Marsaxlokk's BEST Kept Secret: Port View Guesthouse! ✨
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Marsaxlokk's BEST Kept Secret: Port View Guesthouse! ✨ Seriously, you need to hear this, and I'm gonna try to keep the SEO monster happy while I scream about how wonderful this place is. But first, a disclaimer: I'm not getting paid to gush, I'm just a travel-obsessed human who stumbled upon a little slice of heaven and felt compelled to share. This is gonna be messy, honest, and probably a little bit obsessed. Here we go!
First Impressions: (Or, "My Jaw Hit the Floor")
Finding Port View Guesthouse is like uncovering a pirate's treasure. It's tucked away, not screaming for attention like some flashy resort. You get that almost secret, almost exclusive vibe. That's a GREAT start.
Accessibility: (Gotta be honest, I didn't specifically check for every detail here, but I’ll do a deep dive with what I know, and a caveat!)
Wheelchair accessible? (Okay, I'm terrible at assessing this. I didn't specifically look to scope this out. My bad. But with the elevator details below, and general Maltese building styles, make sure to call and ask the Guesthouse directly. They are usually very accommodating).
Elevator: Yes! Thank goodness. (Important for anyone with mobility issues, and frankly, for lazy people like myself who don't want to lug luggage up stairs!)
Facilities for disabled guests: Again, call and ask! But the staff seemed incredibly friendly and helpful, so I'd bet my last euro they do their best.
Internet and Techie Bits:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! And it actually works! No buffering nightmares.
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: All there, all good. I was able to stream without issues.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep! Like, the whole place. It's magical.
- Business facilities: There's a business center with all the stuff – Xerox, fax (who even uses those anymore?), meetings, meeting stationery, and even a projector. Perfect for the sneaky work trip that's actually a vacation, eh?
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Wi-Fi for special events: All available.
Cleanliness and Safety: (A Little Obsessed) – And They Should Be!
Okay, this is where Port View Guesthouse shines. Post-pandemic, I'm probably more neurotic than most about cleanliness. And, OMG, these guys are on it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Double check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: They probably have it, but I didn't ask because I saw the clean!
- Individually-wrapped food options: At the buffet? I believe so.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Yep.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Likely, given the rest.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw it in action!
- Sterilizing equipment: Probably.
AND most importantly:
- Room sanitization opt-out available: (I didn't need it, haha!)
- Safe dining setup: They absolutely have great protocols.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: duh!
- Shared stationery removed: yep!
Rooms (Oh, My Gorgeous Room!)
Available in all rooms: Here's what you get:
- Air conditioning (essential in Malta!)
- Alarm clock (for getting out of bed… eventually)
- Bathrobes (luxury!)
- Blackout curtains (bliss!)
- Closet (yay, storage!)
- Coffee/tea maker (vital!)
- Complimentary tea (even better!)
- Daily housekeeping (thank you, angels!)
- Desk (for, um, working, or pretending to)
- Extra long bed (good for tall people like me)
- Free bottled water (hydration!)
- Hair dryer (saved me suitcase space!)
- High floor (great views!)
- In-room safe box (peace of mind)
- Internet access – LAN & wireless (of course)
- Ironing facilities (for when you need to look presentable)
- Laptop workspace (again… work?)
- Mini bar (temptation central)
- Non-smoking (yay)
- Private bathroom (duh)
- Reading light (for actual reading)
- Refrigerator (chilled wine, anyone?)
- Satellite/cable channels (boredom busters)
- Seating area (room to spread out)
- Separate shower/bathtub (luxury again!)
- Shower (essential)
- Slippers (comfy!)
- Smoke detector (safety first!)
- Sofa (more comfy!)
- Telephone (old school!)
- Toiletries (the good stuff)
- Towels (soft, fluffy!)
- Wake-up service (they got you!)
- Wi-Fi [free] (obvious, but good)
- Window that opens (fresh air!)
- Linens : fresh, white, beautiful linens
- Additional toilet: (you never know!)
- Mirror: (for checking yourself out, duh!)
- Socket near the bed: (phone charging!)
