MAY 2018
MEREDITH AND STEVE GOOLWA
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

What a wonderful place

We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your gorgeous house. I am so glad to have found it on Airbnb. The location is perfect for exploring Valletta and there are so many wonderful restaurants to choose from. We particularly liked The ArtisanBaker and El Capitano. As we arrived late it was fantastic to be welcomed by Salah and to find a bottle of wine and biscuits for us. We certainly needed them! We love all the artistic detail in the house and found it a cery cosy abode for our 9 days here.

Thanks for a short, but lovely stay in your fantastic house! We slept like kings and queens. We only wish we had more time to experience the house instead of sightseeing around Valletta. Next time we will make sure to make this our base for exploring Malta!

The G house did not disappoint

Every bit as good as the first time if not better

Perfect Location!

Beautiful, unique stay at a 16th century B&B

Fabulous time, thank you.

Restaurants:
Rubino – Old Bakery St. – fabulous!
Rampila – Didn’t eat but looked great. Nice view.
Legligin (St Lucia Street) – An absolute must! No menu. They just feed you 9 to 10 courses for €25 !
Piccolo Padre (Sliema) – worth waiting for a table on the terrace. Graet pizza. Pizza with Maltese sausage was delicious.
Terrone (Marsaxlokk) – A quick bus ride to this small town to visit the Sunday fish market. Small plates to share – tuna tartar and grilled octapus amazing. On the harbour.

Buses are great here – €2, 2 hours – pay the driver.
Blue Lagoon trp – we got the 7:40 bus (#42) – 1hr 20 m, arrived for the 9:10 ferry from Cirkewwa to Blue Lagoon. This gets you there before al the tours – Get a deckchair because 8 m. people are about to arrive! You can get lunch food + beer there at reasonable prices.
St. John’s co Cathedral – stunning! Worth it to see the Caravaggio too.

Thanks to Joseph and Aldo! Fabulous time, thank you.

A great first visit to Malta.

Friday 23rd September – last day in Malta. It’s the end of 5 days in Malta, my first visit. I would definitely recommend staying in Valletta, and the G-House, over any other location on the island.

Day 1 – Late arrival, and dinner in Mdina. Superb setting
Day 2 – lazy start and great boat crossing across to the three cities. Highly recommend individual boats (not ferry), worth the €20. Dinner – excellent supper @ Rubino.
Day 3 – Gozo… Public transport to Cirkewwa – took 1hr 20 mins in crowded bus, then just missed ferry so had to wait 45 mins for next one. Taxi to Marsalforn for nice lunch, then bus back to ferry for return journey. Overall – if you are here for a short stay, I would not recommend the trip.
Day 4 – Ferry to Sliema, and boat cruise to Blue Lagoon. Captain Morgan cruise, although crowded, was excellent value – €20 incl all drinks and light lunch. Dinner @ Caviar & Bull – modern setting. When booking, make sure you ask for table on terrace.
Day 5 – off to west coast (Dingli) for the day before flight.

A great first visit to Malta. Thanks for the suggestions, and thank you Joe for welcoming us here.

So much to do and see.

Had a great time in Malta. So much to do and see. We were busy everyday in Valletta and beyond.

Would recommend Palazzo Preca for eating – just next to M&S Food in lane between Republic St & Old Bakery St.

…we decided to be different and stay at the G-House! Good decision; it’s quirky and has character…

We were here in Malta for a wedding. The family stayed in St Julian’s Bay but we decided to be different and stay at the G-House! Good decision; it’s quirky and has character, and I’ve hit my head several times on the arched ceiling in the kitchen!

For restaurants, we recommend Old Bakery Street, especially ‘Capistrano‘. We ate there twice and found it excellent. Much better than eating on the pavement in Republic Street, and cheaper too!

Also Anglo- Maltese League Cafe in Merchants street. Very traditional home cooked food. We visited Lascaris War Rooms, worth a look. The Aviation Museum at Ta’ Qali – it’s on the route to the North bus sightseeing tour. Mdina is exceptionally good.

Superb week in Malta. Brilliant visits ti Hagar Qim, Vittoriosa, Senglea, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Master’s Palace and the south coast. Loved the position of the apartment and the local bars and restaurants. Incredible Fort St Elmo Military Museum and Sacra Infermeria.

Excellent welcome and advice from Joseph. Recommend Scoglitti Restaurant and Cafe Sicilia in particular.

A wonderful stay in Malta in a beautiful apartment. Joseph gave us a warm welcome and was brilliant throughout our stay. Our favourite spots were the ancient temples of Hagar Qim and an evening in Mdina (after the crowds have gone) which was a beautiful peaceful city. Bacchus has a great atmosphere in private gardens with wonderful food. Also worth going to the War Museum for a great tour of Maltese History from the time of the Knights right up to the Second World War and beyond.

