STAY AT THE GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR

Monday, October 29, 2012

MALTA WEDDINGS - WEDDINGS OPEN WEEKEND


The Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta is proud to present a wedding experience filled with rich beauty, so join us at our wedding open weekend.

Spend time exploring our breath-taking venues, which will be dressed to impress you and your family. Our experienced and friendly Malta Events Team will be on hand and delighted to discuss your wedding plans and share ideas for your very special day.

Skilled wedding professional exhibitors will be showcasing a number of beautiful items, including - wedding dresses, menswear and mother of the bride out fits, bridal beauty, jewellery, entertainment, flowers and balloon displays, wedding cakes, photography, wedding cars, stationery, honeymoons and more!

Special offers will be available for making a new booking on the day and late availability offers will also be available.

Free entry and parking.
 
For more information please contact Our Malta Wedding Specialist, Peter on 2319 1980 or e-mail weddings@excelsior.com.mt.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

MALTA HOLIDAYS - FESTIVE SEASON PACKAGES


A Royal Christmas Stay

‘From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another

The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.’

Emily Matthews.

Sit back and relax in the knowledge that the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Team has planned the Christmas celebrations for you.

A Royal Christmas offers you a two nights’ accommodation in a Deluxe Room, lavish buffet breakfast each morning, Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner and Christmas Day Buffet Dinner. Based on two people sharing this Royal Christmas special comes at a price of €412 per room.* This package is exclusive to guests checking in on the 24th December 2012.


***** ***** ***** ***** *****



New Year Debut

‘Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.’

Hal Borland.

There is one night in the year when you really want to party, drink and have fun without having to drive home – especially when the walk to your room is so short…

Enjoy Our New Year Debut Package. Spend two nights in a Deluxe Bedroom, wake up to a lavish buffet breakfast each morning and indulge on our sumptuous New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Buffet Dinners – freshly prepared by our award winning team of chefs.

This package comes at a small price of €482 per room*, based on two people sharing and is exclusive to guests checking in on the 31st December 2012.

Terms & Conditions Apply.

To find out more about Our Festive Seasons Celebrations or should you wish to place your booking for one of the above Festive Season packages please visit the Grand Hotel Excelsior website.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Malta Events - Rolex Middle Sea Race 2012

The 33rd edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race started on October 20th 2012 .


The Route
From the Grand Harbour, Valletta, beneath Fort St Angelo and the Saluting Battery in Valletta the fleet heads north along the eastern coasts of Sicily up towards the Straits of Messina. Mt Etna is usually visible on the fleets port side, billowing ashes and lava throughout the night. Once through the Straits, the course leads north to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli where the yachts turn west to the Egadi Islands. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head south towards the island of Lampedusa leaving Pantelleria to port. Once past Lampedusa the fleet turns northeast on the final leg towards the South Comino Channel and finish at Marsamxett Harbour. En route the crews take in an amazing diversity of landscape and sea conditions, all of which combine to create the attraction and challenge of the race.

A prizegiving ceremony will take place on the 27th October.

For more information about Malta events kindly check out the Grand Hotel Excelsior Website.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Malta Events - Halloween Dinner Party



Another Event by the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta - A Halloween Dinner Party on the 27th October 2012.


Witches brew will be served to our enchanting guests between 19.00 and 20.00 in our ghoulish lobby followed by our enthralling buffet. Enjoy bewtiching views and an eerie atmosphere in our own flying dutchman.

A prize will be given to the person with the spookiest costume.

DJ Jean Pierre will spook the haunted ship.


Price: at 35 Euro per person.

Gremlins between 6 to 11 years old at 15 Euro each.

Gremlins aged under 6 are free when accompanied by two scary adults.

If you wish to place a dinner booking for Halloween at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta call 21250520 or email events@excelsior.com.mt.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Where to Visit in Malta - The Maritime Museum


Malta Maritime History
The Maritime Museum charts Malta’s maritime history within a Mediterranean context and also illustrates the global nature of seafaring and its impact on society. The Museum is situated within the former British Naval Bakery in Vittoriosa. The building was erected between 1842 and 1845 on the site of the old covered slipway of the Knights of St John.

