What to do in Malta - Malta at Christmas

Christmas is a very important day for the people of Malta and its sister Island of Gozo. In Maltese Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘Il-Milied it-Tajjeb’.

Christmas in Malta

For a very special, spiritual evening, one should join the congregation at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for candlelit carol singing. Other Baroque parish churches across the Maltese Islands are just as awe-inspiring during Advent. Their interiors are decked out in papal crimson and altars are adorned with flowers. All churches have a calendar of events, ranging from the procession of Mary and Joseph, to streets with groups of children carol singing. The Churches are decorated with lights and nativity cribs known as ‘Presepju’, built by the church goers. Christmas Eve’s midnight mass is the most significant holiday tradition in Malta as the country is widely Catholic, thus churches are heavily populated during this ceremony. During midnight mass, a boy or a girl, normally aged 7 to 10 years old, delivers a homily instead of the priest. This is called ‘Priedka tat-Tifel’ which means the preaching of the child.

Qaghaq tal-Ghasel

Imbuljuta tal-Qastan

Maltese traditions

Maltese people enjoy a wide range of food at Christmas. Traditionally, the Maltese house-wife kept the fattest rooster, ‘hasi’, especially for Christmas Lunch, which was roasted at the local bakery in a casserole dish full of potatoes and vegetables. The customary dessert served at Christmas was the Treacle Ring, ‘Qaghaq tal-Ghasel’. To finish it off, a hot Chestnut and Cocoa Soup, ‘Imbuljuta tal-Qastan’, which was served as a cosy night cap during the cold December days. Today the traditional Maltese menu has made way for Christmas Turkey, Christmas Cakes, Christmas Puddings and Mince Pies, all inherited during 164 years of British rule (1800 - 1964) in Malta. The Italian Panettone has also become a Christmas favourite amongst Maltese residents. Some of the Maltese are nowadays enjoying their traditional Christmas Lunch together with their families in superior Malta Restaurants.

If you would like to experience memorable Malta Holidays, then contact the team of this leading Malta Hotel.

GREAT MALTA DEALS

Escape to the Mediterranean for your holidays. Relax and enjoy a great break at a leading luxury hotel in Malta. Enjoy all the luxuries of a 5 star Hotel in Valletta Malta at a fantastic price with our January Sales Offer.  

Rates starting from 71 Euro per night for sole use! Check availability & BOOK NOW! 

 

Terms & Conditions:

•  Rates can be booked on Room Only basis or on Bed and Breakfast Basis.
• Use of our leisure facilities throughout your stay and complimentary parking for in house guests apply.
• Quoted Rates are inclusive of tax and availability is subject to change at time of booking.
• Kindly note that other rates apply should a client opt for an earlier departure than otherwise booked.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Celebrates the Achievement of the FHRD Employee Engagement Award

VALLETTA, MALTA, 9th December 2011: In their tenth year, the Foundation for Human Resources Development celebrated the Malta People Awards 2011 on the 9th of December. For the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta, this was a great opportunity to celebrate its newest outstanding Human Resources achievement, just a few weeks after its success at the Malta Kulinarja Awards.

This Luxury Malta Hotel was awarded the FHRD Employee Engagement Award on the basis of its continuous staff development; encouragement and reward of employee engagement; and participation within all levels of the organisation. The Human Resources department is pivotal in disseminating this corporate culture and is continuously working to achieve higher levels of staff motivation and commitment.

The General Manager Mr. Norbert Grixti thanked the Human Resources Department for spearheading the company’s winning culture, enabling this superior hotel to achieve high levels of guest satisfaction.

For more information about this Luxury Malta Hotel kindly contact us on 00356 21250520 or on info@excelsior.com.mt.

Former Prime Minister of Italy stays at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta

VALLETTA, MALTA, July 2011 - Earlier this month, the Grand Hotel Excelsior was honoured to host Professor Giuliano Amato and Mrs Amato during a visit to Malta. Professor Amato is President of the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy Committee, and Vice President of the Convention of the Future of Europe. He twice served as Prime Minister of Italy and was elected to the Senate, representing Tuscany.

Professor Amato expressed his pleasure with the warm welcome extended at the Hotel. “I am impressed that all of you can speak Italian”, Professor Amato told team members as he was checking into his room. Italian tourists, who happened to be in the Hotel’s lobby upon his arrival, were surprised and very enthusiastic to see one of their leading politicians.

For an enjoyable holiday in Malta packed with events and activities stay in a centrally located Luxury Malta Hotel which is within walking distance to the capital city, Valletta.

