Malta's Hidden Gem: Hotel Kennedy Nova Sliema - Unforgettable Stay!
Malta's Hidden Gem: Hotel Kennedy Nova Sliema - My Unforgettable (and Slightly Chaotic) Stay!
Alright, listen up, travel junkies! Because I'm about to spill the beans on a place that snuck its way into my heart (and probably my luggage) – the Hotel Kennedy Nova in Sliema, Malta. Let me tell you, this ain't your cookie-cutter Holiday Inn. This is a quirky, charming, sometimes-a-little-bit-wonky, but ultimately fantastic experience. And if you're looking for a truly Maltese escape, this is where you want to be.
Accessibility: The Verdict (and a Slightly Humorous Observation)
Okay, let's be upfront. Accessibility isn't perfect, BUT, and this is a big but, they try. They have elevators, which is a huge plus in Malta's hilly landscape. I mean, imagine lugging your suitcase up those cobblestone streets! shudders. Now, I didn’t personally need a wheelchair-accessible room, but I saw them. They were there. And honestly, that's better than a lot of places. The staff were genuinely helpful and seemed to genuinely care about making things work.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Adventure (and Sometimes Confusion)
The food! Oh, the food. Let's start with the breakfast buffet. It was good, solid, and a great way to start the day. I’m a sucker for a good buffet, and the Kennedy Nova didn’t disappoint. They had the international staples, the local offerings, and everything in between. They had Western breakfast and Asian breakfast, so it was fine if you wanted to eat something else than a croissant for breakfast. They had coffee/tea in restaurant with tasty coffee and tea. I was personally crazy about their coffee. Breakfast takeaway service? Yes! Essential for those early morning adventures.
(Okay, confession time. One morning, I tried to order an "Asian breakfast" because the menu looked incredible. I ended up with something that was, let’s say, a creative interpretation of Asian cuisine. It was hilariously bad, but in the best way possible. It's those little imperfections that make the place memorable, right?)
Beyond breakfast, the hotel has a decent restaurant with a la carte, buffet, and vegetarian restaurant options. They featured some international cuisine in restaurant. The desserts in restaurant were delicious. They had a bar with a really good happy hour, which meant cocktails by the pool, because, duh! The poolside bar was fantastic! They also have a snack bar where you can grab a quick bite. I'm pretty sure I spent a good chunk of my vacation at the pool.
And the room service [24-hour]? Yes, glorious, 24-hour room service. This is a crucial detail for those late-night cravings or when you just wanna lounge around in your robe (bathtrobes are provided, by the way. So comfy!).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Pampering and Poolside Bliss (and a Near-Disaster with a Body Wrap)
This is where the Kennedy Nova really shines. They've got it all! This place has a beautiful swimming pool! And not just any pool – a pool with a pool with view. The swimming pool [outdoor] is where I spent the majority of my time. Hours were spent sunning, swimming, and ordering cocktails from the poolside bar. Heavenly! You gotta check this one out.
Then there's the spa. They had a sauna, a steamroom, and what I was most excited about, a spa. I opted for the works: a body scrub followed by a body wrap. (I'd been walking around the city all day, and I deserved to be pampered)
(Okay, another confession. The body wrap…well, let's just say it involved a lot of seaweed and me feeling like a beached whale. I was half-expecting a dolphin to come rescue me. My masseuse kept apologizing, but the truth is, I found the whole thing unexpectedly hilarious. That was a funny story!)
They have a gym/fitness center if you are the active type; they have a fitness center. They also have a massage, and a foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Breath of Fresh Air (literally and figuratively)
Alright, in these uncertain times, cleanliness is KEY. And the Kennedy Nova definitely takes it seriously. They use anti-viral cleaning products, have daily disinfection in common areas, and the rooms are rooms sanitized between stays. There was hand sanitizer everywhere (which is a relief), and the staff were always masked up and cautious. The staff trained in safety protocol, so you can tell they know what they're doing!
Rooms: My Cozy Sanctuary (with a View!)
The rooms themselves are a delightful blend of comfort and convenience. Free Wi-Fi? YES. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Blackout curtains? Crucial for sleeping off those daytime cocktails. Coffee/tea maker? Check. Free bottled water? Double check. They were clean, comfortable, and most importantly, they had a view. My window opened (that’s always a plus), and I could see the glittering Mediterranean. Pure bliss. They had non-smoking rooms. They also have additional toilet. The bathroom phone was a nice detail.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Need (and Some You Didn't Know You Did!)
