The ideal holiday for the family is one where there's something for everyone, and that includes a great place to stay. Here are a few of Malta's best family-friendly hotels.
The Westin Dragonara Resort (5 star)
At the Westin Dragonara Resort, located in the bustling St Julian's area, up to two children can stay free of charge on the same board basis when sharing a room with two paying adults. Meanwhile, the resort offers a number of facilities which families can enjoy during their stay, such as two outdoor children’s pools and a heated indoor pool, The Westin Family Kids Club (which offers children’s activities and an entertainment program), and the Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids. Apart from this, right across the road lies one of Malta's best beach clubs, with pools and beach areas for kids of all ages, as well as adults. Oh, and the majority of Westin Dragonara Resort's spacious deluxe sea view rooms (which are the largest standard rooms in Malta) feature two queen-sized Heavenly Beds, perfect for accommodating families of up to four persons.
InterContinental Malta (5 star)
Apart from its highly central location in the entertainment district (next door to the island's largest cinema and across the road from a bowling alley), InterContinental Malta offers a number of great amenities, including one of the largest and best hotel gyms in Malta, an outstanding spa with a Turkish hammam, a large outdoor pool, and a kids’ club (for children between two and seven) that offers daily activities. A small private area on the sandy beach located down the street also offers loungers, umbrellas, and the excellent Paranga restaurant.
Dolmen Hotel (4 star)
Keep the kids occupied all day long! During the summer months, the animation team at Dolmen Hotel provides constant activities for children aged between five and 12 years old. Kids spend their days playing in tournaments, participating in sports activities, colour painting, partaking in water games, and various other unique activities. Kids can be left at the Kids Club to make new friends while parents are encouraged to sip on a cocktail, get a spa treatment or massage, go shopping, or simply laze beside the pool - sounds ideal!
Paradise Bay Resort (4 star)
For those families that love sandy beaches, in the far north of the island lies Paradise Bay Resort, situated close to the ferry terminal that takes passengers to Malta's smaller sister island, Gozo. The rooms here are spacious and comfortable, while there's a wide range of leisure facilities to keep everyone busy. The resort boasts four seawater pools, one of which is a dedicated children's pool. If guests simply don't feel like leaving the property, there's a private sandy beach that's within easy reach, as well as tennis courts, water sports, and scuba diving available. For those who feel like venturing out, there's not far to go to reach some of Malta's best sandy beaches, and of course, Gozo.
db Seabank All-Inclusive Resort & Spa (4 star)
Parents are particularly drawn to the 285-room db Seabank All-Inclusive Resort & Spa for the family-oriented amenities, such as the kids' club, live entertainment, bowling alley, sandy beach with shallow water, and lively lagoon pools. For parents who want a break from the children's screams of delight, there's an adult-only outdoor pool. The property also offers other havens such as the indoor pool, fitness centre and spa. Six casual dining themed restaurants serve everything from Brazilian to Asian buffets, and there are three bars available on the property... perfect for parent relaxation time!
Bayview Hotel & Apartments, Sliema (3 star)
Located on the lively Sliema waterfront, Bayview Hotel & Apartments offers family fun accommodation on a budget. A rooftop pool and a kids' pool with harbour views are available, as well as an indoor pool, gym, privately run spa and various restaurants and bars. Parents love the 24-hour playroom in the game lounge, while the comfortable rooms and apartments all have flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes.
Luna Holiday Complex (3 star superior)
This complex has expanded since opening in the 80s, and presently offers 160 serviced apartments. Located in the idyllic town of Mellieha in the northern part of the island, it is within short walking distance from Mellieha Bay, one of Malta’s largest and most popular sandy beaches. The complex is also partnered up with one of the leading beach clubs in the village, ensuring guests a good spot on the beach, while there's also a scuba diving centre located on the property.