Hosting the Stars at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta



Mr Norbert Grixti (General Manager) with LMFAO



Mr Nicholas Saliba (HR Manager) &
Mr James Drury (MICE Sales Manager)
with LMFAO

VALLETTA, MALTA, July 2011 - When the stars travel they expect excellence. The Grand Hotel Excelsior management and team members continuously strive to offer a unique and exceptional experience to all guests, so it is not surprising that this Luxury Malta Hotel was once again chosen by Isle of MTV organizers to host its VIPs, who performed at last week’s concert at the Granaries.

Joined by two of this year’s hottest acts Far East Movement and LMFAO, Snoop Dogg entertained thousands of fans gathered in Floriana for one of Europe’s most important music events.

“It gives me great satisfaction to see these stars all smiles around the hotel and exchanging jokes with our staff. It means a lot to me” General Manager, Norbert Grixti said about the visit.

Nearing its fifth year of operation, The Grand Hotel Excelsior has hosted artists such as Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, Kelis, Kid Rock, Akon, One Republic and Maroon 5.

For more information about Malta Events and activities during your next Holiday in Malta check out what this Luxury Malta Hotel has to offer.

Unique & Exotic - The Global Tastes Every Wednesday

Unique and exotic the Tiki Bar & Restaurant is truly a place for every spirit. We invite you to join us every Wednesday evening for The Global Tastes event, a true feast for the senses. A grand buffet inspired by different cuisines from around the world fun, exotic cocktails and live entertainment all evening.

Price is 28 Euro per person (food only). Live Music all evening.

For more information contact our Food & beverage Team on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt or visit our website at http://www.excelsior.com.mt/.

Malta Weddings - Your Big Day turned Grand!

Bring us your vision and let us show you its realisation. From intimate to extravagant, traditional to unexpected, Malta’s finest, Grand Hotel Excelsior, is at your service and dedicated to creating an unforgettable wedding that is uniquely yours.

The five star luxury hotel located in Floriana, immediately next to Valletta’s historic 16th century city walls, commands Malta’s prime waterfront location and boasts six larger venues for you to choose from, each complemented by idyllic sea and Harbour views. There is something to suit everyone - from the opulent Grand Ballroom for a really lavish wedding reception of over 800 people to a choice of delightful outdoor areas. Ensuring your peace of mind, a backup venue, in case of unfavourable weather, is always booked should you opt for an outdoor event. A handful of smaller spaces are also available. Grand Hotel Excelsior’s boutique beach is for the exclusive use of guests during the day, however is available for private hire in the evenings; it is ideal for a cocktail reception, romantic dinner for a select few – a truly unique way to propose – or even for the increasingly popular after-party, should anyone be considering post-wedding fun and games. The Registrar has approved the Grand Hotel Excelsior as a venue for the celebration of Civil marriages. Every couple receives a personal welcome and friendly, professional service. The hotel’s dedicated team of wedding planners will arrange an initial meeting to establish precisely what the bride and groom want, after which, the entire event is tailored exclusively to order.

The award winning kitchen brigade has put together delectable, innovative menus for you to choose from, however, are always happy to make up a menu to suit your specific tastes, whether a sit down meal for 20 guests or a stand up reception for 800. After all, for most couples, this tends to be the most awaited day of your life and we want to ensure it is as perfect as it could be.

The talented team at Le Grand Spa will be happy to suggest bespoke treatments to help you de-stress before and after the big day. Treat yourself to some well deserved relaxation time. Our highly trained therapists present a holistic approach and the most attentive, personal service that you so much deserve. A hair dresser is also at hand to add to your comfort. Le Grand Spa is a haven of tranquility surrounding the personalised programmes dedicated to your wellness, relaxation and beauty.

If you’re planning your wedding in Malta, there’s no better place to be on the 24th July than at the Excelsior’s Weddings Open Day. Visit us any time between 10.00 and 22.00hrs to experience our venues and food first hand. Our weddings planner, Neal, together with his colleagues, will be more than happy to show you around the hotel, discuss your requirements and assist with developing your ideas, turning your dreams into reality.

Luxury weddings at The Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta set a new standard for once-in-a-lifetime occasions. First-class service and attention to detail guarantee a cherished special day that exceeds all expectations. Relax and leave everything in our hands – we will make all the arrangements from start to finish for a perfect, effortless wedding in Malta. Contact Neal and his team on 00356 21 250 520 or weddings@excelsior.com.mt. They cannot wait to create the perfect wedding - just for you!

