My wife and I have just spent a three-week holiday in Malta. Everything was very good and the staff members at the hotel where we stayed were excellent. All was well till the last evening.

We were due to be picked up by our Maltese friend at 4.45am on June 25. Being so early, I went to reception to settle our account in advance.

I offered my credit card to settle the bill at the same time that the receptionist was arguing with two young ladies, insisting they owed money although they were denying this.

I had problems with my card, being marked as cancelled. I could not understand why and so I told the receptionist I would pay it in the morning when my friend comes over. But the receptionists insisted I would have to go to a cash machine and that hotel security would take me there. I refused, insisted I would sort it in the morning and went to bed.

During the night I received a couple of phone calls and as soon as I picked up the phone the line went dead. Strange!

The next morning I went to reception where my friend was waiting. I asked him for some money but we were interrupted by our friend at the desk who asked if he could have my card. I handed it over and the transaction was done in a couple of minutes. I thanked him.

Within moments the receptionist was in an altercation with an elderly German gentleman.

This incident has not changed my feelings for Malta or its people but it has scarred my opinion about the hotel.