New Dolmen Hotel, Malta

Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean island and I have stayed at several of the many hotels there.
Our most recent holiday started with an offer we found through our Timeshare Group and was to stay in the Resort apartments at the Dolmen Resort Hotel, naturally we did some homework and discovered we could stay HB at the same hotel for much less than our apartment deal and airfares, and we would have still needed food! So we booked and a few weeks ...
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Situated in Qawra, or at least on the outskirts! This hotel is separated from the sea by a road, but there is a tunnel underneath for easy access. The views from the hotel are lovely as it overlooks St Paul's Bay and Islands. The promenade is just across the road and is well used and with many benches is a popular place to sit and enjoy the views. Buses stop close by too, and the bus station is a few minutes walk uphill, from the hotel, where ... more

Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean island and I have stayed at several of the many hotels there.
Our most recent holiday started with an offer we found through our Timeshare Group and was to stay in the Resort apartments at the Dolmen Resort Hotel, naturally we did some homework and discovered we could stay HB at the same hotel for much less than our apartment deal and airfares, and we would have still needed food! So we booked and a few weeks later we left snowy Scotland for the Maltese sunshine.

Situated in Qawra, or at least on the outskirts! This hotel is separated from the sea by a road, but there is a tunnel underneath for easy access. The views from the hotel are lovely as it overlooks St Paul's Bay and Islands. The promenade is just across the road and is well used and with many benches is a popular place to sit and enjoy the views. Buses stop close by too, and the bus station is a few minutes walk uphill, from the hotel, where you can travel all over the island. Various shops, supermarkets, cafes are all within walking distance. There are 375 guest rooms, and 38 superior rooms, the majority have balconies or terraces. There is a Conference centre and Casino built in part of the hotel. The hotel is wheelchair friendly and has two specially adapted rooms for disabled guests, there were a few people on electric scooters or wheelchairs whilst we were there.

First Impressions

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We arrived in the early hours of the morning, we had chosen to use the bus provided in the holiday deal, (an experience we had forgotten about as we usually organise our own transport!). So after visiting three other hotels, reversing up and down small roads we eventually reached our hotel, "Oh. It's lovely in there" said one of the people still waiting to get to their hotel, and she was right, it did look lovely. A huge Reception area, with beautiful leather sofas, lots of marble, a large water feature, and fresh plants in huge colourful pots. Certainly it exuded luxury 4 star. But no receptionists! Two suddenly appeared and we were dealt with efficiently, and given our room key- yes a real key! The main dining room was pointed out to us and the direction of the lifts and with "Have a nice stay" we trundled off. It might have been nice to point out to us that there was a 24hour café open should we have wanted a drink, but there was a mini bar in the room, so we had a cold one instead.

At first we thought the hotel was full of lots of old men and women, and so it was! Lots of people had gone for a months holiday or more and that's what retired people can do, but there were a few younger people and a couple of families, but the oldies won in February! I'm sure in the summer it would be reversed.

The Bedroom

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We had booked a sea view, but being dark we couldn't appreciate the view when we arrived. The room was much larger than many we had stayed in and floored with marble tiles. My first impression was functional, but not luxury, although to be fair the curtains and bed coverings were excellent quality and so was the furniture, but it just looked a little bare. There was air conditioning, not essential in February, but definitely needed in the summer months. The double wardrobe contained the safe, key provided at Reception for an additional payment - how that bugs me! The television was housed in a large unit, along with the mini bar and a set of 3 drawers. Quite a novel idea, it meant we had warm undies, with the heat from the fridge!

The television had several channels, including BBC Prime, Eurosport in German, SKY news and UK Gold. The wood was light in colour with a darker trim, which matched the dark wood desk, coffee tables and 2 upholstered chairs. There was large mirror near the door, and another above the desk, which although there was a table light, actually was useless for applying makeup, there was also a standard lamp, and two bedside lamps, but overall the room was poorly lit, as it was so big. The best light was near the door and the bathroom! The bedroom was probably larger than two of our double bedrooms at home! There might not have been carpet on the floor, but it was on the walls! Two of the walls had a deep eggshell blue carpet up to the light teak dado rail, which was ⅓off the way up the walls. Two bed side cabinets, had some storage, tissues and a phone, the only decoration was a picture on the one wall.

The bathroom was bright and strangely enough had a window! Strange as it was on the inside, but being nosy I checked and it opened onto a cavity with plaster and cables! but it did make the room lighter. And it meant you didn't hear your neighbour flushing the loo! There were soft white towels, a large marble unit with wash basin, and a shower over the bath, and toilet. A stool was tucked under the unit if needed. There were fresh supplies of small bottles of shower gel everyday and soap, but no other toiletries, which I thought was disappointing for a 4 star hotel. There was a hairdryer and shaver socket.

We had a reasonable sized balcony with white plastic chairs and table. The bedroom was spotless clean, and the balcony and chairs cleaned each day too.

