The Palace Hotel, situated in High Street, Sliema, will be opening its doors to guests towards the end of June. The hotel will have a five-star rating, with 161 rooms spread over nine floors. It will be employing 100 employees on a full-time basis and another 50 part-timers. The total investment being made by AX Holdings in completing this hotel is in excess of Lm9 million.
This was announced by general manager Claire Xuereb during a visit to The Palace yesterday by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
Ms Xuereb added that “although The Palace is a modern urban hotel, it will have a classical touch that will give the décor a dramatic effect. The hotel will be mainly targeting the corporate customer and for this reason our service standards will be second to none. Located in the heart of Sliema, the hotel will form part of the complex which includes two already successful developments, The Victoria Hotel and Palazzo Capua. With The Palace we aim to build on the traditional hospitality and quality service found at The Victoria while creating a vibrant and distinctive character.”
In his address, Dr Gonzi spoke about the important contribution the tourism industry makes to the local economy, and praised the initiatives taken by local entrepreneurs to provide better hotels and services.
AX Holdings chairman Angelo Xuereb thanked all the staff for their commitment and hard work in effectively contributing towards this magnificent project. He said: “Now that the construction is complete, we are concentrating on the interior work in an effort to complete the project on schedule. The interior décor of the hotel will be totally different to other hotels on the island. In fact every area of the hotel will have a distinctive architectural or design feature which will be completely unique. We are also proud to say that the project is the fruit of a totally dedicated Maltese workforce, including architects, designers and skilled labourers. In fact, the AX Group, which today has over 600 employees, has always believed in the capabilities and excellent workmanship of the Maltese workforce.”
Mr Xuereb also spoke about the group’s total commitment to quality, which is reflected in The Palace Hotel. He said that in all the group’s coordinated projects, including the neighbouring Victoria Hotel, the restoration of Palazzo Capua, the development of Verdala Mansions and the Valletta Waterfront, the culture of quality and efficiency has always been the driving force.
Mr Xuereb added that it was the group’s confidence in the tourism industry and its potential that had encouraged AX Holdings to invest in this hotel project rather than real estate. Such is the group’s conviction that the tourism industry will recuperate that, earlier this year, it also invested Lm500,000 in a refurbishment programme at the Suncrest Hotel and another Lm250,000 at the Sunny Coast hotel and lido.
The elegantly furnished guest rooms offer different designs based on classical and contemporary lines. There are also six distinct designer suites inspired by the five senses and each will have a different theme, namely View, Light, Flavours, Fragrance, Texture and Music. Together with architects Mangion, Mangion & Partners, and interior designer Martin Xuereb, a totally new concept for the Maltese islands is being introduced and will contribute to the hotel’s distinctive character. The many services The Palace has to offer will produce the ultimate experience for even the most travel-weary guest. The top three floors will also incorporate the hotel’s spa and well-being centre.
Adding to its versatility, The Palace incorporates food and drink outlets that aim to make the hotel Malta’s most sought after destination. The Talk of Town is the café that will be situated in the lobby, the TemptAsian Lounge situated on the top floor will offer a fusion of Asian cuisines with 360 degree views of Malta’s skyline, and the hotel’s main restaurant, The Tabloid, will offer Mediterranean food and a contemporary and stylish venue for discerning diners.