- Desk: (for that 'work' you're not doing)
- Reading light: (for your books)
- Bathrobes: (the feeling of luxury!)
- Door key: (important!)
- Closet: (a place for all your things)
- Mirror: (checking you out again!)
Room Decorations: They're tasteful. Not overly fussy, just… nice.
Soundproof rooms: Bliss. Seriously. No noisy neighbors!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Basically, Food Glorious Food!)
Okay, I'm a foodie, so this is where my inner critic comes out.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes. And it's amazing. A proper spread, not just sad continental scraps.
- Breakfast service: In your room?! Sign me up!
- A la carte in restaurant: Yep!
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Not my jam, but it's there.
- Bar: Yes! A nice little spot for a pre-dinner drink.
- Bottle of water: Complimentary.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: You need your caffeine fix, and they have it.
- Desserts in restaurant: YES! (I may have eaten all the cannolis, I regret nothing).
- Poolside bar: Yep!
- Restaurants: Multiple options.
- Room service [24-hour]: Jackpot if you are a lazy bum like I am
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy options available.
- Snack bar: Got it.
- Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant : Plenty of options.
My Personal Dining Anecdote:
I ordered a massive plate of pasta one night. It was… I'm not sure how to describe it other than perfect. Simple, fresh ingredients, cooked just right. I could have eaten three plates and still been happy. It's the kind of food that makes you sigh with contentment.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (The Good Stuff!)
Spa/sauna: While I’m not sure if there is a FULL Spa set up:
Pool with view: (yes! Oh my god, yes!)
Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool area is gorgeous.
Terrace: Perfect for sundowners.
Gym/fitness: (I didn't use it, but it looked good.)
Sauna:
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage:
For the Kids: Well, this is where I can’t say too much. I don’t have kids. Shrug.
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Give them a call. They are amazing.
Services and Conveniences (The Bits That Make Life Easy)
- Air conditioning in public area: Duh!
- **Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage
Marsaxlokk Mayhem: A Whirlwind of Sun, Seafood, and Slightly Sunburnt Shoulders! (aka My "Plan" for Malta)
Okay, so here's the "itinerary." Emphasis on the air quotes. I'm a planner, sure, but more like a "vaguely aware of stuff" kind of planner. And this is my time off, so expect things to get… interesting. We're talking Port View Guesthouse in Marsaxlokk, Malta. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival – And Holy Smokes, That's the Mediterranean!
Morning (ish): Landed in Malta. Airport chaos? Check. Smug smiles from seasoned travelers breezing through customs? DOUBLE CHECK. Found the shuttle (after a minor panic attack convinced me I'd been abandoned). The driver, a cheerful Maltese chap named Tony, blasted some weird Euro-pop that probably made my eardrums bleed a little, but hey, it was an experience.
Afternoon: Arrived at Port View Guesthouse. Charm overload! Blue doors, flowered balconies, and the smell of the sea… glorious. The owner, Maria, a woman who could probably wrestle a sea monster with one hand, welcomed me with a smile and a key that felt like a pirate's treasure. My room? Simple, clean, with a balcony overlooking the harbor. Seriously, the view is stunning. I almost cried. Don't judge. The Mediterranean really does things to you.
Afternoon (Late): Attempted a "casual stroll" around Marsaxlokk. Failed spectacularly. Kept stopping every five seconds to take photos of the little boats, the colorful luzzus. Got distracted by a street cat that was basically posing for me. Nearly tripped over a fishing net. Okay, I actually did trip. Dignity? Gone.
Evening: Dinner at a (slightly) touristy restaurant on the harbor. Ordered the "fresh fish of the day." It was HUGE. And delicious. Ate way too much bread. Regretted nothing. Sat there watching the sunset, feeling incredibly content. Had a glass of local wine. Briefly considered quitting my job and becoming a fisherman. The allure of the simple life… it's dangerous, people!
Day 2: Fishermen, Fish, and a Near-Death Experience with a Pastizzi
Morning: Early start! (Mostly because jet lag decided to be a jerk). Walked the market. Oh. My. Gawd. The smell of the fish! And the colors! And the vendors shouting… it was utter sensory overload, and I loved every second of it. Did some light haggling for a gorgeous bag. Felt like a total champion.