The bakery was the hub of the Victualling Yard and supplied the Royal Navy with its daily requirements of bread and biscuits. After World War II it was converted into offices and stores and as the headquarters of the Admiralty Constabulary. The building remained part of the naval establishment up to the closure of the British base in 1979.

At the entrance of the Museum, one may view the ‘Anadrian Hall’ which exhibits the engine room machinery of the Anadrian, which was a steam- driven grab dredger built in 1951 for Malta. The first floor houses a display on the Merchant Navy and exhibits a collection of detailed ship replicas and paintings illustrating 19th and 20th century vessels most of which served on the Malta run. The nearby St Angelo Hall, the museum’s events and lecture room, is decorated with an array of colourful ship badges.

Organised into thematic and chronological sectors, the Main Hall illustrates developments from ancient times to the end of the rule of the Order of St John in Malta. Navigational charts, nautical instruments and a series of portraits set the scene for the navy of the Order of St John. This display includes paintings, weapons, uniforms, anchors, maps, models and other artefacts dating from 1530 to 1798. An entire room is dedicated to traditional Maltese sea crafts and other objects that indicate popular traditions and Malta’s long-standing maritime vocation. In the Customs Hall there is a variety of standard weights and measures and other objects, including the uniform of an inspector of Marine Police, which bear witness to the importance of Malta’s historic links with maritime commerce and traffic.

For almost two hundred years, Malta was the home of the British Mediterranean fleet. The Royal Navy kept a vast establishment on the Maltese Islands. The final hall presents an overview of Malta as a naval base, and depicts aspects of naval and civilian life, both leisure and work. There is also a wide collection of paintings, photographs, models, uniforms, weapons, instruments and other artefacts that illustrate the history of the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean during the 19th and 20th centuries and attest to the Navy’s impact on the economy and social life on the Maltese islands.

Should you wish to visit the Malta Maritime Museum during your holidays kindly contact the transport desk at this Luxury Malta Hotel on transport@excelsior.com.mt. Alternatively you may wish to experience one of our unique Malta Tours

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Spa & Wellness Malta - A Foot Ritual


Pamper your tired feet with our luxurious 45 minutes Maharlika Foot Ritual at Le Grand Spa Malta.


An indulgence inclusive of foot scrub, nail cleaning and relaxing foot and leg massage for just 50 Euro.

Guests are welcome anytime on a first come first served basis or by contacting Our Luxury Malta Spa on 2319 2115.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Things to do In Malta - BIRGUFEST


Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, is a town situated on a peninsula in Malta’s natural harbour. Throughout Maltese history, Birgu can easily claim to have been the Island’s former maritime capital. Birgu is located in the southern part of Malta forming part of the Three Cities which is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea.

Of the Three Cities, Birgu is the oldest and takes primacy over the others as it stands on one of the first inhabited sites in the Grand Harbour.

Birgu played a key role in Maltese history, and its importance peaked during the Order of the Knights’ period. It achieved resounding fame during the Great Siege, which marked the Order’s first significant land victory in its five hundred years of existence. It was on this occasion that Birgu earned its name Vittoriosa meaning victorious.

During the Second World War, Birgu, like the other places on the harbour, was submitted to unceasing air attacks. Destruction was widespread with more than 60% of its buildings were wiped out. Churches, palaces and houses lay in ruins after the devastating attacks.

Now Birgu is a tourist attraction with lots of history to discover and one of the most famous Yacht Marinas in Europe. The historic Vittoriosa Waterfront contains the former Palace of the General of the Galleys and the Order of St John’s treasury. The area was refurbished in the early 2000s, and both buildings are used for other activities: the former is now a casino, while the latter is home to the Malta Maritime Museum. A second museum, the Vittoriosa 1565 Museum, is also located in the own and is dedicated to the siege and the battle in 1565.

