Urban Valley Resort & Spa Shuttle Bus Service
Urban Valley Resort & Spa Shuttle Bus Service Pictures & Reviews (San Gwann, Malta)
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Does the shuttle bus at Urban Valley & Spa run in November?
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Oct 2023
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We stayed at the resort for 10 days in July 2023.
The location of the hotel is as described “Urban” and there are no shops or restaurants etc in the vicinity, you either have to take a bus but the bus stops are not near to the hotel and walking in a heat wave is not ideal, we had to take an Uber most of the time to take us into Sliema, although, the cost of Uber is very reasonable the cost does add up. In addition, there is a shuttle services to and from the hotel but this is limited and only starts from 9am.
During our stay we had three power cuts, although the hotel has its own back up generator it cannot power the air conditioners during a power cut, the first power cut left us without air con over night and the hotel do not provide fans, the temperature that night was 35 degrees Celsius and we did not get any sleep, the other two power cuts left us without air con for about four hours, the hotel needs to look into a backup that can also manage the air con systems.
Restaurant, one night we waited for 2 hours for our steaks to arrive, when it did it was dry and over cooked, not sure why this took so long taking onto account that we were only one of three tables being served at the time and that the restaurant was not busy.
The resort has two outside shallow swimming pools, the problem is that this is also open for non-residence to book day vouchers and the pool areas become very busy and noisy, I am not sure why the resort is open to non-residents during the busy season taking onto account that the hotel was fully occupied, I can understand that they need to generate additional revenue during the non-busy periods but not during peak summer period, there was also a strong smell of sewage by the pool area.
The staff were very pleasant and helpful and the room was exceptionally clean.
The location of the hotel is as described “Urban” and there are no shops or restaurants etc in the vicinity, you either have to take a bus but the bus stops are not near to the hotel and walking in a heat wave is not ideal, we had to take an Uber most of the time to take us into Sliema, although, the cost of Uber is very reasonable the cost does add up. In addition, there is a shuttle services to and from the hotel but this is limited and only starts from 9am.
During our stay we had three power cuts, although the hotel has its own back up generator it cannot power the air conditioners during a power cut, the first power cut left us without air con over night and the hotel do not provide fans, the temperature that night was 35 degrees Celsius and we did not get any sleep, the other two power cuts left us without air con for about four hours, the hotel needs to look into a backup that can also manage the air con systems.
Restaurant, one night we waited for 2 hours for our steaks to arrive, when it did it was dry and over cooked, not sure why this took so long taking onto account that we were only one of three tables being served at the time and that the restaurant was not busy.
The resort has two outside shallow swimming pools, the problem is that this is also open for non-residence to book day vouchers and the pool areas become very busy and noisy, I am not sure why the resort is open to non-residents during the busy season taking onto account that the hotel was fully occupied, I can understand that they need to generate additional revenue during the non-busy periods but not during peak summer period, there was also a strong smell of sewage by the pool area.
The staff were very pleasant and helpful and the room was exceptionally clean.
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Room Tip: The pool areas get very busy and noisy as non residents can book day visits.
Power cuts are a...
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Dear falconrm,
Thank you for taking the time to review our resort. We are very disappointed to read that we did not live up to your expectations. We have noted your feedback and will looking into this with the respective departments.
My apologies about the power cuts. That week was one out of the ordinary with the disruptions we suffered from the electrical company due to the high temperatures recorded.
I will also be looking into your comments about the delay in service with our restaurant manager. Once again our apologies for the inconvenience caused.
We are ensuring the pool day memberships are kept to a minimum. We also have two members of staff making sure the pools are kept tranquil and in pristine condition.
Thank you for your kind comments about out staff and rooms.
I would be more than glad to discuss your comments further or be of any assistance.
Yours Hospitably,
Brian Calleja
General Manager
Thank you for taking the time to review our resort. We are very disappointed to read that we did not live up to your expectations. We have noted your feedback and will looking into this with the respective departments.
My apologies about the power cuts. That week was one out of the ordinary with the disruptions we suffered from the electrical company due to the high temperatures recorded.
I will also be looking into your comments about the delay in service with our restaurant manager. Once again our apologies for the inconvenience caused.
