Blue Sea Santa Maria 3 ouf of 5
Bugibba, Malta

Me and the other half stayed in June 2014 for 10 days. On arrival our room was not ready due to our flight landing early "apparently" and we were told it would be half an hour. So we accepted that and explored around a bit. After about 45 minutes, we dragged our exhausted bodies up the hill to the reception area and were told it was still not ready. And the blame was pushed upon us. Our room was okay, we allegedly got an upgrade but did not feel we did. But we accepted. The facilities in the room were all there and clean. The bathroom was a good size and fully stocked with amenities. Location was excellent, as we were half board we were always looking to get out the hotel at night - only problem was all the hills but that's obviously not the hotels fault! Our food was a hit and miss for us, breakfast was always good and hearty but dinner was the issue. We never had a bad sleep - even with the sunburn my other half had! Wifi signal was storngest in the lobby area. Getting a sun lounger was easy and quick service at the bar for ice-cream. Personally, I would not stay here again, but that is not due to the hotel. I would recommend it to anyone for a cheap break and doesn't need a lot of modern amenities.

Returned to this hotel for second time , this time doing half board. I found the food choices for every meal amazing , and the quality and quantity were superb , this has surely got to be amongst the best self service dining I have ever seen ! The spotlessly clean rooms , hotel and surrounds are a pleasure , I had a lovely apartment , with lounge , kitchen bedroom and bathroom , linen changed daily and nothing too much trouble for the charming staff. The evening entertainment and pool /sports etc. seemed much better than last year , but personally I enjoyed going to outside entertainment in the evenings .They did a beautiful floral display in the Foyer for Valentines day , which many couples took advantage of to take their romantic photos ! Was very nice and very thoughtful . Free wi-fi in reception area , but small charge for connection in other areas . Hotel is in an area amongst plenty of shops , bars , restaurants and all amenities ,good entertainment close by , yet rooms are very quiet and sound is not a problem. Also just a few minutes walk takes you to beaches, harbour and all sea front shops, bars and restaurants , so couldnt be better situated. Nice clean pools , but you have to be up early to get towels out on sunbeds ( he he ) as tend to be all reserved ! Only drawback is slope leading to entrance and reception , which is quite long and steep ! Would recommend with confidence , lovely stay .

Stayed in the Santa Maria once again, Booked through Holidays4u.org and got a nice little apartment overlooking the pool with sun all day. Initially had a small problem with the couch in the apartment but emailed Karen Durant who runs the show and in no time the problem was sorted, so thankyou Karen, hotel staff still nice and friendly and hotel itself is still very clean, We have never tried the food at the hotel because we always go self catering so I cannot comment on this matter. My wife and I have used this hotel 14 or 15 times now so I think that says it all. The only down side of the hotel is their Wi Fi, it is so slow to the point that you would be quicker sending a pidgeon rather than an email. The Northstar bar is still the place to eat with a lovely setting overlooking Colon harbor also try bar Keep Smiling, a nice young couple have taken this bar over and although they don't do food they try their best to make you welcome. It is located just outside Sunset Harbour next to Jamies. Beware of Jamies bar, I complained twice about a dirty glass he had given my wife and he asked my wife and I to leave and don't come back, that is how we found out about Keep Smiling which is right next door and the difference is night and day so thankyou Jamie for putting us out. If you are looking for a nice meal and good value try Gordon Ramneys just down the hill from the Santa Maria, it has new owners and has been refurbished and at 7.95 euros for a three coarse meal it was excellent in both quality and quantity and the service was pretty good as well. Well for all you weary travellers I hope your next holiday is your best holiday. Bye

This is the second time my friend and I have stayed at this hotel. We were half board in January 2015 and it is reasonably priced, we really enjoy coming here. The staff are very friendly, the food is good for a 3 Star, and the hotel is in a very good location. We will definitely be back.