Solana Hotel and Spa

Solana Hotel and Spa is a 4-star hotel in Mellieha, Malta offering a refined base for exploring Malta's northernmost region. With its traditional limestone architecture and warm hospitality, this property appeals to couples and families seeking a relaxed holiday with convenient access to both beaches and the island's capital. The hotel's elevated position provides pleasant breezes during summer months while maintaining proximity to Mellieha's charming town centre with its colourful buildings and local bakeries.

From Solana Hotel and Spa, guests enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside dotted with Maltese farmhouses. The walk into Mellieha town centre takes approximately 15 minutes, where you'll find authentic restaurants serving Maltese specialties like rabbit stew and pastizzi. During summer, the area comes alive with traditional Maltese festas, evening celebrations featuring marching bands and fireworks that showcase local culture and community spirit.

What sets Solana Hotel and Spa apart is its balance of traditional Maltese charm with modern amenities. While some 4-star hotels in Mellieha may have more luxurious facilities, Solana offers excellent value with its spa services and family-friendly pools. The best time to visit is between April and June or September when temperatures are pleasant without the peak season crowds. The hotel's position makes it an ideal base for exploring both Malta's northern beaches and the historic sites around Mdina.

Standard rooms at Solana Hotel and Spa feature light, airy decor with terracotta accents reflecting Maltese design traditions. All rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies with either garden or partial sea views. The bathrooms are functional with quality fittings, though not luxurious. Rooms are well-maintained with comfortable beds and quality linens, though some guests note that soundproofing could be improved between adjacent rooms.

For those seeking more space, the superior rooms and suites offer additional living areas and enhanced views. The premium sea-view rooms deserve special mention for their unobstructed vistas of Mellieha Bay and Gozo in the distance. Bathrooms in these upgraded options feature larger showers with better water pressure. When booking, request rooms on higher floors (3rd-5th) for the best views and reduced street noise. The family rooms provide practical layouts with connecting options, making them ideal for those travelling with children.

The outdoor pool area at Solana Hotel and Spa is one of its strongest assets, featuring a main pool surrounded by sun loungers and a separate children's pool. The main pool is not heated, which can be limiting during shoulder seasons. The spa offers a range of treatments including traditional Maltese wellness practices, though the facilities are more functional than luxurious. The hotel provides free WiFi throughout the property, with coverage being strongest in the public areas. Air conditioning is standard in all public spaces.

The hotel's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu featuring both Maltese and international dishes. Breakfast is a buffet with reasonable variety, though some guests would prefer fresher options and local specialties like ħobż biż-żejt (Maltese bread with tomato). The pool bar serves light lunches and refreshing cocktails throughout the day. While the hotel dining is convenient and of good quality, most guests prefer to explore Mellieha's excellent local restaurants for dinner, where authentic Maltese cuisine can be found at reasonable prices.