Mid-Morning: Tried to be "cultured" and visit some ancient temple ruins. Got lost. Again. Found a tiny, crumbling church instead. Beautiful, quiet, and felt truly authentic. Spent 20 minutes just… breathing. Sometimes, you need that.
Lunch: Decided to try a pastizzi from a local shop. The lady behind the counter winked and told me to be careful. Should have listened. One bite. Scalding hot cheese and peas explosion. My mouth is still paying the price. Worth it. Absolutely, ridiculously worth it.
Afternoon: Boat trip! Booked a small boat tour to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The water… oh sweet mother of pearl, the water! Crystal clear, turquoise perfection. Swam for ages. Almost got hypothermia. Swam some more. The sheer beauty of that place is something I'll never forget. It was so amazing that made me forget that I forgot to put on sunscreen.
Evening: Dinner at a different restaurant. This time, I went for the octopus. Ordered the octopus, and then watched the waiters bring out a plate the size of a platter. I was starving. It was so tender, so flavorful, so good. I’m not even kidding, I think I moaned. Had to pace between each bite.
Day 3: The Blue Grotto and a Meltdown over the Bus System
Morning: A little bit of a later start - the sun took it toll. Took a bus to get to the Blue Grotto, but got lost due to the bad bus system. The Grotto itself was nice. It was something to see - but the transport system in Malta is a nightmare. There’s no rhyme or reason as to how they make it, and the bus drivers seem to think that no one else matters, and it's just a free-for-all. I was so glad I had to get on a boat with other tourists so I could enjoy the views.
Late Afternoon: Back to Marsaxlokk. Enjoyed some more sights, but decided to go back.
Evening: Dinner, some drinks, and some more pondering of the life of a fisherman.
Day 4: Departure (and Maybe, Just Maybe, I'll Come Back)
Morning: One last breakfast on the balcony. Savoring the view. Trying to memorize every detail, every color, every smell.
Late Morning: Saying goodbye to Maria. Almost cried again. Like, really, really almost cried.
Afternoon: Headed back to the airport. Euro-pop on the shuttle. Tony's still cheerful, even though I'm sure I look like a lobster wearing a permanent vacation-induced smile.
Evening: Taking off from Malta. I left a piece of my heart there. The sun, the sea, the food, the people… it was all just… sigh. Do not tell me this place isn’t beautiful.
Observations, Ramblings, and Utterly Unnecessary Details:
- Sunscreen: Seriously, pack more than you think you'll need. And reapply. And then reapply again. My shoulders are currently plotting revenge.
- The Maltese: They're friendly, they're passionate, and they have an amazing sense of humor. I love them.
- The Food: All the food! Eat everything. Seriously. Just do it.
- Marsaxlokk: The little town is the perfect base. It’s beautiful and relaxing and everyone in Malta is super-friendly.
- The Language: Get ready to get lost! And learn some phrases. It’s a mixture of many languages. But the beauty of it is, you can point, gesture, and people are still very willing to help.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES.
So that's it. The (slightly) embellished truth about my week in Marsaxlokk. And hey, if you're considering a trip to Malta, just do it. You won't regret it. Just maybe pack extra sunscreen! And maybe a bigger suitcase.
And don't forget about that pastizzi… it's worth it. Even with the potential for a cheese and pea-related face-melt-down.
Bali Dream Home: 3BR Garden Paradise (IR31)
Marsaxlokk's "Best Kept Secret" - Port View Guesthouse FAQs (and a Whole Lot More!)
Okay, Seriously, is this place *really* a secret? Everyone raves about it!
Heck, I don't know *anymore*. Five years ago, maybe. Now, thanks to the power of TripAdvisor (ugh), Instagram (double ugh!), and word-of-mouth that's likely heard a lot of "wow" and "OMG!", it's probably less "secret" and more... well, popular. I remember booking it the first time, practically *begging* for a room, feeling like I stumbled onto some hidden gem. Now? You need to plan ahead, my friend. Consider yourself warned. But even if it's not *secret*, it's still MAGIC. Don't tell anyone I said that.
