Last 4th of July was quite different than this 4th of July – we were hanging out in massive crowds during the high season in Malta, not worried about any strange viruses at all. My, how times have changed! In any case, Dan and I found our selves in Malta last July 4th for a week long vacation! It was fabulous; I really loved Malta! My only complaint is Malta is a burden to reach from the US, as you have to transit through another European hub (London Heathrow for us). We split our time on Malta between the Intercontinental in St. Julians and the Hilton Malta, also in St. Julians. We liked the Hilton better, but both hotels are good options, and the rooftop hotel at the Intercontinental is particularly nice.
Rooftop pool at the Intercontinental Malta.
But I digress, the purpose of this article is to discuss the Hilton Malta Lounge! While staying at the Hilton Malta, we received access to the Executive Lounge by virtue of our Diamond Status, which also gave us a few other perks, such as a welcome glass of sparkling wine and our own special check-in desk.
Danny’s welcome perk.
We first visited the Hilton Lounge on our first evening for a snack and a pre-dinner drink after a very hot day visiting Mdina (gorgeous and highly recommended). Entrance is located on one of the hotel’s upper floors – I believe the 8th (though that may be wrong) and is controlled via keycard. However, every time we entered there was staff at the front desk welcoming patrons and asking if we needed anything.
Hall leading to the Executive Lounge.
Dan entering the Executive Lounge.
THE SPACE
Once inside the lounge, its largely set up like a large, upscale living room. Groupings of chairs and couches are scatted throughout, as well as a number of small tables for between 2 and 4 people. While there is plenty of room, the Hilton Malta Executive Lounge was SUPER CROWDED every night we visited last July. Granted, it was high season, but the lounge was uncomfortably packed. The picture below was taken during a very early breakfast, which was the only time the lounge was not packed when we visited.
The Executive Lounge.
The food and drinks on offer are located in a compact area away from the seating. Food is served buffet style, with a cold buffet and a small hot buffet. Drinks are also self-serve in this area. For an hour or so before food service (more below), this area is closed to guests. Staff will get you a beverage if requested.
However, the very best part of this lounge is the gorgeous outdoor seating over looking the Mediterranean. Truly stunning (though always packed). We sat outside for breakfast a few mornings, but for the happy hour, you need to arrive BEFORE the happy hour starts to snag a seat outside.
Hilton Executive Lounge.
FOOD
As with most Executive Lounges, the Malta Executive Lounge offers two main food services: breakfast and happy hour. Both are complimentary to guests with access to the Executive Lounge.
A small, but sufficient, breakfast buffet is served every morning in the lounge from about 10 (confirm hours during your stay). The menu changes slightly daily, but it typically consisted of fruit, meats and cheeses, cereal and a variety of bread products, and a small hot bar with something similar to an English Breakfast. We were happy with the breakfast offered and choose to eat in the Executive Lounge every morning rather than go down to a full service restaurant downstairs (where we also would have received complimentary breakfast). I have posted some pictures of breakfast that was served over the course of our stay.
Fruits.
English breakfast makings.
Bacon and sausage.
Mushrooms and tomatoes. More English breakfast.
Scrambled eggs and hard boiled eggs.
Oatmeal and something similar.
Hot stuffed bread and eggs.
Juice.
The second food service offered in the Executive Lounge is “Happy Hour.” Happy Hour is offered every night from 18 – 20. During these hours, the Executive Lounge staff sets out starters in the kitchen area and complimentary alcohol is available. Before I get into the food offerings, you should know that Happy Hour is the most popular time to visit the Executive Lounge. We found many guests arrived before Happy Hour even began and stay right until the end. We did find a spot every night, but know that it will be crowded!
On the food front, the Executive Lounge sets out a nightly cold buffet consisting of some fruit and vegetables, meat and cheese, and a few speciality items that changed daily. One of my favorite things during our stay was a tuna pate! The nightly hot food buffet is smaller than the cold buffet, but the offerings were pretty tasty! If you’re from the US, think Trader Joe’s appetizers. Hot starters were continuously brought out from the kitchen, and the offerings were not necessarily consistent throughout the evening. If you want a certain dish, get it when its available. The evening food in the Executive Lounge could be enough for dinner if you are diligent, but I would suggest having only a snack and checking out some of the delicious restaurants in the area offering more of an authentic Maltese menu.
Fresh veggies on offer nightly.
Cold bites.
Bread, cheese, and a walnut.
Cheese.
Tuna and salmon pate.
Samosas.
Gnocci with bacon and mushroom. These were really good!
Happy Hour plate one evening. The ham and cheese toastie in the right corner was good!
DRINKS
In addition to Happy Hour food, complimentary sparkling, white, rose, and red wine were offered, as well as the local Cisk beer and Heineken, and a standard selection of hard liquors. The wines were French and Italian, and were actually quite good. Everything is again self-service. The staff re-filled the wine right up until the Happy Hour ended. And, pro tip (also consistent with my experience at other lounges worldwide), staff will often leave the wine out for a few minutes after the end of Happy Hour and you can sit in the lounge after Happy Hour ends to finish your beverage!
White and rose.
Reds.
Any time the lounge is open, guests can pop in for water, soft drinks, certain juices, and espresso coffee. All beverages were self serve, most located in the kitchen area. I do love this feature of Hilton Executive Lounges. It saves the time of going out to pick up bottled water or other drinks and saves a bit of money. We swung through the lounge frequently to pick up drinks. I was also pretty excited to learn that the lounge served Malta’s signature soft drink, Kinnie! Be sure to try both the local Kinnie soft drink and Cisk beer when staying here.
Cold fridge. Beer only available from 18 – 20.
The one drink stand not located in the kitchen area is a Lavazza espresso machine in the middle of the living room area, close the lounge entrance. To-go cups were located next to the espresso machine, making it easy to grab a solid espresso drink quickly. I love Lavazza coffee, so I was pretty pumped about this!
Espresso machine.
Coffee at the Executive Lounge.
OTHER THOUGHTS
My main take away from this Executive Lounge is that it was wayyy too crowded. I get that it was high season, but it was unacceptably packed. A number of families also brought in numerous children, who were permitted to take up a lot of space and run around with little supervision. I saw multiple “spill” incidents involving unsupervised children in the kitchen area. Families with children also hoarded the hot food as soon as it came out, which was really, really, really annoying. The hotel should do something about this in the future. This particular lounge, especially during the crazy busy Happy Hour, is simply not a place for children.
That being said, I did enjoy this Executive Lounge and the hotel in general. I would stay here again in St. Julians. I would also note that this experience was in the Summer of 2019, so pre-COVID-19. If you are visiting this property, I recommend reaching out and confirming the Executive Lounge’s offerings, which may vary based on the status of COVID-19.
STEAL OUR TRIP
Hilton Malta: Portomaso, St. Julians, Malta. Hotel has multiple pools in a gorgeous location within walking distance to many restaurants and shops. Executive Lounge access is granted to those staying in an Executive Room or with Hilton Diamond status.
ON A BUDGET
I probably would’t splurge for the Executive Lounge. There are lots of happy hour deals and inexpensive restaurants in St. Julians, including lots of fast food spots. And on the happy hour note, definitely look for those deals to save money. We frequented some Irish pubs for good deals on drinks and large plates of food that could be shared.