Wining and Dining

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Eating is a very important part of my holiday, I like to sample local foods, but also expect food to be tasty and well presented. Possibly this is why I tend to like staying in our Timeshare apartments and eating out at nice restaurants, where food is cooked to order. But we had chosen this hotel and were aware that it was a buffet in the main restaurant although there were other restaurants as well.

Menhir Restaurant
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This was the main dining room and served breakfast from 7.30-10.00. Lunch 12.30 - 2.00 and dinner from 6.00-9.00 in winter and 6.30-9.15 in summer. The MD checked you in and you found yourself a table, of which there were plenty and were covered in linen clothes, but paper napkins were used in different qualities at all meals. I prefer a linen napkin! At dinner a wine waiter took your order, and brought your wine and water, but it was self-service from then on. A bottle of local wine - which is lovely costs between €9.32 and €12.81. There were huge windows with views overlooking the bay and also another hotel and swimming pool on the landside.

One part of the restaurant was shut off, by screens, but was used sometimes for a group of people they had staying on a European business meeting. At dinner time men were requested to wear long trousers and shirts, no sleeveless shirts, and there was the usual notice that food was to be consumed in the dining room and not taken away.

On our first morning an Italian family sitting next to us made up 4 huge baguettes with cheese and ham, which Granny placed in her large bag. I had happened to see them another day returning from one of the bread counters with a stack of bread, so no doubt they had got lunch sorted again! Annoying, but it happens. Freshly brewed coffee and hot water was available in a machine and a selection of teas and decaf-coffee.

The food I can't really fault, many reviews have said it was poor, but the quality was good and the quantity, my only niggle was the selection could have been better. There were cereals, fruit juice, but only orange and grapefruit which I can't drink. Perhaps I should have asked if they had cranberry or apple, but it is available in other hotels we have been in. The huge bowls of yogurt were delicious, but the only fruit each morning was tinned peaches or prunes. Some fresh fruit would have been good. There was the usual bacon, different flavoured sausages, and baked beans and an egg dish each day, plus usually some potatoes. Sometimes croissants or cheese or date filled pastries. Plenty of lovely fresh bread, jam etc and Madeira cake. Also cold meat, cheese, fish and salad. There was sufficient to choose from but I have become accustomed to a different choice! My husband says I have 5 star tastes now!

We didn't sample lunch in the main dining room, but again a buffet and it sounded similar to the Dinner menu.
At night there was such a choice. Always soup, bread and a pasta or rice dish, which was cooked in the dining room. Other starters included cold meats, cheese, fish and salads, the main courses included about three or four meat dishes, and a fish dish. Sometimes a roast which the chef sliced up in front of you, and sometimes steak, or fish cooked on the grill. There was one type of potatoes, and sometimes pasta or rice and at least one container of vegetables, but often with an assortment all mixed together, so you could pick out what you liked! The chefs were always on duty, making sure there were enough clean servers, and plenty of food.

The sweets were on a chilled display, always fruit salad, and numerous creamy and chocolately gateaux type puddings. This disappointed many people, who prefer less rich desserts or even an ice cream. Cheese and biscuits were also available. So if you were really hungry you could have had, Soup, anti-pasta, Pasta, Fish, Meat and vegetables, sweet, cheese and biscuits! Yes a 7 course meal! And it looked as if some people did just that! In case you are wondering, No, I didn't 4 was the most I had, and usually just 3!
Speaking to people on a 5 week holiday, the gentleman said they found the meals disappointing, they would have preferred less fancy food, fish and chips, not fish in a creamy sauce, roast beef or Mince and potatoes. I nearly said why did you come to Malta, but he answered that by saying we just came for some sunshine.

Service was slow by the waiters most days, although they had usually cleared your table by the time you returned with the next course. But all the staff were friendly and helpful if you did ask for something, and let's face it we weren't in a rush. By the end of the week we were more laid back.

On two evenings there was also entertainment in the restaurant with the players going round the tables and playing requests, we luckily sat in an area where they had just been!

Café Delos

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This is open 24 hours and we used every day for coffee and sometimes lunch or cakes!
It had an entrance from the road and was popular with locals, especially on Sunday lunch time when several groups and families came in. Again there was a lovely view this time of the bay and the one swimming pool. Wrought iron type tables and chairs made this a bistro sort of café, and there was a small room leading outside for smokers. There were also lovely wicker tables and chairs outside, but the sun didn't come round there until late in the afternoon, so it was a bit cool in February! There was an open hatch where you could see the chefs preparing light meals for the bistro, light snacks, salads, pastas, pizzas and grills were available from 12.00 - 4.00 and 6.30-11.00pm. Coffee cost €1.40. wine was a little more and a smoked salmon bagel cost €4.81, cakes about €2.10. Unfortunately I can't remember other prices but it compared reasonably well with other places nearby. Malta has only just changed to using euros in January so everything is priced in Maltese pounds and euros. Service was good in here, and we enjoyed watching a yacht race in the bay and people watching too.