We are ensuring the pool day memberships are kept to a minimum. We also have two members of staff making sure the pools are kept tranquil and in pristine condition.
Thank you for your kind comments about out staff and rooms.
I would be more than glad to discuss your comments further or be of any assistance.
Yours Hospitably,
Brian Calleja
General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel is in a quiet upmarket area in Malta. Not a lot around and the local 'Lidl' supermarket is a vertical uphill 10-15 walk so not great for anyone who is not mobile. We nearly broke our backs carrying litres of water/wine/soft drinks.
This hotel is NOT finished. No spa yet, blocks still to be completed - although the blocks that are complete are top notch in terms of secure, safe and beautiful inside.
Literally everything is pristine because it is brand new.
Pro's
Stunning rooms
Free Sunbed towels and safety deposit box
Fluffy robes and slippers in rooms
Rooms cleaned daily
Air con best ever
Tea/coffee making facilities
Fridge in room
Fantastic food in restaurant in the evening
Breakfast nice but limited (no omelettes)
Plenty free Sunbeds
Polite and friendly staff
Room service available
Free wifi everywhere - great signal strength
The mattresses - wow. Must have shares in Simba 😄
Cons
You can not sunbathe topless!! It's illegal in Malta
Superior room nice but junior suites are fantastic and 100% better
On arrival we were asked for a €540 pre auth deposit - I guess so we don't damage/steal things or not pay bill?! Stayed at many 5 star resorts and NEVER had to pay a pre auth when I've already shelled out for the room!!! Of course we paid it - but to see the debit amount come off my available balance the following day pissed me off.
Taxi driver took us to the back of the hotel - which apparently they all do - meaning a walk round the hotel carting your luggage to the reception area.
Taxi to nearest place is about €10 but you can get an early shuttle from the hotel - if you want to go for the night then you pay for a taxi...
Hotel is on a street with many other private villas - so very quiet and not that well lit at night.
All in all would I recommend? Yes. It's a stunning example of a 4 star and the hotel is new and still finding its feet. Think this will be an awesome choice when it is finished.
This hotel is NOT finished. No spa yet, blocks still to be completed - although the blocks that are complete are top notch in terms of secure, safe and beautiful inside.
Literally everything is pristine because it is brand new.
Pro's
Stunning rooms
Free Sunbed towels and safety deposit box
Fluffy robes and slippers in rooms
Rooms cleaned daily
Air con best ever
Tea/coffee making facilities
Fridge in room
Fantastic food in restaurant in the evening
Breakfast nice but limited (no omelettes)
Plenty free Sunbeds
Polite and friendly staff
Room service available
Free wifi everywhere - great signal strength
The mattresses - wow. Must have shares in Simba 😄
Cons
You can not sunbathe topless!! It's illegal in Malta
Superior room nice but junior suites are fantastic and 100% better
On arrival we were asked for a €540 pre auth deposit - I guess so we don't damage/steal things or not pay bill?! Stayed at many 5 star resorts and NEVER had to pay a pre auth when I've already shelled out for the room!!! Of course we paid it - but to see the debit amount come off my available balance the following day pissed me off.
Taxi driver took us to the back of the hotel - which apparently they all do - meaning a walk round the hotel carting your luggage to the reception area.
Taxi to nearest place is about €10 but you can get an early shuttle from the hotel - if you want to go for the night then you pay for a taxi...
Hotel is on a street with many other private villas - so very quiet and not that well lit at night.
All in all would I recommend? Yes. It's a stunning example of a 4 star and the hotel is new and still finding its feet. Think this will be an awesome choice when it is finished.
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Room Tip: Get a junior suite - bigger and has a kitchen area
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excellent food with a huge choice. Lovely helpful staff who cannot do enough for you. Great room with views of the pool. Easy to get into Valletta or Sliema using the hotel’s shuttle bus or local transport. Whole hotel was really clean, staff worked really hard to maintain it.
Would say don’t use hop on hop off buses - be adventurous and use the cheap local transport. St John’s Cathedral is a must to visit.
Would say don’t use hop on hop off buses - be adventurous and use the cheap local transport. St John’s Cathedral is a must to visit.
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Room Tip: Ask for a valley view. Junior suites are amazing.
