Rabat Malta Dream Home: 3-Bedroom Character House Near Mdina!
Rabat Malta Dream Home: 3-Bedroom Character House Near Mdina - A Review Rolled in Maltese Sunshine!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans (and maybe some Imqaret) on the Rabat Malta Dream Home. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews. This is the REAL DEAL, folks. I'm talking sun-drenched stone walls, the ghost of Maltese history whispering in the breeze, and… well, let's just say not EVERYTHING was a dream. But that's life, right? And this place? It’s got life in spades.
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First Impressions & Accessibility - Rolling With the Punches (and Possibly a Wheelchair):
Finding the place was a little bit of a hunt. Let's just say, Maltese street signs, while charming, are not always the most… direct. But when we finally rolled up (pun intended, because one of our party did have mobility issues), the facade was stunning. Seriously, picture those honey-colored Maltese stones bathing in the Mediterranean sun. Sigh. That was magic.
Now, for the accessibility part. The website claims accessibility, and while the ground floor was fairly easy to navigate (wide doorways, etc.), the upper floors… less so. There’s no elevator, which is a bit of a bummer if you're relying on a wheelchair or have significant mobility restrictions. However, the ground floor bedroom was beautifully set up for accessibility – a thoughtful touch.
- Accessibility Verdict: Partially accessible. Ground floor? Ace. Any flights of stairs? Not so much. (Accessibility: OK, needs improvement on upper floors)
- Things to note Car park [free of charge], the car park [on-site] is easy to access.
Inside the Stone Walls: Rooms, Rest and… Reality!
The website photos? Pretty accurate (a rare thing!). This place is dripping with character. Think exposed beams, tiled floors, and enough antique furniture to make a flea market jealous.
- Rooms are available with: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The internet! I could connect to the internet access – wireless and internet access – LAN, but the internet was sometimes a little… temperamental. Don't rely on it for a hardcore work session. Perfect for Netflix binges though! Also, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, it's nice, the internet services is working most of the time but needs improvement.
The kitchen. Oh, the kitchen! Huge, well-equipped, and practically begging you to whip up a Maltese feast. (More on food later.)
Cleanliness and Safety - Sanitizers and Sanity:
The whole COVID-19 thing? Yeah, they took it seriously. Very seriously.
- Cleanliness and safety features Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks, and the place smelled… well, clean. Maybe a little too much cleaning product at times, but hey, I'd take that over the alternative!
Dining, Drinking & the Delightful World of Maltese Eats:
Okay, this is where things get REALLY interesting. The Dream Home itself doesn't have a restaurant. But… (and this is a HUGE but) it's surrounded by a gazillion amazing options.
- Dining A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
I'd recommend one of the cafe's or restaurant's at nearby location
- Food Verdict: You're on your own, but you're spoiled for choice! Local bakeries for pastizzis (pastries), restaurants galore, & a handy convenience store for essentials. (Dining: Excellent - external options)
Relaxation & the Pursuit of Bliss (or at Least a Decent Massage)
No pool on-site, but the idea of a spa and sauna sounds very cool.
- Things to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
(Relaxation: Limited on-site, but plenty of opportunities nearby.)
Services & Conveniences - Little Things & Big Smiles:
- Services and conveniences are awesome: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The staff was friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care about making our stay enjoyable. Daily housekeeping was a godsend (I'm not good at cleaning up after myself!).
Some minor imperfections The elevator, as mentioned. Lack of on-site dining.
For The Kids - Family-Friendly?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Kids verdict: Family-Friendly, even If you have a baby, but there are not many kids facilities.
Getting Around - Wheels & Wings:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Getting Around: Driving is the best way to get around.
The Verdict: Should You Book It?
Absolutely, with a few caveats.
- Accessibility: This house can be a dream, but the upper floors make it less-than-ideal for those with mobility issues.
- The Good: Charm, location (Mdina is magical), cleanliness, and a great base camp for exploring Malta.
- The Could-Be-Better: Internet can be patchy, no on-site dining.
- The Quirks: The Maltese sunshine is relentless, so bring sunscreen. And a sense of adventure!
Overall, this isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience. It’s a chance to soak up the genuine beauty of Malta, to feel like you're living in a storybook. And yes, even with its minor imperfections, it’s a story I’d happily live again. Highly recommended! Just pack comfy shoes and a good sense of humor. You'll need them.
