Right in the centre of Bugibba, we had a chance to stay a couple of nights at the recently-refurbished Primera Hotel. It is close to all the bars, restaurants and shops in this busy tourist area of St Paul’s Bay and a short walking distance to the bus station, so a great location.
The lobby is very comfortable, with free WiFi, next to the restaurant where you can eat even if not a guest at the hotel. Ours was a good-size room on 1st floor with a sunny balcony most of the day, and a view of the sea to the side, with plenty of hot water and a decent shower cabinet. There is a rooftop pool and sunbeds – no views except other rooftops, but a very relaxing area to sunbathe or take a dip in the pool (only one metre deep so just a wallowing pool really). There is also a lovely warm indoor pool – deeper and better for swimming – in the process of being decorated.
The restaurant is great, especially as a 3* hotel. We had a lovely buffet meal (€9), beautifully presented, with a chef to serve carved meat, lots of vegetarian options, fresh salads and prepared vegetables including aubergine slices and courgettes. Dessert was a very tasty crème caramel and a trifle – yummy. With half a carafe of white wine, this is one of the best meals we have had at a 3* so definitely worth calling in to try it.
Breakfast is €5 with wide choice of continental or traditional breakfast dishes and choice of no-sugar fruit juices. So basically an excellent hotel in a busy area of Bugibba, right in the heart of the town. It is very noisy until late at night in rooms along this sunny side overlooking the main square (rooms not double-glazed yet) but quieter if you have a higher floor – we changed to 5th floor on second night and it was better.
Quieter in rooms on the other side of the hotel as double-glazed – no sea view – so you can request one of these. If you are looking for a budget stay, there are also a couple of internal rooms on each floor – exactly the same specification and furnishings but no balcony only a window facing a wall, but definitely quieter.
Staff in reception, the restaurant and generally around the hotel were very friendly and helpful, the food and the room were great, and we would definitely stay here again (on the quiet side!).