Sir Cliff Richard lived the Grand Life in Malta

VALLETTA, MALTA, May 2011 - On the occasion of his 53rd anniversary in the music business, Sir Cliff Richard graced the Grand Hotel Excelsior with his presence this weekend where he gave a performance during a Gala Dinner organised by Mega Music Malta. The event was an instant sell out and many of his ardent fans enjoyed his timeless music while dining in the Grand Ballroom of the Excelsior.

During his stay in Malta, Sir Cliff Richard also honoured a number of fans at the opening of an exhibition also held at the Excelsior Hotel. Memorabilia to include photos, albums, singles, dvds, paintings and signed objects were showcased for his loyal followers to admire.

Sir Cliff Richard was born in Lucknow/India on 14th October 1940 but his family moved to England when he was eight. People often say that together with his band The Shadows, he invented British Rock'n'Roll when they released their first hit single "Move It" in 1958. Their first number one was "Living Doll" in 1959. Since then, he spent a large part of his life in the charts. In fact, he is the only artist to have had a number one hit in five consecutive decades. Having sold 260 million records over the years means that he is the most successful U.K. recording artist of all time. His biggest hit was "We Don't Talk Anymore" in 1979. When he received his knighthood from the Queen in 1995 however, it was for the charity work he has been involved in since he became a Christian in the early 60s.

Sir Cliff Richard took time to sign the Excelsior’s visitor book where he left a note reading ‘Many thanks for your hospitality. Here’s to next time!’ The hotel team is honoured that the well known British music legend and Cultural Ambassador for Valletta will return and eagerly looks forward to this.

For more information about Malta Events please visit the website of the Excelsior Hotel Malta.

Planning your Wedding in Malta - Your Ideal Malta Wedding

Could marrrying abroad be for you?

Bring us your vision and let us show you its realisation. From intimate to extravagant, traditional to unexpected, Malta’s finest, Grand Hotel Excelsior, is at your service and dedicated to creating an unforgettable wedding that is uniquely yours.

Situated in walking distance of Malta’s historic walled capital city of Valletta, there is plenty to do – discover 320 historic monuments inside the walls, enjoy the fabulous Malta Restaurants and Cafes or simply soak up the sunshine. Air Malta, Ryanair, Easyjet and British Airways operate direct from the UK to Malta. The hotel offers 428 elegant rooms and suites, each with its own romantic balcony or terrace offering fine views of the marina and harbour or the hotel’s colourful plaza.

A Selection of Honeymoon & Wedding Venues in Malta 

When it comes to the event, there is something to suit everyone - from the opulent Grand Ballroom with panoramic sea views for a really lavish wedding reception of over 1,000 people to a choice of delightful outdoor areas, ideal for al fresco cocktails and dining, or a more intimate affair.

Beach Weddings in Malta
Brides and Grooms across the UK will be delighted to learn that Malta’s premier deluxe resort, the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta, recently added the rare delights of a sandy beach – the only one in Valletta – to the charm of its fantastic setting. The beach overlooks colourful Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island to make a picture-perfect backdrop for memorable photographs. Grand Hotel Excelsior’s boutique beach is for the exclusive use of guests and is available for private hire; it is ideal for a cocktail reception, romantic dinner for two – a truly unique way to propose – or even for a chilled out after party should anyone be considering post-wedding fun. It has been created with quality golden sands and has steps leading into the water, making sea swimming access easy. Alternatively, if sand and sea is not your thing then the huge sun-terrace with an impressively large out-door swimming pool and al fresco Tiki Bar, offers a welcome alternative. Directly and solely accessible from the hotel, the beach certainly enhances the attraction of Europe’s most exciting new addition to the A-list of wedding and honeymoon venues in the Mediterranean.

Grand Hotel Excelsior can perform civil wedding ceremonies, and will make all the arrangements from start to finish of a perfect, effortless wedding stay or honeymoon. Located in Floriana, immediately next to Valletta’s historic 16th century city walls, it commands Malta’s prime waterfront location; breathtaking sea views and is just a short walk - or a romantic Karrozzin (horse and cart) ride - from the vibrant and colourful city centre, recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Every couple receives a personal welcome and friendly, professional service. The hotel’s dedicated team of wedding planners will arrange an initial meeting to establish precisely what the bride and groom want, after which the entire wedding ceremony, reception and/or honeymoon is tailored exclusively to order. The hotel’s wedding planners are always available for consultation: first-class service and attention to detail guarantee a memorable special day that exceeds all expectation.