This year the Birgufest will once again host locals and visitors alike, for another edition of the candle lit magical evening, together with a variety of traditional music, choirs, local and foreign bands. For the young at heart, concerts by renowned local bands will rock the main square of Birgu on Friday and while on Saturday the people of all ages can relax to a concert of mixed music including jazz.

If you would like to immerse yourself into the rich history of Malta and learn more about old Maltese traditions and customs then the Birgu Festival is one that you would not want to miss! Join thousands of others and head to Vittoriosa for this fascinating festival which will be held on the 19th-20th of October 2012.

Should you wish to experience this event kindly contact our transport desk on transport@excelsior.com.mt and they will organise your transfers. And for more information on Things to do in Malta during your holidays kindly contact the concierge desk at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta.


Friday, October 12, 2012

Malta Events - Rolex Middle Sea Race


The Rolex Middle Sea Race is taking place on the 20th October 2012 and one should not miss the opportunity to make their way down to Malta’s Grand Harbour to witness the start from any of Valletta’s fortifications. This race is a sight worth viewing.

This exceptional race is a highly rated offshore classic and a spectacular event hosting a record of 78 boats in recent years thanks to its Organising Committee who have managed to bring Rolex on board as the title sponsor. This year, in 2012, the Royal Malta Yacht Club is organising the 33rd Edition of this race with 70 participants.

The Middle Sea Race began as the result of sporting rivalry between great friends, Paul and Jimmy who competitively raced in Malta in the early sixties. Paul and Jimmy, together with a mutual friend Alan Green, set out to map a course designated to offer an exciting and unique race. The resulting course was so inspirational that it is the same used today.

The race is considered to be a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions that they face during the race. The race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery, taking competitors close to a number of islands, which form marks of the course. This magnificent race has been recognised all over the world including many prestigious figures such as Ted Turner, CEO of Turner Communications (CNN), who has written that the Middle Sea Race “must be the most beautiful race course in the world. What other event has an active volcano as a mark of the course?”

The race begins in Malta and heads for the Straits of Messina before circumnavigating Sicily. The course then goes on to take the racers past the breathtaking islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa before returning to Malta and features Stromboli’s active volcano.

If you wish to stay informed of events taking place in and around Malta check out our Malta events page.


Thursday, October 11, 2012

A GRAND TRIP – Enjoyable Malta Holidays.


Ian Murray from Hampshire in England spent a fabulous long weekend staying at Malta’s luxurious Grand Hotel Excelsior. Find out what he has to say about Malta and the Grand Hotel Excelsior!

The great bastion walls that surrounded us were no strangers to loud explosions. Five hundred years ago it had been the invading Turkish army that had sought to batter the walls of the city into submission during The Great Siege of Malta.

The arsenal that was rattling the windows of our balcony hotel room was, mercifully, less lethal, but none the less spectacular. Malta was hosting an International Fireworks Festival, and night after night the skies above Valletta, its Grand Harbour and surrounding sister walled cities, were ablaze with tremendous displays of fire, colour and noise. However, safe as we were, it was still comforting that our hotel, the aptly named Grand Hotel Excelsior, was built into the very bastions created by the Knights of St John to ensure the fleets of their great enemy never captured this outpost of Christianity.

Today The Grand Hotel Excelsior ‘sails’ majestically out from the bastion walls itself. Designed to look like a cruise ship, it skillfully blends the ancient walls with a very modern, yet stylish link to the surrounding sea. And this was more than just a nod to the glamour and comfort of the cruise industry, as we were to discover.

Malta has become extremely easy to reach thanks to new flights with Ryanair from Bournemouth Airport. Thursday morning departures with returns early on Monday morning create the ideal long-weekend break. With flights just under three hours and a 9.45am lift off we were by the hotel pool basking in the warm Maltese sunshine by mid-afternoon. Bliss. The Grand Hotel Excelsior sits on the waterfront facing onto Valletta’s second harbour.

Until four years ago it stood abandoned and run-down – almost impossible to understand for such a beautiful spot.