Combined with our stay on  Gozo, Malta has been a wonderful place to visit.

We really loved your very stylish apartment. Rubino Restaurant was our favourite for eating. The Megalithic ruins were fascinating. We do not recommend Rolling Geeks Tours in the Three Cities. I normally avoid that kind of thing and did it for Father’s Day and regretted it.

Another highlight was s small Italian cafe/bar with outdoor screen on steps by St Paul’s Shipwreck church where we joined throngs to watch Euro 2016.

Best thing – this apartment. Thanks.

We loved the whole feel of Valletta G-House. We felt comfortable from the moment we stepped through the door! The ‘welcome basket’ was a very ‘welcome’ surprise and, as we arrived late, meant that we had food for breakfast 🙂 The decor is delightful and the bed very comfortable (always important)! Valletta was very busy so we really appreciated having a sanctuary at the ‘quiet’ end of Republic Street. After eight days of running up and down the stairs at ‘home’ as well as in the streets of Valletta, we arrived home much fitter than when we left!! 😉 All in all, staying at the G-House enhanced our whole experience of Malta.

I recently returned from Valletta, where I was visiting for business purposes. I originally chose the Valletta G-House for its proximity to the Mediterranean Conference Centre, but it turned out to be a terrific decision, and I would return in a heartbeat. Every attention to detail has been considered in the house, and every time I thought, “I wish I had a…”, I looked around, and there it was. I especially loved having access to a kitchen (and what a lovely kitchen it is!). My routine became picking up a little pastry while I was on one of my many excursions, and then enjoying it the next morning with self-brewed espresso while planning my day. The bedroom in the house is so much larger than you would have in a hotel, and there were books galore to delve into (including several cookbooks of local cuisine, which I made great use of). It also made a splendid ‘base of operations’ where I could sit at the end of the day, put together my notes from the day, and review what was in store for the next day. The house itself is situated between two of the main retail streets (although down on the quieter end). I acquainted myself with the little shops selling groceries and other necessities, and several little coffee shops as well. Valletta is pretty quiet in the evenings (although, I was there in November, so I can’t attest to what it’s like during the high season), and I wandered around at night quite a bit, never feeling even a glimmer of unease in doing so. As a woman traveling alone, this was a really big deal, as it would have made my work there more difficult if I had not felt like I could travel around freely on my own. Valletta has much to see, and I am looking forward to my next trip to discover even more. I would not hesitate in the least in repeating my accommodation choice in the G-House. Thank you to Aldo and Joseph for making my stay so memorable.

Aldo & Co,

Thanks for an excellent stay. We hope to come back again soon.

Nick and Steve

HOT. 23-28°C most days. Lovely place to stay. Got used to the stairs eventually! Lots to see, not enough time this year. Aquarium good, cafe too. King’s Own Band Club top end of Republic St. good for lunch. M&S of course. Check the leaflets in the book-box. Get a week’s bus ticket-card and away you go. A very good bus service all over Malta. Use it! Local shops up the street (turn left at Republic Street), useful and cheap. Not the first one – use the one with the fruit & veg outside. All very helpful, in English. Buy a Heritage Malta ticket at the StateRooms and Armoury desk. Well worth it. €76 for two oldies over 60. Buy bottled water. Tap water tastes yuck! Beware large food portions!!

Fabulous 8 day stay. Loved the house!

Hugely recommend Capistrano in Old Bakery Street for dinner. Trabuxu wine bar in Strait St. is great for a casual meal in the evening. Highlights for us were a visit to Gozo; wondering around Vittoriosa (after crossing the harbour in a traditional boat which leaves just down from the ferry and a tour of the Malta at War Museum, Vittoriosa, the hypogeum + Marsaxlokk!

Would love more time here!!

This was a perfect base for our 5-day project – part family, part property prospecting, part taking in the Malta thing in general. John only banged his head once.

We both felt the benefits of the ascent of Republic Street. Will we use Valletta G-House again? Oh, yes…

Today is our final full day in this glorious place! We have enjoyed our week in Malta so much! There is so much to see in Valletta alone, but we have also ventured to the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Mdina and Rabat.

Ferries are easily taken to Vittoriosa and Sliema (return tickets can be purchased on the ferries). Vittoriosa has a lovely restaurant across from the marina “Cargo” where we enjoyed a bottle of sparkling rose’ (Gellewza Frizzante) and dined on octapus in garlic. Sliema is where you can catch a Harbour Cruise. If you go with Luzzu Cruises and purchase your tickets from the gentleman above the Sliema Ferry boarding (up the steep hill outside the restaurant on the side of the hill) he will pay for your ferry fee return to Valletta. That’s 13 euro each for the cruise and ferry. We highly recommend this harbour cruise!