The Kennedy Nova offers a ton of services. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The staff were friendly and always willing to help. They offered concierge and currency exchange. It's a well-oiled machine. They have a luggage storage, and an elevator!
Here’s a quirky detail: they had a convenience store stocked with everything you could possibly need. I bought an emergency bag of chips at 2 am.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun! (and Maybe a Babysitter)
Family/child friendly? Yes! They had babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meal, so good points here!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (with a Few Tips)
Airport transfer? Yes! Highly recommended. Taxi service also available. They have car park, and car park [free of charge].
The Details That Made a Difference (and the Occasional Minor Flaw)
- Cashless payment service: Super convenient.
- Safe dining setup: They took the safety measures seriously, which was very reassuring.
- Invoice provided: Easy for those business travellers.
- Ironing service: Essential. They provided an ironing facilities.
- Laundry service: Saved me from packing a mountain of dirty clothes!
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Security [24-hour]: Peace of mind!
- Smoke alarms: Safety first
- Soundproof rooms: Ah, a good night's sleep!
- Wake-up service: Helps avoid sleeping through breakfast.
- The Minor Flaw: I wish there had been a little more information about local events in the room!
The Verdict: Book it! (Unless You Hate Fun)
Look, the Hotel Kennedy Nova isn't perfect. Nothing is. But it’s got character, charm, and a whole lot of heart. It's a place where you can relax, explore, and create some incredible memories. The staff, the food, the location… it all just comes together to create something special.
Here's what makes it special:
- Quirky charm: It's not a sterile hotel. It's got personality.
- Fantastic pool area: Essential for a Maltese holiday.
- Great location: Close to everything.
- Friendly and helpful staff: They genuinely care.
- Excellent value for money: You get a lot for your money.
My Rating: A solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. I'd absolutely go back. In fact, I'm already planning my return.
This is the Deal:
Malta's Hidden Gem: Hotel Kennedy Nova Sliema - Unforgettable Stay! – Your Slice of Maltese Paradise Awaits!
Here's what you get: (Make your reservation now!)
- Unforgettable Stay & Discounts:
- Book a minimum of 3 nights and get a 15% discount on your stay.
- Receive daily breakfast at the buffet
- Free Wifi In all Rooms!
- Free bonus:
- Free use of outdoor pool
- Free parking (limited spaces available)
- Book now
This is a limited-time offer, so don't miss out! Book your stay at the Hotel Kennedy Nova Sliema today and experience the magic of Malta!
Luxury Ho Chi Minh City Escape: Golden Star's 5-Star Bliss Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your glossy, airbrushed travel brochure. This is the real deal, the messy, glorious, slightly-unhinged itinerary of my Malta adventure, fueled by caffeine and a healthy dose of existential dread (and probably a bit of sunstroke later). Specifically, we’re basing ourselves at the Hotel Kennedy Nova in Sliema, because, you know, somewhere to start!
MALTA MADNESS: A Slightly Chaotic Itinerary (Kennedy Nova Edition!)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Harbour Views (aka Jet Lag is a Bitch)
- Morning (Because "Morning" is relative with jet lag): Landed…ish. Malta airport was a sweaty hug of a welcome. Found the shuttle, which was apparently run by a man who considered "fast" merely a suggestion. Arrived at the Kennedy Nova. Okay, room… decent. Sea view? Yes! Right in front of me. Soaking in the moment until… Wait. Is that construction? Right outside my window? Ugh. This is going to be the soundtrack of my trip, isn't it?
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (Pre-Lunch Meltdown): Attempted to unpack. Failed. Became distracted by the relentless blue of the Mediterranean. Stared at the harbour. Had a brief existential crisis. Why am I even here? What is the meaning of life? (Spoiler: still don't know. But the view is pretty.) Rambled down to the pool, to find the construction noise was more than loud.
- Lunch (Survival Mode): Found a random little cafe near the hotel. Got a Ftira (local Maltese bread) that was actually pretty darn good. Felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this trip wouldn't be a total disaster.
- Afternoon (The Sliema Stroll of Doom): Decided to walk along the Sliema Promenade and see the sites. Immediately got lost. Wound up sweating profusely and cursing the Maltese sun. The promenade is lovely, though. Loads of people, loads of noise, kids laughing, and people enjoying the sun. Then I got a gelato. Worth it.
- Evening (Dinner & Regret): Dinner at a place promising “traditional Maltese cuisine.” Ended up with something that, while flavorful, looked suspiciously like a food baby. Swallowed my pride - and the fish.
- Post Dinner Ramblings (My Brain on Jet Lag): Seriously, the sea air felt so lovely, but so many people. I feel awful. I walked home as if I was in a dream.
Day 2: Valletta – History, Holy Crap & Street Cats
- Morning (Operation "Find the Bus Stop"): The bus system is… a thing. Finally figured out which number to get to Valletta (thank God for Google Maps). The ride? Let's just say it involved a lot of sudden braking and questionable driving. But hey, arrived in Valletta!
- Late Morning (Palazzos & Palaces): Checked out the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Jaw. Dropped. Gold everywhere. Religious art that made me question my own artistic abilities. Spent an hour thinking about all of the artists and their creations. The sheer audacity of the place. Then, walked the city.
- Lunch & "Finding Peace" (At Last): Found a charming little bakery. Stuffed myself with pastizzi (basically, Maltese cheese pastries) and a coffee. Sat in a quiet square and watched the world go by. Ah, finally… a moment of zen.
- Quirky Observation: The street cats in Valletta are practically royalty. Majestic felines lounging in the sun, judging all the tourists. I wouldn't be surprised if they had tiny crowns hidden under their fur.
- Afternoon (The Siege to the Rescue): Went to the Siege Bell War Memorial that overlooks the Grand Harbour. A poignant reminder of Malta's history. It hit me. What the people here have been through. I got a lump in my throat for a while. I'll be back
- Emotional Reaction- Bad: The noise from the construction site back at the hotel? Still there. Oh, my god.
- Evening (Dinner & The Maltese Hustle): Found a restaurant in the city. Met a local artist. Very nice man. The food was great but I did let my guard down and got scammed out of 25 euros. I got some great food, but I'm pretty sure I just got hustled.
Day 3: Gozo – Island Escape (and Ferry Fury)
- Morning (Ferry Fun and Fury): Early start! Gotta catch the ferry to Gozo. Arrived at the ferry terminal to find a sea of humanity. The ferry was packed. The crossing was… choppy. I almost lost my breakfast to the raging sea.
- Mid-Morning (Explore Gozo): Finally arrived. Gozo is gorgeous. Immediately rented a scooter (because I'm apparently fearless).
- Late Morning (The Azure Window): Drove to the former Azure Window site (sadly, collapsed). It was still pretty amazing. The cliffs. the sea. It was incredible. It broke my heart when I think about the locals and those memories.
- Lunch (Local Food): Chose a small restaurant by the sea, had some local fish and seafood. Wonderful!
- Afternoon (Ramble on Gozo): Spent the afternoon driving around Gozo. Saw the Ggantija temples. Lost scooter keys. Found them! A small island but so much to do!
- Evening (Dinner & A Sigh of Relief): Back at the hotel. Dinner. Exhausted. But…happy
- Perfectly Imperfect: The construction noise? Less noticeable today. Maybe I'm getting used to it. Or maybe I'm just too zonked to hear it. Either way, progress!
Day 4: Sliema - Sun, Shopping, and Semi-Sane (Mostly)
- Morning (Pool & Regret): Hung out at the hotel pool. Tried to relax. Kept hearing the construction. Failed. Considered throwing myself in the pool for a moment.
- Late Morning (Shopping Spree – or Disaster?): Walked through the shopping areas. Did some browsing at the market. Bought some souvenirs I'll probably regret later. Stared at the locals. Thought about how they survived all of my terrible decisions.
- Afternoon (Final Walk): Walked to a different part of the coast. Beautiful sea.
- Evening (Dinner and Pre-Packing Panic): Dinner somewhere nice…or cheap. I can't decide. The itinerary is fading. It's all a blur. Packing. Ugh. Then to bed.
Day 5: Departure & Possibly Eternal Melancholy
- Morning (Goodbye Malta!): Wake up. Get airport transfer. Cry.
- Quirky Observation: The construction site is silent. Of course, it is. The universe has a cruel sense of humor.
- Departure: Back to Real Life.
Final Thoughts (Stream of Consciousness):
Malta. It’s… intense. Exhilarating. Exhausting. The history is rich, the people are warm (most of them, anyway!), and the sea is so blue it hurts your eyes. I'm glad I came. Would I come again? Maybe. Yes. Actually, yes. I'd do it all over again. But next time, I'm bringing serious noise-canceling headphones, a Maltese phrasebook, and a healthy dose of denial about the existence of construction… Until next time, Malta!
Escape to Paradise: Starlight Suites - Billiards, PS5, Massage & More!
