Hotel San Pawl (St. Paul's Bay, Malta)

If you're planning to explore Malta as much as possible, you'll find San Pawl a very convenient place to stay. Guests say that tour buses stop right outside, and it's within walking distance of beaches and the centre of Buggiba.

Guests have plenty of praise for the staff, so if you're hoping for a warm welcome and efficient, considerate service, you won't be disappointed. They offer good knowledge of the island and its attractions too.

Particularly attracting a more mature clientele, the hotel has a programme full of entertainment and activities. Along with the swimming pools and fitness facilities, there's evening karaoke and shows, plus organised tours.

While the lobby impresses with its modern design, many guests are disappointed to find that the rooms are much more basic and dated. They could do with a full refurbishment too to bring them in line with public areas.

While the karaoke nights are fun if you're down by the pool and giving it a go yourself, it's not so great if you're trying to get some shut-eye. Guests say that pool-facing rooms are the most affected by noise.

While the hotel offers overall value for money, the extra charges can be annoying. If you want air-conditioning, which you will in the summer, you have to upgrade from a standard room, and the WiFi comes with a cost too.