The Mike Hotel by CX Collection

The Mike Hotel by CX Collection suits you if you want a straightforward base for a Malta trip that mixes diving, history and a little time by the pool. The hotel has 218 rooms, was renovated in 2023, and keeps the practical comforts in place: air conditioning, free WiFi, a lift, daily housekeeping and room service.

English is spoken by the hotel team, alongside Maltese, so you can deal with the useful matters without performing linguistic gymnastics at reception. The atmosphere is modern rather than old-world, but the setting puts you close to the Three Cities and the historic side of the island. Families are welcome, although the hotel also works for couples who want Cospicua rather than a large resort strip.

The hotel is in Cospicua, Malta, in the Three Cities area and close to the waterfront around Valletta. This is a town-and-harbour location, not a hotel planted directly on a broad resort beach. Rinella Bay Beach is about 1.3 miles away on foot, with Qui-Si-Sana Beach and Tigné Point Beach further out.

You have Date Art Cafe roughly 600 feet away, Cafe Rouge and Nuovo Cafe San Giorgio within about 700 feet, and Aghmilli Kafe around a five-minute walk. Fort Sant Angelo is about 0.8 miles away on foot, while the Malta at War Museum is about half a mile away. Valletta City Gate is roughly 1.4 miles away on foot, and the Tarxien Temples are about 1.2 miles away.

Malta International Airport is about 3.8 miles away by road. The hotel is also around 1 mile from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the centre of Valletta, depending on the route. In other words, you can make the trip about underwater time, old fortifications, or both; Malta is not short of reasons to leave the sun lounger.

The room choice matters here because the compact double and twin rooms are aimed at two guests, while the larger suites give you more room to spread out. If you are travelling as a couple and mainly need a clean, air-conditioned place to sleep between dives and excursions, a standard or deluxe double keeps things simple. The twin option is the obvious choice when sharing without negotiating bed territory every night.

For three guests, or for anyone who dislikes living out of a bag, the Suite with Terrace is the more sensible choice. The Deluxe Suite also accommodates three and has a private bathroom. The terrace or balcony options add somewhere to sit rather than balancing a wet towel over the only available chair, although the room information does not describe those outdoor spaces as equipment areas.

Every room has a private bathroom, shower, towels, toiletries and a hairdryer. Air conditioning and heating cover the less forgiving Maltese days and nights, while a minibar, kettle and tea and coffee facilities deal with the basic return-to-room requirements. A desk, wardrobe, clothes rack, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV keep the room functional. Room service runs around the clock, which is useful when your appetite arrives at an hour that does not match the restaurant.

The Mike Restaurant handles the day in an air-conditioned interior, with international dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served as a buffet, and breakfast to go is also available when you would rather get moving than sit over a plate. The listed breakfast start is 07:00. Half-board is the available meal plan, so check exactly which meals are included in your chosen booking.

Azure takes the more relaxed Mediterranean route on its terrace, with lunch and dinner and views towards the sea. Dress is casual there; The Mike Restaurant asks for smart casual clothing. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are available, which saves you from the familiar holiday ritual of assembling a meal from three side dishes.

There are two bars. The Sunset Bar is a rooftop bar with signature cocktails and sunset views, while the Pool Bar works through cocktails and snacks beside the outdoor pool. Room service is available 24 hours, handy when the day has run long or you simply prefer food delivered without putting shoes back on.

Two outdoor pools divide the water time between the large Main Pool and a separate Kids Pool. The Main Pool has a swim-up bar, so you can move from a few lengths to a drink without making a major expedition of it. Neither pool is heated, and the pools are not adults-only.

Serenity Spa covers 200 square metres and includes massage, facials, a hammam, sauna and jacuzzi. That gives you several ways to deal with the shoulders and back after a day carrying tanks, or simply an excuse to stop moving for an hour. A gym and yoga studio cover the more energetic version of recovery, while the hotel also offers cycling and boat excursions.

Families have a kids’ club for children aged 4 to 12, children’s entertainment, babysitting, a children’s menu and a separate pool. For adults and couples, the off-site choices are more cultural than competitive: excursions to Valletta, Mdina and Gozo, along with live music and themed nights. The beach has golden sand, sun loungers, parasols and a beach bar, but you will need to walk to it rather than step straight from the lobby onto the shore.

Check-in runs from 14:00 to 22:00, and you need to give the hotel your expected arrival time. Photo identification and a credit card are required at check-in, while the minimum check-in age is 18. Check-out is listed between 11:00 and 12:00 in the hotel details, so confirm the exact time attached to your booking before planning a late morning around it.

Airport transfers can be arranged by the hotel, either privately or as a shared shuttle, and car hire is available. Do not rely on hotel parking without checking before arrival: the accommodation details give conflicting information about whether parking is available. Luggage storage, concierge assistance, laundry and dry cleaning are available, as is a doctor on request.

WiFi is free throughout the hotel. There is a business centre and three meeting rooms, although most divers will have more use for the lift, luggage storage and room service than for a conference table. The hotel is non-smoking, pets are not allowed, and cash, Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted.