I’ve had many wonderful Airbnb experiences, but this may have been the best. As can be seen from the very accurate listing, the apartment is beautifully decorated and well appointed. Check in and check out was a dream (thanks for arranging early check in) and communication before and during the stay was perfect, unobtrusive but there when needed. However, the factor that raised this stay to a different level was the location.
Valletta is one of my favourite cities, but the majority of my time has been spent in the more touristy parts. While the apartment was only a two to three minute walk from these places, it’s location a little further down allowed me to spend my 10 days almost living like a local. With two bars, a cafe, and an excellent Pastizzeria right outside, and more local cafes and bars in the surrounding streets, I found myself spending less and less time in the busier areas as the week went on. A short stroll to Lower Barrakka each morning for coffee was an added joy. And there’s an absolutely terrific jazz bar half a block away.
The apartment likely isn’t for everyone. There are stairs up from the street, and also between the main space and the bathroom. There are two churches right outdoor, so there will be bells (and the first service at one church is at 6:45am with a short ringing of bells at that time to herald it). The bars of Valletta are allowed to play music until 1am, and you will hear the bar downstairs on Friday and Saturday (though I didn’t notice it on other days). None of this bothered me in the least, and added to the local experience in my view, but if you have mobility issues or retire early it may be of concern.
Notwithstanding this, as I say, this has been my favourite Airbnb trip in memory, and I hope very much to return as soon as possible. Highly, highly recommended.