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded Nov 1, 2019
Dear Cate T,
Thank you for taking the time to review and let us know about your recent stay at Urban Valley Resort & Spa. This is exactly the type of experience we strive to create for each and every guest. I am delighted to hear that we were able to create lasting memory with us.
It is also a pleasure to read that our team members made such a positive impression on you and that we could assist in making your stay a memorable one.
I look forward to welcome you back soon with us.
Kindest regards
Alexander Falzon
Quality Assurance Manager
Thank you for taking the time to review and let us know about your recent stay at Urban Valley Resort & Spa. This is exactly the type of experience we strive to create for each and every guest. I am delighted to hear that we were able to create lasting memory with us.
It is also a pleasure to read that our team members made such a positive impression on you and that we could assist in making your stay a memorable one.
I look forward to welcome you back soon with us.
Kindest regards
Alexander Falzon
Quality Assurance Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here with my daughter for a week, an amazing hotel! We arrived around lunch time and were told our room wasn’t ready till 3, explained we had been travelling for such a long time, the receptionist Rebecca then went out of her way to get us another room straight away! The room was fabulous; spotless and had plenty of space. The pool area was also spotless-with no rushing for sun-beds of a morning. The breakfast was delicious with a good variety. All staff were very friendly, zeeshan the bartender at the pool and the bartender in the thistle bar. We would definitely stay here again, however the only downside was the location of the hotel. As we weren’t all inclusive, we travelled in to Sliema (the centre) every day, in both the afternoon and evening to try different restaurants and explore the centre more rather than just staying in the hotel all day, in doing so, we spent an extra 200 euros on Ubers in a week. The hotel does however offer a shuttle bus every day but it runs only at 9am and 9.30am, which didn’t suit us. We did also try walking but this was not possible in the heat. Overall we had a fabulous holiday and would return.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Niamh M wrote a review Sep 2019
Newry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom5 contributions7 helpful votesThe Hotel Room
The hotel room looked fabulous. We were in room 5106. It was a generous size and very tastefully decorated. It was very clean and the bed was comfortable. Unfortunately, I found the air conditioning to be very poor and not very powerful at all which lead to overall very poor sleep quality. I didnt say anything to reception as we would probably have to more rooms, which would be a big upheaval, and several encounters with staff have been quite stressful (see "service" paragraph below)
The Pool/Facilities
There are two pools and plenty of sunbeds. The hotel allows locals to attend the pool for a fee (and the hotel will then give a wristband to them). I found this to be quite odd as I have never seen this happen in a hotel before as in my opinion- it should be a private pool for residents only. I was unaware that it was used as a public pool.
Please note that the hotel is still having work done so there are builders around the place and some drilling etc. I didnt find it overly bothersome or noisy, but the lift broke down on one of our days there.
Location & Transport
When we booked the hotel, we were aware that the hotel was in a more "rural" area, so we knew to rent a car in advance of the trip. This didnt bother me as I believe the location of the hotel was reflected in the price we paid (it was considerably cheaper compared to a more centrally located hotel).
The shuttle times for the shuttle to Valetta/ St Johns/ St Julian's were very poor, some with only one journey and no return trips. There is a maximum of 8 seats per shuttle and needed to book well in advance so it was not ideal to rely on this.
Getting a taxi around is not overly expensive either. However, I would avoid using the taxi recommended by the hotel as I found it approximately 33% more expensive since than e-cabs. Download the e-cabs app in your phone (like uber) and it will make your life so much easier to get around Malta.
Dining
Breakfast at the hotel was mediocre. The bread/toaster/fruit juice section was crammed into one corner of the restaurant and as a result would become extremely crowded. I would recommend the fruit juices be moved to the fresh fruit area to leave room for a second toaster.
On one occasion, we were shown a seat by the manager(?) but then it was taken by other guests when we went up to the buffet. I would recommend a system/reserved sign to prevent this from happening in future. Myself and my partner had to take turns going up to the buffet for the rest of the trip which meant there were interruptions in eating together. The breakfast food was ok, the turkey sausages were terrible. I am aware there are some of us who do not eat pork, so I would suggest perhaps putting both pork sausages and turkey sausages on the menu daily if turkey sausages are honestly required.
