Final notes for anyone considering Malta

Here are a few random notes about visiting Malta and Gozo for anyone who found this blog in their efforts to learn more about vacationing there....

• If staying at the Hilton in St. Julian's, don't be afraid to go outside the hotel for lunch or dinner. We discovered several very yummy establishments in the Paceville area. The hotel buffets run about $100 (US) a night for a couple, whereas we were able to get filet mignon, salads, and pasta for under $50 for the two of us at restaurants outside the hotel.
  
• Don't be surprised if there are no toilet seats in the public restrooms! This was quite frustrating at times (especially in Sicily).
• When ordering water, you will almost always be asked if you want fizzy or still. "Still" water is what we would consider just regular bottled water in the US. They do not bring water to the table automatically - you must request and purchase it.
• You can find pizza and pasta in most restaurants - and it is very good! The pizzas are wood fired with thin crust and may have things on them like peas, corn or even sliced hard boiled eggs! Don't be afraid to try something that sounds unusual! We had an artichoke heart, mushroom, onion, tomato, corn, and pea pizza that was great!
• English is the official language and we did not find anyone who did not know how to speak it. I overheard a 12 year old boy on a bus talking about how Maltese and English are required subjects for them in school.
  
• Don't be afraid to take the public transportation system (buses). A trip from St. Julian's to Mdina was .50c (approx. $1.60) in Maltese Lira and would likely have been Lm 10.00 (almost $34.00 US) if we had taken a taxi! They are very convenient and run often between the main cities. The hotel concierge can provide a schedule.
• Although we read that topless sun bathing was frowned upon, there were at least one or two women doing it at the adult only pool each day.
• There were family pools and adult only pools at both the Kempinski Hotel in Gozo and the Hilton in Malta. This was very nice for those of us who just wanted to relax without getting splashed or listening to the excited screams from the little ones.
• Shop around when exchanging money. The hotel typically does not offer the best rates.
• The Museum of Archeology, St. John's Co-Cathedral and "Maltese Experience" are must-sees in Valletta.
  
• If asked to choose between the Hilton and the Westin in St. Julian's, I would definitely go with the Hilton again. I had spent some time researching to determine which was the best 5-star hotel and believe that we indeed chose the best one.
  
• You don't need an expensive tour guide to get the most out of Valletta and Mdina. There are maps of walking tours that are easy to read and you can move at your own pace.
  
• You can arrange for transportation to and from the airport (or anywhere else) through the hotel and they will just charge it to the room for you.
  
• Because it was under British rule for so long, cars drive on the left side of the road. I would never rent a car in Malta! I make this statement not only because they drive on the left, but also because they are crazy drivers and the streets are extremely windy and not well marked. The public transportation system is so good that you really should not need a car, anyway.
  
• The clubs in the Paceville area are everywhere and are very, very busy! Many allow entrance to those age 16 and above, so most of the patrons are quite young. I believe that the legal drinking age is 18 for foreigners in Malta.
  
• If you like really good wine, don't expect much from the Maltese wines. They are still learning.
• There are lots of geckos running around. They are harmless and sort of cute.
• There are also cats just wandering around and lounging in the sun. They don't seem to be feral and can actually be quite friendly.
  
• There were grocery stores close to both hotels and small refrigerators in the room. We were able to purchase water and snacks, but beware of ants if you leave food out. One frustrating point about the Hilton (probably the only negative thing I can say) was that they did not allow you to bring your own water to the pool - you had to order it from one of the wandering waitresses. A large bottle of water cost over $12 US.
  
• You will need an electrical adaptor if you plan to bring any electronics. It is the same as what you would need for England.
  
• Although the hotel websites say that there are hairdryers in the room, I swear that my husband could blow on my hair and dry it faster than the hairdryers that are provided. You may want to consider bringing your own.
  
• The spa services were priced very comparable or even slightly less than those in Seattle.