La Sibylle

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This is an á la carte restaurant, right alongside the Café Delos and again over looking the one pool. It is said that they serve a succulent menu, fine wines and it is possible to upgrade if on HB and Lm. 3.50 will be deducted from the bill, but sadly this room was undergoing refurbishment so we weren't able to sample the food. It seemed quite small and reservations were recommended.

Temple Lounge Bar

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This lounge bar faced the Neolithic temple which was lit up at night and looked quite spectacular through the windows. It is open from 6.00pm to 00.30am. There were comfortable arm chairs at one end and small tables and hard chairs and stools in the main area, plus high bar stools. It filled up very quickly in an evening depending on the entertainment. There was also a big screen TV and about 4 other flat screened televisions showing different programmes, all without sound! There was a happy hour from 6-7pm.

Vintage Wine Bar

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At the top of the tunnel leading down to the sea was the Vintage wine bar, there were also tables out on the footpath opposite the promenade, encouraging locals and other people to drop in. They hold a huge selection of wines from all over the world - advertising over 90. Open daily from 8pm during the season but only at weekends during the winter. They also serve food and have "cool music" and a "laid back, jazzy atmosphere" - their words not mine, as we missed the opportunity to try it out as we wanted to hear the music in the Temple Bar when it was open.

Neptune Pool and Wet Bar

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Again only open during summer months, this was by the Neptune pool and by the Animation team base. Open during the summer from 10-5.30.

Amazonia Lido

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Within the hotels "Private beach area", again only open in the summer months. The night club is open during the summer evenings and the al fresco bar open morning to night.

Batubalan

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Again down by the sea with stunning views to St Paul's island, lunch and dinner is served here in the summer months.

Swimming Pools and Sport

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There were plenty of pools and lots of sun loungers. Two pools and sunbathing areas in the gardens on the hotel side of the road and two more near the sea plus one dedicated for children. There was a diving and sea sports centre, and table tennis table and two tennis courts. There were very few chairs about though and some older less able clients found sitting, or at least getting up from a sun lounger quite difficult. Also there were no umbrellas around the pool area, presumably they were away for winter but some days it did get quite hot.

General comments

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Even though there were a large number of people staying at the hotel for the conference it didn't really affect us, apart from a slight wait for lifts if we hit the time they were going somewhere! Other larger groups staying were children from a team for disabled Olympics and a shooting club competition. Weddings are also popular here, but we didn't see one.
Baby sitting was available but needed 24hour notice and if you had hired a car, parking tickets were available for a car park next to the hotel. Money exchange was available at reception and also internet was available in the lounge reception area, a card was on sale at reception for this. As in most hotels a laundry and dry cleaning service was available.

The animation team had organised aqua fit each day, coffee games, pub quizzes and Bums, legs and tums exercises. We didn't try any of these out and never saw anyone trying to tempt people along so I can't really comment on this.

As in most hotels now, there is a note saying if you want the towels changed drop them on the floor, but we had clean towels everyday but by the downstairs lifts was a large notice about recycling and on each floor there were several bins to recycle your plastic, glass, paper and metal, so they were doing there best to help the environment. Even down to a small tub for used batteries in the reps room which had all the brochures, a small library and bus timetables etc.

There were 6 lifts serving the 6 floors, and the corridors were wide and nicely carpeted.

Myo Ka Spa

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Downstairs from the reception or reached from stairs by the outside pool was the Spa, indoor swimming pool and gym. The spa was very smart and relaxing and I took advantage of the special offer of a back, neck and shoulder massage and express facial for €39. The girls were either Chinese or Slovakian but spoke excellent English. They did a general health check first and I had a most relaxing hour there whilst my husband went on a long walk, followed by a relaxing cup of fruit tea. The spa overlooks the indoor pool and Jacuzzi and towels are available from spa reception for both indoor and outdoor pools, by obtaining a ticket from the main hotel reception.

Neolithic Temple

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Not many hotels can boast to have their own temple but situated in the gardens is the remains of a Neolithic temple. Much photographed and loved by the hotel cats who curled up in the sun on the warm stones.

Cost

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We went the first week of February 2008 and it cost less than £569 for two people sharing a Sea view room on half board basis, and flying from Glasgow. The flights alone would cost us more than half that amount, so we thought it was a bargain. The upgrade was £21 each for sea view, booked with Chevron holidays.
It rises quite steeply in the summer and I found a price of £637 for a week per person, also flying from Glasgow, but it would be too hot for me then!

Would I go back?

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Yes and no. I have to admit I prefer staying in Sliema or St Georges Bay, but there were plenty of walks from the Dolmen, and it had many good points, but a few negative ones too. If it was there or not going at all, I would go again! So it wasn't that bad! I returned feeling rested and that was the purpose of our holiday and it really was good value for money. 

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