The people serving coffee only approached us on two mornings of our 6 night stay. We found out that you could order a cappuccino, but you needed to pay a 2 euro supplement for this and it was from one odd the automatic machines (not from an actual barista). I've never had to pay extra for a latte/coffee from a machine at the breakfast of a resort before.
We had room service which was lovely, but the person delivering it forgot our beer so had to make a return trip when we were in the middle of dinner.
We also had the buffet dinner in the Silver Herron which was decent bearing it mind it was buffet food.
Service
Here it is - the main problem with the hotel. Before I start, I must say that all staff dealing with us were very polite, but perhaps need more training. I felt like everything we asked for had something wrong with it - we always needed to send something back or ask twice for what we wanted, which caused fuss and overall made the experience quite stressful for us.
1. Asked for diet coke - brought down but had to ask for ice to go with it which had to be brought down separately.
2. Double espresso - using the same coffee for the second shot instead of putting fresh coffee in
3. Americano ordered - no milk came down with order. Asked for milk, came down filled to the brim in a customised shot glass for "Kym best may 2019" (why are hotel using this for guests???) when my partner poured some milk in, of course it went all over the place as it was in inappropriate container for the milk
4. No limes for several days, which is required for most of the cocktails on the cocktail menu
5. Ordering a drink to put on the room at the pool bar. We were told we didnt have any credit on the room, when we did. Finally got sorted with another staff member.
6. When we arrived to the hotel to check in, we were handed a letter instead of being verbally told of the amenities at the hotel. We weren't even told were the restaurant was or the breakfast times.
These all sound like very small things, but they start to get very annoying when they happen in 90% of your dealings with the staff in the hotel. Of course, this isnt a complete list of the problems we had - but merely a handful of inconveniences we experienced when we stayed.
Conclusion
Overall, there are plenty of opportunities to improve. The hotel is actually fabulous, but the service lets it down. I feel with some minor improvements and staff training, the hotel would have 5 stars.
The hotel room looked fabulous. We were in room 5106. It was a generous size and very tastefully decorated. It was very clean and the bed was comfortable. Unfortunately, I found the air conditioning to be very poor and not very powerful at all which lead to overall very poor sleep quality. I didnt say anything to reception as we would probably have to more rooms, which would be a big upheaval, and several encounters with staff have been quite stressful (see "service" paragraph below)
The Pool/Facilities
There are two pools and plenty of sunbeds. The hotel allows locals to attend the pool for a fee (and the hotel will then give a wristband to them). I found this to be quite odd as I have never seen this happen in a hotel before as in my opinion- it should be a private pool for residents only. I was unaware that it was used as a public pool.
Please note that the hotel is still having work done so there are builders around the place and some drilling etc. I didnt find it overly bothersome or noisy, but the lift broke down on one of our days there.
Location & Transport
When we booked the hotel, we were aware that the hotel was in a more "rural" area, so we knew to rent a car in advance of the trip. This didnt bother me as I believe the location of the hotel was reflected in the price we paid (it was considerably cheaper compared to a more centrally located hotel).
The shuttle times for the shuttle to Valetta/ St Johns/ St Julian's were very poor, some with only one journey and no return trips. There is a maximum of 8 seats per shuttle and needed to book well in advance so it was not ideal to rely on this.
Getting a taxi around is not overly expensive either. However, I would avoid using the taxi recommended by the hotel as I found it approximately 33% more expensive since than e-cabs. Download the e-cabs app in your phone (like uber) and it will make your life so much easier to get around Malta.
Dining
Breakfast at the hotel was mediocre. The bread/toaster/fruit juice section was crammed into one corner of the restaurant and as a result would become extremely crowded. I would recommend the fruit juices be moved to the fresh fruit area to leave room for a second toaster.
On one occasion, we were shown a seat by the manager(?) but then it was taken by other guests when we went up to the buffet. I would recommend a system/reserved sign to prevent this from happening in future. Myself and my partner had to take turns going up to the buffet for the rest of the trip which meant there were interruptions in eating together. The breakfast food was ok, the turkey sausages were terrible. I am aware there are some of us who do not eat pork, so I would suggest perhaps putting both pork sausages and turkey sausages on the menu daily if turkey sausages are honestly required.