Hotel Kennedy Nova Sliema: The Raw Truth (and a Few Tips!)
So, is Hotel Kennedy Nova REALLY as good as the hype makes it sound?
Okay, let's be honest. Travel blogs are a lie, right? Everything’s always "magical" and "breathtaking." But... with the Kennedy Nova, there's DEFINITELY something special. It's not about pristine perfection – it's got character, like a slightly chipped teacup that your favorite aunt always uses. I went expecting glamour, and ended up with... connection? Yeah, sounds cheesy, but it's true. It felt less like a hotel, more like a cool relative's apartment you're crashing at.
My room wasn't exactly palatial. Think cosy, with a killer view of the harbor. But the A/C! Sweet baby Jesus, that air conditioning saved me. Malta in August is hotter than a dragon's breath, and I'd be a crispy critter without it.
What's the deal with the location? Close to everything?
Sliema itself? Brilliant! It's right there, on the front, and the Kennedy Nova is basically *on* it. You step out and BAM - the sea. The ferry to Valletta? Five-minute walk. Restaurants? Endless options. I spent my entire trip wandering around, getting delightfully lost, and stumbling on tiny, amazing places to eat. (Try Ta' Kris Restaurant - TRUST ME! The rabbit... oh, the rabbit!)
However... and this is a big 'however' – Sliema is busy. REALLY busy. So, if you're expecting a deserted paradise, think again. But it's a vibrant, living, breathing place, and the hotel offers a bit of a buffer.
The breakfast... Is the breakfast actually worth waking up for?
Breakfast is... an experience. It's not a Michelin-starred buffet, let me tell you. It's a slightly chaotic, but charming, gathering. Think fresh fruit, decent coffee (essential!), pastries that *might* be yesterday's leftovers, but honestly? I didn't care. The view from the breakfast room is gorgeous, and watching the sun come up over the water with a cup of coffee felt... perfect.
Pro-tip: Grab some extra fruit. You'll thank me later, especially after a night fueled by Maltese wine. (And trust me, you WILL be fueled by Maltese wine.)
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
Okay, this is where the Kennedy Nova truly shines. The staff? Absolutely lovely. They weren't just helpful; they were genuinely kind. I had a slight wardrobe malfunction (don't ask!) and the woman at reception not only gave me a sewing kit, she made me tea and chatted like we'd known each other for years. She felt less like a concierge, and more like a friend.
One time, I was utterly lost (again, Malta is beautiful, but I have NO sense of direction) and the guy behind the desk helped me navigate a bus route for a day trip. He even drew me a little map! It felt amazing. That personal touch makes all the difference.
Is there Wifi? And is it any good?
Yes, there is WiFi. And... it's alright. I mean, it's not lightning-fast, but it works. I managed to check emails, upload some (terrible) photos to Instagram, and occasionally annoy my family with video calls. Don't expect to stream Netflix in HD, but it's fine for the essentials. Embrace the digital detox a bit. Malta's gorgeous beauty warrants being present!
Okay, spill the tea: What was the WORST part of your stay?
Alright, alright, I'll be honest. There was ONE small thing. The elevator? Tiny. And occasionally, temperamental. I spent a good ten minutes staring at its blinking "Overload" light trying to figure out how to explain to the front desk that I might, just maybe, weigh more than a small child. And I'm not small. I took the stairs a lot. Good exercise, I guess! And on my last day it broke down completely. But they had a guy right on it. The staff was even apologizing... it's impossible to stay mad at them.
Any major downsides? Things to be aware of?
It's not a luxury hotel, remember? Don't expect a spa or a huge pool. The rooms are a bit basic and not always perfectly clean (a stray hair or two here and there... it happens!). Also, Sliema is noisy at night. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
OH! And parking? Good luck. Seriously. Street parking is a nightmare. But hey, you're probably not going to rent a car anyway. Malta is easily navigated via bus or ferry. I almost fell apart when I saw a car parked on the sidewalk.
Would you go back? (And, more importantly, would YOU recommend it?)
Absolutely. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The Kennedy Nova isn't perfect, but that's the point! It's real, it's charming, and it's got heart. It's not pretentious and it's not trying to be something it's not. You're not just getting a room; you're getting an experience.
And, yes, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a truly authentic taste of Malta. If you're looking for a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel… look elsewhere. But if you want a friendly place with loads of character, where you feel welcomed from the minute you walk in, the Kennedy Nova is your place. Now, I need to go back. Just thinking about that view makes me want to book a flight!
