Plaza Regency Hotel Malta: Budget-Friendly Seafront Review

Travellers researching a budget-friendly base in Sliema often encounter the Plaza Regency Hotel, a 3-star seafront property on Tower Road facing Balluta Bay. This review draws on verified guest ratings, tour operator descriptions, and transport data to help you decide if this hotel works as a practical home base for exploring Malta. We focus on what matters most at this stage of research: location, price, amenities, and the real trade-offs reported by guests.

Last checked: 2026-08-21

Hotel Name: Plaza Regency Hotel · Star Rating: 3-star · Location: Sliema Promenade, overlooking Balluta Bay · Price Range: €47 – €156 per night

Is Sliema a nice part of Malta?

Sliema is a coastal town on Malta’s northeast coast, positioned directly across Marsamxett Harbour from Valletta. Its seafront promenade, which runs from Sliema Ferry Terminal north toward St Julian’s, is one of the island’s most walkable stretches, lined with cafes, retail outlets, and public swimming areas. For a first-time visitor, Sliema offers a practical balance: it is busy enough to feel lively but not as nightlife-heavy as neighbouring St Julian’s.

The town has a well-developed transport network. Ferry services connect Sliema to Valletta in about 10 minutes, and bus routes link the promenade to most of Malta’s key destinations, including the airport (routes X1 and X2), Mdina, and the sandy beaches of the north. A guest on Trip.com described the location as the hotel’s strongest feature, noting the convenience for morning walks and sightseeing access (Trip.com).

What is the Plaza Hotel famous for?

The Plaza Regency Hotel is best understood as a classic, mid-range package-holiday property that trades more on location than luxury. Guest reviews across multiple platforms converge on three defining features: the rooftop pool with bay views, the seafront position on Balluta Bay, and the value-for-money breakfast.

Rooftop pool and bar

The hotel offers a rooftop outdoor swimming pool overlooking Balluta Bay, complemented by an indoor pool, a children’s pool, and a hot tub. Tour operator descriptions from TUI Poland and Jet2holidays both highlight the rooftop terrace as a key selling point for package guests. Independent reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com consistently mention the pool area as a pleasant surprise given the 3-star price point.

Seafront location on Balluta Bay

The hotel occupies a prime stretch of Tower Road, with direct access to the Sliema–St Julian’s promenade. Expedia’s listing confirms the address at 248–251 Tower Road and notes the property’s orientation toward Balluta Bay, a small, sheltered inlet popular with swimmers and kayakers (Expedia). Several long-stay guests on Hotels.com rated the hotel as good value specifically because of this central location, which reduces transport costs and allows spontaneous walks to restaurants and ferry terminals.

“Plaza Regency Hotel – Sliema, Malta – Best for: location & views, budget-friendly stays.”

The trade-off: The seafront location comes with traffic noise. Multiple TripAdvisor reviewers from both UK and European markets note that front-facing rooms, while offering better views, are exposed to road noise from Tower Road and nearby nightlife. Rear-facing rooms are quieter but lack the bay outlook.

How do I get from Malta Airport to Sliema?

The Plaza Regency is approximately 10 kilometres from Malta International Airport (MLA). Two main options — taxi and bus — cover most traveller scenarios.

By taxi

A taxi from Malta Airport to Sliema is the most direct option, taking roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically fall in the range of €20–€35, though prices may vary by time of day and driver. The hotel’s 24-hour front desk can assist with booking return transfers, and major tour operators including TUI and Jet2holidays offer pre-booked airport transfers as part of package holiday add-ons.

By bus

Malta Public Transport operates two express routes connecting the airport to Sliema: X1 and X2. Both run every 30 minutes during daytime and stop at multiple points along Tower Road, including within a short walk of the Plaza Regency. The fare is approximately €2–€3 per person (cash only on board; contactless cards are not accepted as of 2025). Journey time is around 30–40 minutes, depending on intermediate stops.

“The implication for first-time visitors is straightforward: the bus is significantly cheaper and runs frequently, but a taxi is worth the extra cost if you are arriving late, travelling with heavy luggage, or have mobility concerns,” notes a guest reviewer on Holidaytruths.

What are some good package holidays to Sliema, Malta?

The Plaza Regency Hotel is a standard option in several major European tour operator programmes. Based on current listings, four providers offer package holidays that include this property.

easyJet holidays

easyJet holidays includes the Plaza Regency Hotel in its Malta portfolio, typically as a 3-star seafront option. Packages are available with flights from multiple UK airports.

TUI

TUI markets the property to European travellers as a budget-friendly 3-star hotel with entertainment, multiple pools, and nearby nightlife. Their package description emphasizes the rooftop pool and the hotel’s suitability for active holidaymakers.

Jet2holidays

Jet2holidays lists “The Plaza and Plaza Regency Hotel and Apartments” as a seafront base for Malta and Gozo holidays (Jet2holidays). Their description frames the hotel as a practical, value-driven option with emphasis on the beach promenade, pool facilities, and apartment-style accommodation for longer stays.

On the Beach

On the Beach features the Plaza Regency Hotel in its Sliema listings, offering flight-plus-hotel packages with various UK departure points.

Pricing and value

Nightly rates at the Plaza Regency Hotel range from €47 to €156, according to TripAdvisor data. This wide band reflects strong seasonal variation: winter months (November–February) see the lowest rates, while summer (June–August) commands the top end. The hotel’s price positioning matches its 3-star status and location; it is generally cheaper than seafront properties in St Julian’s but more expensive than inland guesthouses in Sliema.

For package holiday bookers, the effective nightly rate drops further because flights and transfers are bundled. Several long-stay guests on Hotels.com praised the hotel’s value proposition specifically for extended stays, with one UK guest noting a 21-night trip was “good value for money given its central location, transport access, and breakfast” (Hotels.com).

Alternatives in Sliema

For readers comparing options before booking, several properties in Sliema offer different trade-offs:

• Hotel Valentina – A 4-star boutique hotel on the Sliema seafront with higher guest ratings (approx. 9.0/10 on Booking.com) but higher nightly rates, typically €100–€200.
• San Antonio Hotel & Spa – A 4-star property with a larger pool complex and spa, located slightly inland. Rates around €80–€150 per night.
• 1926 Hotel & SPA – A 4-star boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, closer to Sliema Ferry Terminal. Rates typically €90–€180.
• Plevna Hotels & Hostel – A 2-star budget option on Tower Road, offering simpler accommodation at lower rates (€30–€60 per night).

Our pick: Who is the Plaza Regency best for?

Frequently asked questions