What's the Vibe? Is it fancy? Relaxed? Somewhere in between?
"Fancy"? Absolutely NOT. Think more... charmingly worn-around-the-edges. Imagine your favorite grandma's house, if your grandma had a killer view of a bustling fishing harbor and a knack for making the best coffee you've *ever* tasted. It’s relaxed, but not in a sterile, cookie-cutter resort way. It's relaxed like you're having a conversation with a new best friend on a warm, sunny terrace, the gentle clanging of boat masts in the breeze as background music. There's a genuine, homey feel that’s hard to replicate.
The Views... Are they *really* as good as the photos?
Okay, THIS is where I need to gush. The photos? They try. They *try* HARD. But honestly? They don't do it justice. I've stood on that balcony with my coffee, watching the sunrise explode over the Luzzus (those colorful fishing boats, in case you're new to this!), and thought, "This is it. This is the moment I'll remember forever." It’s ridiculous. It’s cinematic. It's the kind of view that makes you want to write bad poetry or spend the whole day doing absolutely nothing but staring. And yep, those views are even better when you're hungover. Just sayin'.
What are the Rooms Like? They look a bit… rustic?
"Rustic" is a polite way of putting it! Let's go with "charmingly authentic." Don't expect sleek, minimalist design. Think more along the lines of well-loved furniture, maybe a slightly wonky floorboard here or there, and walls that probably have stories to tell. My first room... let's just say the shower was a *character*. But honestly? That's part of the charm. It’s not about luxury; it's about character, comfort, and feeling like you’re staying in a real home, not just a hotel room. Plus, the beds are comfy as heck. And let's be real, you're not there to spend all day in your room anyway, are you?
Tell me about the Breakfast...is it any good? Also, coffee?
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. The fuel for your Marsaxlokk adventures. YES, it's good. Really, really good. Think fresh pastries, local cheeses, maybe some cooked eggs (scrambled? Fried? However you like 'em!), all served with that again, killer view. But the coffee? The coffee is *legendary.* I swear, they use magic beans or something. I'm not a morning person *at all*, but that coffee… Forget everything else. That coffee is the *reason* I get out of bed. Seriously, order it. Twice.
Is there parking? Because parking in Marsaxlokk looks…interesting.
Oh, parking in Marsaxlokk. The eternal struggle. Technically, street parking is available. But be prepared for a bit of a hunt, especially on weekends, when the market's in full swing. Consider yourself warned. And... be prepared to walk. It’s worth it, though. The guesthouse is in the perfect location, so even if you have to park a little ways off, you're still golden.
What about the staff? Are they friendly?
Friendly? They're practically family. The owners are genuinely lovely people. They're warm, welcoming, and happy to offer tips on where to eat, what to see, and even how to navigate the slightly chaotic beauty of the Marsaxlokk market. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations – they know the area inside and out. I’ve made friends with the owners and I will never forget how incredibly patient they were with me on my first visit. I was a blithering, stressed-out travel wreck. They just smiled, poured me a cup of coffee, and everything was better. It's about more than just a stay; it’s a genuine experience.
Food Recommendations, Please! Where should I eat in Marsaxlokk?
Okay, buckle up. Eating in Marsaxlokk is an experience! Honestly, just wander along the harbor and pick a place that looks inviting. Most of the restaurants specialize in seafood, and it's all unbelievably fresh. But definitely ask the guesthouse for their suggestions! They'll know all the local favorites, the hidden gems and the places the tourists haven't found yet. Go to that fish market! Get the freshest fish you've ever seen! Consider the time of year. In my case, I went in the fall. Everything was calmer. Quieter. Better!
Okay, so you LOVE this place. What's the worst thing about it? Be honest!
*Sigh* Alright, I'll be honest. The only truly bad thing? Leaving. Seriously. It's that good. You'll find yourself plotting ways to extend your stay the moment you arrive. I once spent half a day trying to convince the owners to let me stay forever. My biggest gripe? The fact that eventually, I always have to leave to get back to the real world. That, and maybe that I didn't discover it sooner. And, parking. Okay, three things. Parking. Leaving. And... my own inability to book far enough in advance!