Bought by Hampshire hotel entrepreneurs the Elliot family, the hotel was restored, re-opened and today stands as one of Malta’s most exclusive venues. With its own yacht marina, spa and indoor pool and fitness complex, the five-star hotel is already world-renowned. The cruise-ship design is not restricted to the exterior of this beautiful building. Throughout the hotel there is a feel of grandeur afloat, from the lobby’s grand staircase modelled on that of the Titanic, to the wide corridors and impressive public rooms where guests mingle with locals and large panoramic windows open onto spectacular waterside views.

The cruise-theme features again with the hotel’s dining experience. Guests to the beautiful dining room experience a different world buffet each evening. And it is to the poolside, of course that the guests gather during the hours of the warm Malta sun. Set against the ancient walls created to defend the city, the pool is also the site of the Tiki bar where attentive staff ensure guests don’t have to lift themselves too far from their recliners to enjoy a drink or snack.

The pool has views of Marsamxett Harbour overlooking Sliema and there is a steady flow of water traffic ambling past.

Indeed, the hotel is one of the points of interest for visitors using the numerous sight-seeing boats that ferry tourists around Valetta’s waterfront. And a waterborne trip is probably the best way to first experience Valletta and its surrounding cities. Staff at the Grand Hotel Excelsior are happy to arrange all manner of excursions and will also provide directions for the short, ten minute walk along the harbour front to where water taxis will speed you across to Sliema where the larger ferries leave. The tour we experienced cost £10 each and over two hours weaved its way close to the city walls of not just Valletta but of its surrounding fortress cities. Valletta may be some 500 years old, but it is a virtual youngster compared with some of its neighbours. A water tour is, we decided, the best way to gather bearings and decide which places of interest to return to at a later date.

For Valetta itself the hotel is based just five minutes stroll from the ancient city gate itself. Once inside, past the striking new Parliament building still under construction, and Valletta tumbles away on all sides. Always down to the water. The city was created by the Knights on a huge outcrop of rock and for five centuries waves of residents bringing their culture and architectural styles have swept through and sometimes stayed. The French and we

British were the last conquerors. The Germans tried during the last World War but failed, the battle bringing Malta its cherished award of a George Cross for bravery for all of its citizens.

Today Britain’s legacy remains in the form of language – just about everyone speaks English – a red pillarbox here, and old British phone box there. The most popular flags you see flying today, however, belong to the island’s many football clubs. Valletta is a marvellous clutter: a gorgeous mixture of old and new, high culture and everyday folk, exclusive shops jostling for position with trendy bars and street cafes. Yet authentic Malta with its lively, friendly people, is everywhere.

At the Grand Hotel Excelsior tired feet and sun-kissed skin can find its rest from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The balcony to our harbour-view room proved just that added oasis of luxury that enabled us to find even more quiet and comfort. And as the evening sun set before us, the lights from across the harbour turning the seafront into a shimmering spectacle, we gave thanks to the Knights of St John for saving the island for us – and Ryanair for making getting there so easy. Bless them all.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable Malta Holiday, then stay in a top Luxury Malta Hotel on the doorstep of Valletta, the capital city of Malta.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Monday, October 8, 2012

Things to do in Malta - 'Voices 2012: Dream a little Dream'

Read the full article below...

‘VOICES’ is a popular concert, occurring every two years, which is held in aid of different local charities. These shows combine the best voices on the islands to create magical performances for everyone to enjoy. From classical songs to more upbeat and modern tunes, you’ll surely enjoy singing along to Voices.

VOICES is a completely non-profit organization and its concerts serve to raise money for charitable and worthy causes. None of the members of the VOICES choir, band or committee receive any form of remuneration for their services. To date, VOICES has contributed over one million Euros to various local and international charities including the Hospice Movement, Eden Foundation, Caritas, JRS, Cash for Cancer, YMCA, Fondazzjioni Suret il-Bniedem, Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Dar tal-Provvidenza, UNICEF, Amnesty International Red Cross International, UNHCR (Malta) and others.

