Malta’s longest-established 5-star hotel, the Phoenicia, continues to assert its 70 year pedigree with the receipt of a TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence”, as well as a separate ‘Excellence’ award for its flagship dining outlet Pegasus, underlining the substantial changes to the culinary base at the landmark property.
Phoenicia’s new Food & Beverage team, Executive Chef Saul Halevi and Food & Beverage Director Francesco Perricone are delighted that the changes made over the last 6 months have resulted in such positive feedback.
Mr. Halevi says that Pegasus has moved to a natural Mediterranean kitchen approach which guests and diners are welcoming for its freshness, taste, quality and nutrition. He has introduced a large kitchen garden on 4000 square metres within Phoenicia’s extensive 7.5 acre grounds to supplement a very carefully selected supply-chain. “Among the best reasons to come and experience Pegasus now is the fresh local bounty, some of which is grown in our very own kitchen garden and showcased in virtually every menu item. At least 80% of all ingredients are locally sourced,” he reveals, “and 100% natural. While remaining true to basic culinary principles, the culinary team at Pegasus pursues out-of-the-box techniques, presentations, flavour sensations, tastes and textures - with a variety of dishes finished theatrically at your table. It’s this kind of detail which TripAdvisor is able to monitor, " concludes Mr. Halevi.
TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The winners are based on millions of reviews and opinions, covering more than 650,000 hotels collected in a single year from travellers around the world.
The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award. To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence,
businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.
“We are delighted to receive another TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Phoenicia Hotel’s General Manger Charles Azzopardi. “We strive to inspire our customers with a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor for both Phoenicia and Pegasus.“
“We are all very grateful to our guests for recommending our flagship restaurant and our hotel on the world’s largest travel site,” said Francesco Perricone. “TripAdvisor ‘Excellence’ awards recognise the world’s best hotels and restaurants, earning their distinction from those who know them best, the real travellers who are our guests year round. We are honoured and very proud of the awards received this year and do not take them for granted. For a boutique property of our size to be recognized alongside leading global hotels and restaurants is a true accomplishment. Each award is a testament of hard work and commitment backed by long hours and committed staff,” concluded Mr. Perricone.