Valletta Lucente Guest House

We stayed for 1 night in the Lunziata room and 4 nights in the Layla room. I would not recommend the Lunziata room as it is quite dark (no exterior windows), small, and noisy, but the Layla room was much nicer and more spacious. We enjoyed it the terrace, but the stairs were a bit hazardous and there are no lights on the second level so we couldn’t enjoy it at night. Additionally, the shower is next to the bed with no door and the bathroom is separate down the stairs, also with no door, so you don’t have any privacy. Also, reminder that they require the deposit in cash which is a bit of a hassle. The biggest issue we had is with the breakfast. There were so many flies on the food that my husband initially mistook them for seeds. The fruit was rotting. Dairy items like milk and yogurt were left sitting out, and tasted warm and sour. The coffee was undrinkable. Some of the other food was mushy and had clearly gone bad. I have never seen such an unsanitary food display, it was so bad I would think it would be illegal to serve food in that condition. We ate breakfast elsewhere after the first day so we wouldn’t get food poisoning.

It is hard to put into words how good this place is! We were looked after very well by Dorothy and the staff - it was like home from home. The location is amazing - we were able to step outside and get a drink or light meal from one of the cafes or walk a few steps up the hill and enjoy the choice of restaurants on Merchant street. A little further up the hill, we were in the middle of Republic street with its shops and the fabulous St John's Co-Cathedral. If you are looking for a recommendation - look no further!

We arrived fairly late in the evening to be greeted by fireworks over the harbour. This was a bonus not provided by the management, but Dorothy was ready for us in reception, greeted us warmly, and showed us to our room on the first floor. Beautifully and tastefully decorated and furnished, with towels artistically arranged, and fresh flowers to welcome us, we immediately felt pampered and ready for our mini-holiday. I can understand that rooms facing the street might be noisy; there are several bars right outside, though of course no traffic noise as virtually the whole of Valetta is pedestrian only. But our room which overlooked the tiny courtyard was very quiet. After the fireworks on the first night there was nothing to disturb us and we slept well in a very comfortable bed. Breakfast was interesting, with a variety of frittate, cheeses, fruit and cereals. I would have appreciated a choice of croissants or toast, besides the small rolls on offer, but it is a small kitchen and small breakfast room so I understand the limitations. Coffee could have been stronger! The building, like most of Vallettta, is a beautiful and elegant town house in typical Maltese limestone. A most relaxing environment for our three day stay. We are very grateful to Dorothy, Charles, their young daughter, and their staff for the welcome and hospitality. A note to other British guests who have not visited Malta before: electrical sockets are all British-style 3-pin so you don't need adaptors.

They truly excelled in every aspect, from their exceptional customer service and well-appointed rooms to the delightful breakfast offerings. The owners, Charles and Dorothy, were not only gracious but also incredibly helpful throughout our stay. The room we stayed in was a true gem, featuring a charming decor, a luxuriously comfortable bed, and efficient air conditioning. Immaculate cleanliness and an abundance of amenities made it a home away from home. The property's strategic location in the heart of Valletta, right around the corner from the main dining and attractions hub, made exploring the city an absolute breeze. To top it off, we had the privilege of staying in the Layla penthouse on the fourth floor, boasting not one but two enchanting terraces, one of which treated us to captivating views of the harbor.