Frank Franklyn, Derby, England.
Hotel standards
I have visited Malta several times and never fail to be impressed by the poor standard of many of the hotels. I was so stunned by the lack of quality in one 'four-star' establishment that I looked up the classification law. This is very clear and comprehensive.
Unfortunately, nobody is policing the rules.
It appears that the Government has abdicated its responsibility to the Malta Tourism Authority - an organisation which represents the very establishments which are so dismally failing to meet the legal minimum standards.
Of the 100 or so criteria stated in the law, the hotel I refer to fails to achieve the minimum standard on over 50 of them. Among the failings are missing fire extinguishers, locked fire exits, brown water and unsanitary kitchens. It does not appear that the bedrooms have been refurbished since the hotel was opened in the 1970s.
Many months after a complaint was made, nothing appears to have improved.
If Malta is to encourage repeat visitors, who are not content with cheap and nasty services, then it must have systems which encourage hotels to at least redecorate on a regular basis.
The law seems to be in place - but it needs to be followed.
3 Comments
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anthony sciberras
Mar 30th 2008, 19:49
Come on Frank, name and shame the hotel. I have stayed at hotels that are not up to the star rating in Malta, and these hotels should be named and shamed.
Liam Kelly
Mar 30th 2008, 12:44
You are spot on Frank.
Not enough checks, not the right authority carrying out the checks, too many careless staff, wrong culture and attitude amungst management.
Michael J Hare
Mar 30th 2008, 12:30
Hotel Standards
I totally agree with your comments Frank, I also have looked at the classified standards, and wondered why they are not enforced. I have also complained to Malta tourist board and the tour operator, and have been told my complaints are the only ones received, when I know many friends who also visit the same hotel have also complained to them.
The facts are though we continue to visit Malta and its islands in spite of the poor quality of some of its hotels. In our case we visit because we love the friendships we have made with its people, and with the love we have with parts of its islands. Every year we say the standard of the hotel we stay in have declined to an extent where we shall not be returning, but every year we return.
I only hope some of the funds available from the EU will be placed into modernising some of the islands hotels