As someone who loves to explore new destinations, I had the pleasure of staying at the Holiday Inn Express Malta by IHG in St. Julian’s. Part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio, this 3-star property, offers a more affordable alternative compared to the neighbouring 5-star InterContinental Malta, an IHG Hotel, where I have also stayed.
I was curious to see how this more budget-friendly option would compare, especially since it's often praised for its prime location and convenience.
Holiday Inn ExpressLocation
Nestled in the seaside town of St. Julian’s, the Holiday Inn Express Malta hotel is right in the heart of one of Malta’s most vibrant areas. There’s no shortage of things to do nearby - whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing stroll along the beach, a shopping spree, or exploring the many restaurants, cafes, and shops. I was never far from a great meal or a place to wander.
With only a 20-minute drive from the airport, getting there was a breeze. I loved that the beach was just a short walk away, offering the perfect chance to enjoy Malta’s stunning Mediterranean waters; It was a welcome escape, especially since I visited in January, when it was snowing back home, yet a warm 16°C there!
Check-in
Check-in was quick and easy, which I really appreciated after a an early start and flight. The staff at the front desk were welcoming and friendly. They offered me information about local attractions and showed us where to get refreshments. They were also more than happy to help with any questions I had about getting around Malta, which made me feel at ease.
Accommodation
There are two types of accommodation at the Holiday Inn Express Malta: standard rooms and suites.
All rooms have a bed, workspace and air conditioning, as well as amenities such as a coffee machine and basic hygiene products (toothbrush, shower gel etc.).
When we walked into our room, we were pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and there was a view of a garden, although it was quite overlooked and possible for guests staying in rooms on the other side of the hotel to see into a section of your room (if you did not have the curtains closed).
The room - and the hotel in general - was clean and tidy, and it was equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay: a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and plenty of space to store luggage.
Holiday Inn Express Malta breakfast
Holiday Inn Express is known for offering a no-frills, yet high-quality stay, and this hotel certainly delivered. The breakfast, which was included in my stay, was a pleasant surprise.
As with Holiday Inn properties worldwide, the breakfast maintains consistent quality, ensuring that you can expect the same great standards no matter where you stay.
It's a self-service buffet which features a decent selection of continental items such as fresh fruit, pastries, yoghurt and cereals, as well as hot dishes such as scrambled eggs, beans and sausages. They have a few branded items, such as Nutella, Clipper teabags, and pots of Quaker Oats. The highlight has to be the pancake machine, which serves up warm pancakes in front of your eyes - yummy!
It was a great way to start the day, especially since I was out exploring most of the time.
You can choose to sit outside on the balcony or choose your table indoors. For guests on the go, they can grab a takeaway cup or porridge pot or request a container to enjoy breakfast while on the move.
Facilities and amenities
Facilities at the Holiday Inn Express in Malta include:
• Free breakfast
• Daily housekeeping
• Pool and gym access
• On-site restaurant
• Nearby parking
• Wi-Fi
• Doctor on call
• Dry cleaning pickup or laundry valet
• Wake-up calls
Does the Holiday Inn Express Malta have a pool?
While the Holiday Inn Express Malta doesn’t have its own pool or gym, guests can access these facilities at the neighbouring InterContinental Hotel for a small fee. The best part? You don’t even need to leave the building - simply use the key provided to unlock a door that connects to a corridor leading directly to the pool area at the other hotel.
Does Holiday Inn Express Malta have parking?
Whether you're bringing your own vehicle or using a hire car, you can take advantage of the convenient car parking facilities at Eden Carpark, located just a short walk from the Holiday Inn Express Malta entrance, on the same street. A daily charge will apply.
Final thoughts
All in all, my stay at the Holiday Inn Express Malta was a delightful experience. From the fantastic location to the comfortable room, helpful staff and great value for money, I couldn’t have asked for much more. It’s perfect for anyone visiting the island for either business or leisure, and it provides a solid base for exploring Malta.
The Holiday Inn Express focuses on the essentials without overcomplicating things; this hotel got it just right. The breakfast buffet, for example, wasn’t a five-star spread, but it had everything I needed to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.
If you’re looking for a stress-free, budget-friendly hotel with everything you need for a comfortable stay, I highly recommend the Holiday Inn Express Malta. I’ll definitely be keeping it in mind for any future trips to the island!
IHG Hotels & Resorts FAQs
What is IHG Hotels and Resorts?
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is a global hospitality company that owns, operates and franchises a diverse portfolio of hotels and resorts worldwide. Founded in 2003, it has become one of the leading names in the industry, offering a variety of hotel brands designed to meet the needs of all types of travellers, from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations.
IHG is also recognized for its loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which lets members earn points for their stays. These points can be redeemed for free nights and a variety of other rewards.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and going on walks with her three dogs.