I visit Malta frequently but this is my fist time at the Marriott and I am staying here as I write this. I don’t normally write such lengthy reviews! Serious investment has been put into the hotel building and facilities and the quality clearly reflects this, but it is the staff who clearly stand out and make the stay for guests so enjoyable. It’s not perfect, but the bar is set very high here. At a time where the hospitality Industry is having recruitment issues it makes the level of service even more impressive. The staff everywhere are incredibly helpful, friendly and welcoming. Their recruitment and staff development/ training and retention model obviously works extremely well. The only negative issue I had in the whole visit was not caused by the hotel, but by a ‘chocolate ice cream’ incident late one night on the main terrace. I felt for the staff as they clearly aim for the highest of standards and when things are beyond their control and spoil things, it must be so frustrating. I do thank Alex his team for trying to resolve the issue. They were first rate. Reception An area I feel can spoil a hotel. It certainly did for me at a recent stay in a Meliá hotel where staff were too corporate, too unhelpful and too impersonal. Not here! The welcome and care were exemplary. Bars Excellent service and quality. Lovely settings. Again, staff could not be better. Pool The 12th floor pool is the only negative as it is too small for a hotel of this size. The new pool area. which looks almost complete and extremely impressive, will make a huge and positive difference to the hotel. However we still enjoyed the pool area and the drinks and meals were very good. Staff extremely helpful Rooms We stayed in a suite and it was immaculate, comfortable and very relaxing. Room service and cleaning were first class. Lovely staff once again. M Lounge/Room I’m not sure what I’ve paid to have access so cavy Comment on whether it’s worth it or not ,but it’s been a very very pleasant experience. Breakfast in there is perfect for me. Quiet, peaceful, lovely views and amazing staff. Being able to call in during the day to cool off and enjoy some evening drinks is very enjoyable. Staff could not be better. Snacks on an evening are varied, delicious and really well presented. In comparison I usually stay at IHG due to points etc but have been lucky to now receive corporate rates at Marriott. I visit Malta regularly and would usually stay at the Palace - I am due to stay there again shortly so it will be interesting to compare. I have visited the Phoenecian and it’s beautiful and is a similar price range really . It’s stunning but I think I prefer the atmosphere here. I think the Marriott is the stand out hotel for me and I will be switching loyalty programmes I think because of this hotel. I do love the Palace because of it’s location and overall quality, but think I will probably by choosing the Marriott in future