Escape to Paradise: Elounda Olea Villas & Apartments, Crete
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "unfiltered journal entry with a questionable sense of direction." We're talking a week in a characterful, three-bedroom house in Rabat, Malta. Think sun-drenched stone, crumbling charm, and the kind of peace that'll make you question if you really need to go back to reality.
Operation: Rabat Relaxation & Occasional Adventure (aka, Surviving Malta With My Sanity Intact)
Day 1: Arrival, Awe & The Immediate Need for Wine
- Morning (Probably Late): Arrive in Malta. The airport… well, it's an airport. Let's just say it's efficient, which is a win. Taxi to the house in Rabat. The driver, a cheerful chap with a questionable driving style, regales me with tales of Maltese traffic. My internal monologue: "Oh god, are we there yet?"
- Afternoon: Unlocking the door to the house… that smell! That glorious, musty, sun-baked-stone smell of old buildings. Immediately, I'm smitten. This is it. High ceilings, cool stone floors, glimpses of a courtyard. I practically scream with glee. I'm calling this place "Casa Chaos," which is probably fitting.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Lugging our suitcases up creaky stairs is a workout. We unpack, and instantly a problem rises: the internet's out. A sigh escapes my lips and I start looking for a place to unwind and catch my breath.
- Evening: Food shopping is a minefield. A chaotic, fragrant minefield filled with olives the size of your fist and pastries that look criminally delicious. Find a tiny, family-run pastizzeria (bakery). Decide that pastizzi (flaky, savory pastries filled with ricotta or peas) are the answer to all of life's problems. They might be. Dinner: We get some pasta and cook at home. Then… wine. Loads of wine. Need it to wash away the travel blues.
Day 2: Mdina & The Perils of Getting Lost (and Loving It)
- Morning: Wake up to the clatter of shutters and the distant sound of church bells. Glorious. Decide Mdina, the Silent City, is calling. Walk there. It starts off beautifully. The narrow streets, the honey-colored stone, the breathtaking views. I'm officially in love with Mdina.
- Afternoon: Somewhere along the journey, become separated from my friends and I panic; and think "Here goes getting lost." Now, that's where the adventure begins. I end up in a tiny alley, get slightly disoriented, and find a hidden cafe. Best coffee of my life. Chat with the owner (she's sassy and brilliant), and discover the magic of getting utterly, gloriously lost.
- Late Afternoon: Finally, reunite with my friends (after a dramatic text message exchange). We find a restaurant with amazing views.
- Evening: Stroll back to Rabat, feeling pleasantly sun-drenched and slightly tipsy. Another bottle of wine at Casa Chaos.
Day 3: Blue Grotto & That Time We Almost Drowned (Metaphorically, Anyway)
- Morning: Head to the Blue Grotto. The trip there is long. We get lost (surprise!). The boat ride is stunning. The colors of the sea are unreal. This is what postcards dream of.
- Afternoon: Decide to visit the beautiful fishing village of Marsaxlokk. We find a restaurant with the best food in the trip.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Go back and spend the evening in Rabat.
Day 4: Sleep-in, and Recharging
- Morning: Finally, some rest. Wake up at 10.00 AM, after a long sleep and do nothing.
- Afternoon: Walk around Rabat, find a library to explore some information about Malta history.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Get some supplies, cook dinner at home and enjoy the evening at the house.
Day 5: St. Paul's Catacombs & The Realization I'm Slightly Too Old For This Stuff
- Morning: Visit the St. Paul's Catacombs. They're fascinating, but I find myself thinking more about my creaky knees than the history. I feel old.
- Afternoon: Explore a local café, eat some pastries and drink coffee.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Go back to the house, order delivery and relax.
Day 6: Gozo (And The Day We Learned to Embrace the Tourist)
- Morning: Ferry to Gozo. It's an island that has my heart. The views are stunning, and the sea looks beautiful.
- Afternoon: Visit the Azure Window (RIP, but still a gorgeous spot), and discover the best food in the island.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Head back and spend the evening in Rabat,
Day 7: Departure, Melancholy & The Promise to Return
- Morning: Last breakfast in Casa Chaos. I'm already feeling the pangs of leaving. Pack (badly). Stare wistfully at the courtyard.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. The drive feels strangely bittersweet. I'm ready to go home but I also don't want to leave the magic of Malta.