The award winning kitchen brigade has put together delectable, innovative menus for you to choose from, however, are always happy to tailor make a menu to suit your specific requirements, whether a sit down meal for 20 guests or a stand up reception for 800. After all, this tends to be the most awaited day of your life and we want to ensure it is as perfect as it could be.

Exceptional cuisine, flawless service and world class luxury in the magnificent setting of a Mediterranean island rich in history and natural beauty… Everything is in place for a spectacular wedding day and a dream honeymoon at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. Contact the hotel’s team of wedding planners by email or pick up the phone and talk to them. They can’t wait to create the perfect wedding or honeymoon, just for you.

Should you wish to plan Your Dream Wedding in Malta kindly contact our Wedding Specialists on weddings@excelsior.com.mt or visit the Hotel's Website for more information: http://www.excelsior.com.mt/

Super April Deal - Stays 25th till 30th April

For the last week of April benefit from this Super Deal ONLY available on our Website:

Deluxe Sea View Room

Book a Deluxe Inland Room & get a FREE Upgrade to a Deluxe Sea view Room.

Included in the offer is a one way transfer by Our Own Chauffeur Driven Service from the Malta International Airport to the Hotel (maximum of 3 persons).

Kindly contact our concierge on concierge@excelsior.com.mt to book your transfer. Please provide flight details & expected time of arrival.

  
Terms and Conditions:

• Kindly note that this offer is limited and thus can be withdrawn at any time.
• Above offer is only valid for stays 25th till 30th April 2011 & not extending into May.
• Offer is on Bed and Breakfast Basis.
• Use of our leisure facilities throughout your stay and complimentary parking for in house guests apply.
• Quoted Rates are inclusive of tax and availability is subject to change at time of booking.
• Kindly note that other rates apply should a client opt for an earlier departure than otherwise booked with the above mentioned offer.

 

For more information kindly contact the Excelsior Hotel Website.

FAT BOY SLIM CONCERT IN MALTA

Your Last chance to book your Fat Boy Slim Package. Offer ends this Friday, 8th April!!

Fat Boy Slim Malta Concert Package (2 Nights Stay)

This Package includes:

• 2 Nights accommodation on the 29th & 30th April in a Deluxe Inland Room with free upgrade to a Deluxe Sea View Room subject to availability.

• Welcome drink upon arrival

• Daily buffet breakfast

• 1 Fat Boy Slim Concert ticket per person booked

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fat Boy Slim Malta Concert Package (3 Nights Stay)

This Package includes:

• 3 Nights accommodation on the 29th, 30th April & 1st May in a Deluxe Inland Room with free upgrade to a Deluxe Sea View Room subject to availability.

• Welcome drink upon arrival

• Daily buffet breakfast

• 1 Fat Boy Slim Concert ticket per person booked

Terms and Conditions:

This rate is non-refundable and requires full prepayment, which is charged to your credit card between time of booking and day of arrival. Cancelling your reservation or failing to arrive will result in forfeiture of your deposit.

Offer is valid till 8th April 2011 or until tickets are sold out and can be withdrawn at any time prior to that date.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior and Knock Out Events are offering you a Fat Boy Slim Malta Concert Package. This Valletta Hotel is ideally located next to the capital city of Malta with easy access to all parts of Malta including the concert venue, MFCC in Ta’ Qali which is around 20 minutes by car.

We can also offer our executive Chauffeur driven services to and from the concert and also from and to the Malta International Airport. For more information about this service kindly contact Our Concierge on: concierge@excelsior.com.mt

Should you wish to stay for any additional nights or require further information about this offer kindly contact Our Reservations Team at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Chefs make their mark in Scotland

VALLETTA, MALTA, March 2011 - ScotHot, established in 1974, is Scotland's premier event for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The event attracts around 300 exhibiting companies, almost 8000 visitors and is unrivalled in delivering a quality audience. Featuring the latest developments and innovative products in food, drink, interiors, tableware, catering equipment and technology for hospitality, ScotHot is a melting pot of inspirational ideas. ScotHot plays host to an ever popular range of competitions that give chefs the opportunity to present their skills to their peers.

The participating members of Excelsior Hotel Malta’s talented kitchen brigade made the hotel proud with the number of awards they brought home with them. The categories the team competed in and excelled at include shellfish and pasta live cooking and static, restaurant main dish, dessert and a chocolate centerpiece. These awards, 8 bronze of which 3 best in class and 3 silver of which 2 best in class to be precise, are testimony to the fact that the cuisine at this luxury hotel is of superior quality on the Maltese Islands and continues to gain recognition overseas.