The driving force behind VOICES is still the same as when the whole idea started – to bring young people together in a positive and creative environment, to offer good entertainment: and to be a voice for and aid to the underprivileged.

The first VOICES concert, with a choir of 75 singers, was held in June 1991 at St. Aloysius College in order to raise funds for the Jesuit Community towards the building of the new Sixth Form Complex. Due to an outstanding performance, a repeat performance titled “VOICES-Encore” was held between 11 and 13 October 1991 at the University Auditorium under the sponsorship of the Secretariat for Youth & Culture. This time, the proceeds of Lm 5,000 went towards the Youth Against Drugs campaign. Over the years, the number of choir singers grew to over 200 and concerts are now held every two years at the Mediterranean Conference Centre reaching a record audience of over 13,000 people during a run of 10 performances in 2008.

This year’s theme is ‘DREAM A LITTLE DREAM’ as dreaming is what has led to the most innovative, creative ideas man has ever come up with. For, it is only when we allow ourselves to let our imagination fly and not impose limitations on what we can or cannot do, that we can achieve our greatest success as people.

It was one man’s dream that led to the creation of VOICES now in its 11th edition – Louis Naudi dared to dream and today the VOICES Foundation is proud to carry on his idea which has flourished and grown from its very modest beginnings.

This year the VOICES committee invites all of those are able to attend VOICES to allow themselves to be inspired because it is never too late to let your spirit soar; it is never too late to dream.

The ten performances by the 200 strong choir and a live band will take place between the 3-7 and 10-14 October at 7.30pm at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

For more information on Things to do in Malta during your holidays kindly contact the concierge desk at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta awarded the Expedia Insiders Select 2012

VALLETTA, MALTA, October 2012: After being honoured as a highly rated 5 star property by TripAdvisor reviewers and awarded the Certificate of Excellence 2012, Grand Hotel Excelsior has received another Travel accolade – The Expedia Insiders’ Select 2012.

The Expedia Insiders Select 2012 is an annual award recognizing the very best hotels available in Expedia’s global marketplace, as judged by the experiences of Expedia’s customers. Based on more than 500,000 guest reviews submitted annually by Expedia travelers, only 650 hotels out of 150,000 Expedia properties were designated as the 2012 worldwide award recipients. These properties have been identified by Expedia customers as consistently delivering superior services, an exceptional guest experience and notable value. Insiders’ Select helps travelers make confident decisions when planning their leisure or business trips.

“It is an amazing achievement for Grand Hotel Excelsior to receive a placement on the Insider’s Select List especially when this accolade is being awarded during our 5th year of operation.” said General Manager Mr. Norbert Grixti. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience during their stay in Malta. Being an Expedia Insiders’ Select property is a clear testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence.”

Should you wish to enjoy a relaxing break at a leading Luxury Malta Hotel contact us on info@excelsior.com.mt or on 00356 21250520.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Luxury Malta Hotel - Living up to Grand Expectations.

Click on Image to Enlarge

The Grand Hotel Excelsior, Malta, is a deluxe, 5-star resort situated within the sixteenth century fortifications of Malta’s Capital City, Valletta - a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Excelsior Hotel commands the Island’s premier waterfront location offering breathtaking sea views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island.

With over 6 daily flights from the UK, your Malta Luxury Escape at the Grand Hotel Excelsior is only 2.5 hours away.

Book your stay on www.excelsior.com.mt and let your holiday begin.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Olive Picking by the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta



An Olive picking event took place on Saturday 29th September 2012 at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior Team members in the presence of the Minister for Resources and Rural Events, Hon. Minister George Pullicino participated in an Olive Picking session.

Excelsior Hotel Malta - Olives
Since 2007, Grand Hotel Excelsior has been cultivating hundreds of Olive Trees within its grounds. The trees where purchased through the Tree 4 U campaign and for the second year running this environment initiative beared fruit.

Stay updated with events taking place at the Grand Hotel Excelsior by visit this Luxury Malta Hotel's website.