Qawra Palace Hotel set to impress with €40 million refurbishment

Qawra Palace Hotel co-owner and managing director Edward Vella recalls how his father purchased the land on which the hotel was built in 1978 – back when the Qawra Coast Road ended at Ta’ Fra Ben, and the surrounding environs were still mostly fields. Mr Vella Senior’s plan was to build a hotel with his two sons, each having 20 years of prior experience in the hospitality sector under their belt. 

Over its 37-year history, the hotel remained largely unchanged, save for the occasional furniture replacement, a pool upgrade and the addition of a hugely popular wedding hall. The biggest renovation was carried out in 2016, when the reception area was upgraded and all bathrooms were retiled and updated. 

Now the hotel has closed its doors once again – this time for the renovation of a lifetime. 

“The hotel is being completely gutted and extended,” CEO Carmel Pullicino announces. “And we are increasing the number of guest rooms from 394 to 571.” 

Guests will be able to enjoy luxury spa facilities – including an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and beauty parlour.

Vella explains that plans for a renovation were in the works even before the COVID-19 pandemic, but initially this was set to be...