Caption to photo: The winning team - Roger Friggieri, David Pulis, Roderick Vella, Noel Azzopardi, Andre Grima, David Tanti, and Carlos Buttigieg

Should you wish to experience such mouthwatering cuisine at some of the top Malta Restaurants kindly contact the Food and Beverage Team at the Excelsior Hotel Malta on +356 21 250 520 or on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt.

APRIL DEALS AT THE GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR

How about a City Break in Malta this spring? So much is happening in Malta this April... Check Out What the Grand Hotel Excelsior has to offer! 

• James Blunt Live in Concert at the Valletta Waterfront on the 7th April 2011 (Avail Yourselves of Our Special Offers mentioned below)

• Easter on the 24th April 2011 where you can benefit from Our Special Deals for 3 nights and longer whilst having the option to enjoy our mouth-watering Easter Sunday Buffet Lunch. (Avail Yourselves of Our Special Offers mentioned below)

• Fat Boy Slim Live in Concert at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali on the 30th April 2011 – Check Out Our 2 & 3 Night Concert Packages during this weekend - http://bit.ly/eAhEZZ (Offer is valid till 8th April 2011 or until tickets are sold out).

Stay a Minimum of 3 nights & Save 10%.

Stay a Minimum of 4 nights & SAVE 15%.

Additional Information:

• Above offers can be booked on Room Only basis or on Bed and Breakfast Basis.

• Use of our leisure facilities throughout your stay and complimentary parking for in house guests apply.

• Quoted Rates are inclusive of tax and availability is subject to change at time of booking.

• Kindly note that other rates & charges apply should a client opt for an earlier departure than otherwise booked with the above mentioned offer.

For more information kindly contact the Reservations Team at this Luxury Malta Hotel.



Your Spring Mediterranean Getaway

Feast your senses all weekend at the Grand Hotel Excelsior on the doorstep of all the Carnival fun and action.

Click on Image to Enlarge.

This weekend Dine at the Grand Hotel Excelsior and enjoy a lavish themed buffet.

Contact us for more information and bookings on 21250520 or food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt

We look forward to hosting you!

Excelsior Valentine’s Day Passion Cocktail

The Romance of Valentine's Day deserves a Romantic Cocktail to complement it. For St Valentine’s Day the Grand Hotel Excelsior has prepared a Special Drink for Your Romantic Evening.

This Cocktail is made up of Chardonnay Wine mixed with exotic fruits and can be served either warm or chilled. Try it out at one of our Restaurants and Bars at the Grand Hotel Excelsior before proceeding to our Valentine’s Day Dinner - http://bit.ly/gy1JHn.

To book your table for Valentine’s Day kindly call tghe Hotel on 00356 21250520 or visit our Website at: http://www.excelsior.com.mt/. Feel free to also check out Our Valentine Romantic Special Package.

Chinese New Year 2011 Celebrations

Chinese New Year 2011 Celebrations at the Gr and Hotel Excelsior Malta - The Year of the Rabbit

Preparations are underway for the Chinese New Year 2011 Celebrations, the Year of the Rabbit. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta is offering a lavish Dinner Menu tomorrow 2nd February 2011 for the Chinese New Year. For more information kindly contact us on 00356 21250520 or visit our website at: http://www.excelsior.com.mt/.

Chinese New Year 2011 at a Top Luxury Malta Hotel

Grand Celebrations for the 2011 Spring Festival – The Chinese Year of the Rabbit.

VALLETTA, MALTA, January 2011 - On the occasion of the Chinese New Year, The Grand Hotel Excelsior, in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre and Valletta Local Council is organising an Asian Themed Buffet Dinner on the 2nd February at 20.00hrs. This event is one of the many activities organised under the Patronage of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism, the Environment and Culture and the Chinese Embassy in Malta.

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important celebration of the year. Chinese people may celebrate this feast in slightly different ways but their wishes are almost the same; they want their family members and friends to be healthy and lucky during the New Year. This year marks the year of the Rabbit. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste.

Members of the public are welcome to join in the celebratory dinner priced at 35 Euro for adults and half price for children between the ages of 6 and 11. A fireworks display is scheduled to start at 22.00hrs.

Contact the Food and Beverage Team at the Excelsior Hotel Malta on 21 250 520 or on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt for more information and to secure your table for this special event.