Another highlight is a short bus ride to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. The main market on the waterfront is on Sunday, but we avoided the crowds and visited it on a Monday. The market is there all the time and we were able to make purchases of filigree silver jewellery and lace linens at a leisurely pace. If you arrive around lunch hour, you can dine at any of the restaurants along the waterside for fresh catch of the day.

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Make sure you include a visit to Mdina. We went by bus for 1,50 Euro each and waited until later in the day (4 pm ish). We arrived early enough to visit some shops before closing and then see some of this beautiful walled “silent city” before dining. We highly recommend the Bacchus restaurant if you appreciate excellent food and service! The traditional dish of stuffed rabbit leg in red wine sauce is superb! To end our meal we had another Maltese tradition of espresso and a shot of grappa. When we finished our meal, we were able to enjoy the surroundings at dark, with all the lanterns lit for the night. A very romantic spot!

Thank you Joseph and Aldo. We loved every minute of our short week here!

This is our first time in Malta and “living” here at the exquisite G-House has been wonderful. We appreciate everything from the bouquet of flowers, to the welcome basket, to the charming decor, to the fine bedding. We will certainly recommend Valletta G-House to others.

Joseph was a wonderful guide and advisor. How wonderful to have him waiting for us at the airport and giving us information about Valletta as we drove here. Thank you, Aldo, for calling and checking that all is well.

Here are some of our highlights during our stay:
• Seeing the world premier of Edward Bond’s “The Price of One” at the Teatru Manoel. Go to this beautiful theatre !
• Casa Rocca Piccola – around the corner and a lark at an elegant family home.
• Mdina/Rabat – catacombs and walled city were fascinating. We especially enjoyed our dinner at Medina in Mdina.
• A water taxi ride to Vittoriosa is just plain fun and a great perspective. Dinner at Tal-Petut was outstanding.
• Marsaxlokk – the colourful boats alone are worth the trip. Our dinner at Ir-Rizzu – delicious!
• Right around the corner is little “Gugar Hangout & Bar” – don’t be afraid. The “kids” are friendly, there is a wide range of drinks and the open-faced sandwich was delicious!

Thank you for a lovely stay.

What a wonderful experience ! This house is a true gem. Centrally located – you can walk anywhere in Valletta.

All the food was wonderful, especially Katrina Cafe and Wine. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

The welcome to Valletta G-House was also exceptional – everything from the “goody” basket to Joseph’s kind and friendly manner. We will stay here again. We are recommending to friends.

Valletta G-House is amazing ! Great experience to make you feel like a local. Beautiful ! Valletta, Malta is wonderful. Our first time here but will be back. Love this city and island.

Food is great.
• Legligin – for lunch. Only a coursed menu, but a must.
• Rubino – pasta, rizzi – the best we have had.
• Trabuxu – fun and good food.
• Palazzo Preca – try the seafood platter and lobster.
• Guze – didn’t get a chance to try it – need to reserve in advance. They get really good reviews.

Enjoy!

We have been so busy I nearly didn’t get a chance to fill this in. I loved Valletta. What a fantastic place for a weekend break. Add to that the gorgeous G-House and you have the complete package.

Joseph was lovely, picked us up and got us sorted – thank you Joe.

Must do’s –
• The Co-Cathedral – Wow!
• The War Museum – very informative.
• The Malta Experience – gives good context.
• Hypogeum – Couldn’t decide whether to rush out screaming at the enclosed space or let my British fear of making a fuss win over.
• We ate very well – Guze, Caprista, Cafe Cordina, get a front table and people watch.

Thank you for having us Aldo – we hope to be back soon.

Note by owner: Dear Helen and Richard, Thank you for your lovely entry. I agree, St John’s Co-Cathedral is spectacular. The Hypogeum is a fascinating place… unless of course you’re claustrophobic! I should really perhaps have forewarned you about its enclosed spaces. Did you mean Capistrano ? I’m not familiar with Caprista.

Here’s our “Malta takeaway”.
1. Margot’s Pizza, we felt, is overrated. Better pizza from street side shops like the Moo’s Kabab place.
2. There are 185 steps up to the city centre.
3. Some nice walks besides the “usual” around Valletta sea side:
a. The seafront promenade walk from Portomaso to Sliema.
b. The walk out to Tigne Point in Sliema.
c. The coast path from Birzebbugia to Marsaxlokk.
4. Valletta G-House is beautiful and truly offers the authentic Malta experience but do miss an ensuite bathroom.
5 We visited during carnival and were treated to such spectacular colourful costumes, floats and parades. Rivals the Minnesota State Fair.

