My wife and I recently decided to have a quiet and relaxing day by the pool in one of the most prestigious hotels in Malta.

We paid €13 each to enter the lido section and have access to the pool, deckchairs and private beach. I then realised, from a notice, that no food and drinks were allowed inside the premises.

As the day went by, everything was going smoothly until I bought two cappucinos, served in paper cups, which amounted to €4.50. I was quite amazed at the price but it was what one might expect in a five-star hotel and I respected that.

I was still enjoying the quiet day until the afternoon when several people came in at once, mostly with small children.

The relaxing resort was turned into a jungle with running, yelling and screaming.

Not to mention that most of the people came in with food and drinks and none of the staff drew their attention to the fact that this was not permitted.

Also, the rules stated no diving but yet again, no one observed this regulation and none of the staff did anything.

At that point I really felt that I had been ripped off since I had respected all the regulations of the hotel and paid accordingly but did not enjoy the day to the full.

I really think that when a hotel has such a good name to uphold, such situations should not be allowed to arise. What a shame.