- Evening: Take off, with a promise to return. Malta, you magnificent, sun-soaked, slightly chaotic, and utterly captivating island, you’ve stolen a piece of my heart.
Rabat Malta Dream Home: FAQs - Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions!
Hah! "Dream" is a strong word, isn't it? Look, it's *lovely*. Picture this: stone walls, the scent of jasmine (maybe not *all* the time – sometimes it's just the lingering smell of your neighbour's cooking, which can be equally delightful, trust me). But "dream"? Well, let's just say it's got character. And by character, I mean a few quirks. Like the time the toilet decided to stage a dramatic leak at 3 AM. Or the fact that the "charming" original windows let in a *touch* more of the Mediterranean breeze than you'd initially bargained for… So, yeah. Dream-adjacent. More like "charming, slightly demanding, but ultimately rewarding" would be closer to the mark.
Right, location, location, location! You're in for a treat. Mdina is practically your next-door neighbour. Okay, maybe not *literally* next door. Think a leisurely ten-minute saunter. And trust me, those strolls? Pure gold. Especially at sunset. You walk through those ancient gates, and BAM! Instant romance. I even proposed to my wife there (she said yes, thank goodness, otherwise this whole thing would be a very different story). The convenience is absolute. Forget the car, embrace the walk. Your Fitbit will thank you (and your soul will too!).
Ah, the age-old question! Okay, so, three bedrooms in a Maltese character house… think cozy, not cavernous. Remember, these houses were built back when people weren't obsessed with sprawling McMansions. You'll have space. It's just… strategically planned space. You know, the kind that forces you to embrace minimalism. And by "embrace," I mean frantically cramming everything into storage boxes in the third bedroom, which I’m *pretty sure* has a resident dust bunny the size of a small dog. Seriously, my advice? Get rid of some things *before* you move. Your sanity will thank you. And so will the dust bunny.
Okay, deep breaths. So, character often comes with… challenges. Mold is a concern, yes. It's a Maltese thing, especially in older buildings. But! I had a proper inspection. There was some minor stuff, which was dealt with. The important thing is that any issue was caught, dealt with, and everything is currently hunky-dory. Look, preventative maintenance is key – keep the place ventilated, and a dehumidifier is your new best friend. And if you *do* see something… don't panic. Deal with it. But overall, the character is charming, the building has been well maintained, it’s all good in the neighboorhood!
Okay, let's talk kitchen. "Modern" might be pushing it. Think "well-equipped, rustic charm." The appliances *are* updated, and YES, thank the heavens, there's a dishwasher! It's a small kitchen, mind you. You won't be hosting a Michelin-star chef's convention in this space. I tried that *once*, and it was a disaster. I tripped over the cat, spilled red wine on the white tablecloth (classic!), and ended up ordering takeaway. But the important thing is: you can cook. You can prepare food. You can eat. And that's the important part, right? ... right?
Internet in Malta… ah, a mixed bag. Look, it *is* generally reliable. Most of the time. But don't be surprised if the connection decides to take a nap during a particularly crucial Zoom call. I’ve been there. Lost a sales presentation. Had to apologize profusely, and, frankly, it was embarrassing. Invest in a good provider, maybe have a backup plan, and pray to the internet gods for stable service. It's a good chance of working perfectly, especially if you live in a pretty good area of Rabat. You'll live, you'll learn, and maybe, just maybe, you'll embrace the occasional digital detox.
Parking in Rabat? Right. Get ready to channel your inner ninja. It's a skill. A *required* skill. Street parking only, and it's… let's just say it's competitive. Weekends are a battlefield. You might have to walk a bit. Consider it extra exercise, a chance to admire the architecture, and a good excuse to curse under your breath. The earlier you get home, the better. Consider scooter, if you can drive one. Seriously, consider the scooter. It is a must.
Vibe? Rabat is…genuine. It's real. You can expect a friendly, community sort of feel. There's a mix of locals, expats, students—it’s diverse. You'll get to know your neighbors. They'll look out for you. Kids play in the streets (mostly safely, it's not some crazy city!) Some nights are quiet; some are filled with laughter and the sounds of Maltese celebrations. You'll get used to it. There's a bakery around the corner, the butcher two streets over… you'll integrate, it's inevitable. It’s the charm of the place too. Just be prepared for the occasional late-night fireworks display. Oh, and the church bells. They ring. A lot.