The people serving coffee only approached us on two mornings of our 6 night stay. We found out that you could order a cappuccino, but you needed to pay a 2 euro supplement for this and it was from one odd the automatic machines (not from an actual barista). I've never had to pay extra for a latte/coffee from a machine at the breakfast of a resort before.
We had room service which was lovely, but the person delivering it forgot our beer so had to make a return trip when we were in the middle of dinner.
We also had the buffet dinner in the Silver Herron which was decent bearing it mind it was buffet food.
Service
Here it is - the main problem with the hotel. Before I start, I must say that all staff dealing with us were very polite, but perhaps need more training. I felt like everything we asked for had something wrong with it - we always needed to send something back or ask twice for what we wanted, which caused fuss and overall made the experience quite stressful for us.
1. Asked for diet coke - brought down but had to ask for ice to go with it which had to be brought down separately.
2. Double espresso - using the same coffee for the second shot instead of putting fresh coffee in
3. Americano ordered - no milk came down with order. Asked for milk, came down filled to the brim in a customised shot glass for "Kym best may 2019" (why are hotel using this for guests???) when my partner poured some milk in, of course it went all over the place as it was in inappropriate container for the milk
4. No limes for several days, which is required for most of the cocktails on the cocktail menu
5. Ordering a drink to put on the room at the pool bar. We were told we didnt have any credit on the room, when we did. Finally got sorted with another staff member.
6. When we arrived to the hotel to check in, we were handed a letter instead of being verbally told of the amenities at the hotel. We weren't even told were the restaurant was or the breakfast times.
These all sound like very small things, but they start to get very annoying when they happen in 90% of your dealings with the staff in the hotel. Of course, this isnt a complete list of the problems we had - but merely a handful of inconveniences we experienced when we stayed.
Conclusion
Overall, there are plenty of opportunities to improve. The hotel is actually fabulous, but the service lets it down. I feel with some minor improvements and staff training, the hotel would have 5 stars.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
…
Questions & answers about the shuttle bus serviceRead all questions and answers
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I didn’t use it, however I believe it’s all year round. You do have to book though, at least one day before
Dear Ms. Ward,
Thanks for your message.
Kindly note that the shuttle service schedule may change subject to the demand and availability at the time of stay, whilst with regards to the dining options, our outdoor restaurant will be operating weather permitting.
Face masks are to be worn in indoor public spaces as required by the local health authorities.
Kindly note that we have limited spaces for day by the pool members to ensure that enough sunbeds are available for in-house guests, whilst offering a tranquil area. This is done in accordance with the measures imposed by the local health authorities.
St. James Hospital and Brown's Pharmacies offer the services for a PCR test. These are reachable with a few minutes by car from the resort.
We do cater for coeliac and can prepare gluten free options accordingly.
Should you require further information, feel free to contact us on reservations@urbanvalleyresort
Thanks and regards,
Sarah Marie Grech
Sales & Events Manager
Dear Susanh,
The complimentary shuttle bus from Valletta leaves at 19:30. The last public transport bus from Valletta is at 22:00 (bus number 24). After 11pm, the only option is a taxi, which the hotel reception can arrange for you if necessary.
Hope this answer will find you well.
Kind regards,
Jovita Gendvile
Duty Manager
Hi check in for me was 15.00. I arrived very early so it was slightly disappointing.
Shuttle times vary and may change. Sort of hourly into valetta and sliema in the morning. Returns typically less frequent. No late returns (19.00 return was latest) so its a taxi or bus. There was a 21.30 into St Julians but no returns...
Dear Resort51058494868,
The resort is conveniently located just 2 mins away from the nearest bus stop and 15 minutes away by bus from our capital city Valletta.
The resort also operates a complimentary shuttle service to Valletta, Sliema and St. Julian's at various scheduled timings (09.30hrs, 10.30hrs, 11.30hrs and 12.30hrs to Valletta and 13.00hrs and 19.30hrs from Valletta)
We trust you find this information useful. Should you require further information, feel free to contact us on reception@urbanvalleyresort
Thank you,
Sarah Marie Grech
Sales & Events Manager