After spending a week at Mr Mario's place, I honestly don't think I'll ever find another one like it. The experience of living in that home will remain cherished memory deep in my heart forever, as all my expectations were far surpassed. I will categorize everything below for the review:
The neighborhood: The city of Birgu or Vittoriosa in which the house is built in is straight out of a fairy tale, a medieval movie set, a history book or all of the above. Being a fortified city, you will most likely enter it the first time via a stone bridge and pass through an arch in the old wall that surrounds it. Inside the wall you will find narrow, mostly stone paved roads and scenic architecture unique to the island and the city itself. I recommend exploring these roads on foot, you will be well rewarded.
The house: Despite the city being a sight to behold that words cannot do justice to, Mr Mario's home manages to reach a level above that. Located just 1 minute in walking time from the city entrance, 2 minutes from a bus stop and about 4-5 from the ferry dock that takes you to Valletta, it's not only beautiful, but also perfectly situated. Entering the home is akin to unlocking an old museum or an expensive art gallery and once you get inside is no different. You will be greeted by hanged art pieces including original paintings painted in different styles by the host himself, beautiful wooden furniture and even a glass display built into the wall with more art pieces inside.
The room: The rooms, as the house itself are freshly renovated and it shows. Mine had another beautiful painting on the wall, desk full of classic books to read, and the bare stylish limestones of the walls and ceiling giving it a unique aura. The balcony provided a nice view of the quiet street below. A new air conditioning unit and a refrigerator were also installed. Overall the room was gorgeous, and a huge value for money compared to anywhere else I've stayed. Almost didn't want to come out of it to explore Malta.
The host: The host is arguably the most important factor in a stay and I couldn't have asked for a better one. Mr Mario went out of his way on several occasions to help me and my fiancée get information on good local shops and restaurants, helped us book a cruise with a big discount, gave us coupons he had gathered on basically everything that's worth doing and even escorted us to friend-owned restaurants and gift shop so they would know who sent us so we could get a better price there as well. Furthermore we had water, tea, milk, 2 kinds of bisquits, fruits and even cereal provided to us free of charge without any obligation to do so. The kitchen area besides being fully equiped, also has another selection of books to read, several tabletop games and a thoughtfully provided feeding table for infants. Both Mr Mario and his wife Mrs Rita were generally perfect to us and really nice people to have an evening discussion with as well. Their daughter Mrs Mirka was also really helpful with communication and I had really fast responses from her.
To conclude, I recommend the host and home wholeheartedly and will surely be staying here again next year. Thank you for everything Vella family! Cannot wait to see you again!