Note by owner: Dear Christy and Robert, Carnival in Malta is one colourful and happy event and was traditionally meant to provide a release before Lent. I must try some of the walks you have suggested. Yes indeed – Valletta is known for its hills – As Byron once wrote of Valletta – “Adieu, ye cursed street of stairs, how surely he who mounts you swears”. The same might apply to the steps to the bathroom or you could see it as a means of keeping fit. 🙂

What a wonderful place to stay here in Valletta. We felt right at home, thank you Aldo and Joe! We really enjoyed walking endless miles, ferry views, sitting by the water in Marsaxlokk, the amazing views across to the Three Cities, the excellent bus system, the local snack – pea pie, dak cakes and Kinnie soda, the beautiful architecture, the safe city, the kind and helpful people and having a home to come back to and relax in. Thanks for everything.

Note by owner: Dear Jessica and Vanessa, I’m so glad you found yourself at home in Valletta G-House. It gives us great pleasure to know you’ve enjoyed our welcome pack and your stay.

We had an amazing time here in Valletta. We arrived to a beautiful home stocked with delicious Maltese snacks, and our stay in the Valletta G-House could not have been better. This lovely home provided everything we could possibly need except perhaps enough height in the bathroom for Duncan to fit without smashing his head.

We explored Valletta on the first day here, stopping for coffee at the lovely Cafe Cordina before stopping for a peek into Valletta’s barakkas. Day two saw us jump on a bus to wander around Birgu and its lovely waterfront and quaint streets. Definitely visit the Marina and admire the boats!

Finally we went south to Marsaxlokk on a final (rainy) day to see their gorgeous harbour and enjoy some fresh seafood. An attempt to find St Peter’s pool was made, but the drive was quite difficult on the wet, questionable roads! A very good adventure though.

At the end of the day we drove to Mdina for some hot chocolate and cake at a cafe high up on Mdina’s walls. Visiting this gorgeous city, especially at night, should be on everybody’s itinerary.  What a wonderful trip this was. We hope to be back, and thanks to Joseph and Aldo for making the G-House feel like a second home!

Note by owner: Dear Jennifer and Duncan, Thank you for your lovely guestbook entry. So sorry you didn’t manage to see St Peter’s Pool. Here’s a google map to help others find their way there either by bus or by car.

Stayed here from 3rd – 10th May 2013 and had an amazing time. The house is immaculate and gorgeous. In the heart of Valletta, and meters from the once-rife ‘Gut’, the house gives you the perfect place to explore this incredible mini-city. Stepping into the house is like stepping back in time – the exposed bricks, the low ceilings, the stone steps – yet all the mod-cons you need for comfort are there too. If you’re planning on a trip to Malta, I cant recommend staying in this house enough. You will not be disappointed.

Stayed here from 3rd – 10th May 2013 and had an amazing time. The house is immaculate and gorgeous. In the heart of Valletta, and meters from the once-rife ‘Gut’, the house gives you the perfect place to explore this incredible mini-city. Stepping into the house is like stepping back in time – the exposed bricks, the low ceilings, the stone steps – yet all the mod-cons you need for comfort are there too. If you’re planning on a trip to Malta, I cant recommend staying in this house enough. You will not be disappointed.

We stayed at the Valetta G-House for 7 days in June. The accommodation and service provided was excellent from start to finish. A very friendly and efficient airport pickup provided as part of the rate. The house itself is beautifully presented. Any problems or questions were resolved very quickly by Raymond (who does the day to day management of the property in Malta). If we return to stay in Valetta we would certainly come back here, and I would recommend the G-House to anyone thinking of doing the same.

We had heard about the Valletta G House before we left Australia. It was heavily booked and fortunately we were able to change other accommodation and flights to stay from 10th-17th June. We were not disappointed!! Raymond was there to help us settle in, and to answer all of our questions about the house, and Valletta. The welcome basket of local produce was a lovely gesture, and delicious. The house, which is very comfortable, has been lovingly and tastefully restored, and is in the perfect location to explore the old city of Valletta. We loved the fresh fish market, and the local cheeses, breads, olives and wine…all available from nearby locations. No need for a car, exploring the little cobbled streets on foot is a delightful experience. The bus station is also nearby, and we found it a great way to explore areas outside Valletta. At the end of each busy day, it was lovely to return to the numerous facilities, and comfort of the G House. A truly amazing week !