocks it is located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Sandy Beach. It claims to be five stars but 4 is probably more accurate. It has views over the sea on one side or the carpark and scout camp on the other. Big marble foyer. It is quite isolated with St Pauls being a drive away. Only a beach bar for company. The car park is very popular and at night when locals arrive to use the hotel facilties and it looked very hard to get a space.

The rooms
We had a suite (no kitchen) which was really nicely decorated. There was the bedroom, a big bathroom with 2 sinks and a lounge / dining area. Excellent air con as well. A cot and high chair were provided. There was no fridge just the mini bar that was automatic billing. The beds were very comfy. The room was very clean. Apparently there was free Broadband including high-speed and wireless Internet access available throughout the hotel but we never tried it.

Facilities
There is a Spa & Leisure Centre. There are several pools (two large lagoon style and one kiddies pool) and a private sandy beach that locals still seem to be able to use. The pools were really nice and there were plenty of loungers and shade to park the pram under. There is also a small shop on site.

Food
This is the main drawback. The hotel is quite isolated so if you don't have a car or kitchen you have to eat in the hotel at night. While the food is excellent but it isn't the cheapest of options.
The options included Flavours an all you can eat buffet, Essence a fine gourmet restaurant, pool bar and snacks and Agliolio which serves pizza and pasta. There were also theme nights.

The Radisson staff were very friendly and helpful. It was a really good child friendly hotel and there were lots of ents for kids but not in your face for the adults. As a family it was ideal for us as we had lots of space in the room a pool to chill out in and a relaxing holiday. The isolation didn't bother us as a family but as a couple it would have been frustrating. The hotel puts on free mini buses to Valetta and other resorts.

Timeshare Presentation
We've done loads of these as a couple and we know the routine that we have to go through. We see it as sport to see the same lines trotted out and how quick we can get out of there. They are flogging holiday club and tell complete lies and tryand rip you off. The reps swarm over the hotel and are always hanging around like a bad smell. We got out in three hours with the rep frustated and resulting to insulting behaviour (like they always do).

I'd recommend the hotel for a cheap week for a family in the sun who are happy to chill out.

Summary: A good hotel in malta