Roderick graduated from ITS and had early experiences with top catering establishments in Malta such as Westin Dragonara where he joined as apprentice and left as chef de partie, the Danish Village, the Fortina and eventually moved to Corinthia Tripoli. All these opportunities enriched Chef Vella’s bag of tricks especially when he needed to adapt to the stringent quality levels in his latter time in Tripoli. Being woken up in the middle of the night to prepare food for the late Colonel Gaddafi who would be about to travel definitely put his skills to the test. Roderick attributes his main influence in his culinary profession to his dear mother with whom he has cooked innumerable dishes for family and friends. His style, also thus influenced, leans more towards the classical approach. In his very words, “people, especially we maltese, love to eat, and I love to feed them”. He appreciates that certain modern styles are more about ‘designing’ the dish with skimpy bits of food and of course, he will accommodate any such requirement, yet he also knows that portions and approach need to offer wholesome plates which burst with flavour and texture.

A short stint in his own restaurant Le Luci in Marsascala gave Chef Vella a good commercial experience in the catering world and leaving him in a much better position to take the challenge of heading a brigade of some 35 chefs and another 30 stewards to run all the hotel’s outlets namely The Admiral main a` la carte restaurant, Spice Island which hosts most of the grand buffets, the recently-launched Lobby’s menu found at the Harbour View and the magical Tiki at the water’s edge which will soon be offering a full a` la carte service.

Add to this the incredible amount of Malta weddings hosted by the Excelsior Hotel, which at peaks can comfortably deal with 60 receptions in three months, and maybe one can appreciate the hotel’s insight to employ a young, talented and energetic young man who can handle all that’s placed on his plate. In fact, Head Chef Roderick Vella himself acknowledges that the secret is that of working in a tightly-knit team which includes Pastry Chef David Pulis and Sous Chefs Adrian Buttigieg, Melvin Sammut and Mark Azzopardi.

Well done to this young chef, and to this superior Malta Hotel that has entrusted him with such a prestigious role.

Should you wish to experience our renowned Sunday buffet Lunch or a special meal at one of our Malta Restaurants kindly contact Our Food & Beverage Team on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt or on +356 21250520.

Article by Josef’ Bonello in Cibus Magazine & Photos by Matthew Debono.

Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards honour the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travellers. Unlike any other hotel honours, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travellers around the world.

General Manager of Grand Hotel Excelsior Norbert Grixti, said, “We are excited with the achievement of these Awards and this reflects our commitment towards quality and service, by exceeding our guests’ expectations.”

“TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognise the world’s most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travellers around the globe”, said Christine Petersen, President, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travellers’ Choice winners.”

Reviews of the Grand Hotel Excelsior can be found at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g190328-d656905-Reviews-Excelsior_Grand_Hotel-Valletta_Island_of_Malta.html.

The sum was collected through this year’s Santas’ Swim, employees’ contributions from their monthly salaries, events organised by the Sports and Social Committee and also through tips collected during the Sunday Lunch of the 23rd December. 

“Grand Hotel Excelsior is proud of its close cooperation with L-Istrina and the Malta Community Chest Fund, and our contribution is our thank you to the Office of the President of Malta for its sterling work in organizing such a great event of solidarity that unifies the Maltese nation” said General Manager Mr. Norbert Grixti.

Stay updated with events taking place at this Luxury Malta Hotel.

VALLETTA, MALTA, October 2012: After being honoured as a highly rated 5 star property by Trip Advisor reviewers and awarded the Certificate of Excellence 2012, Grand Hotel Excelsior has received another Travel accolade – The Expedia Insiders’ Select 2012.

The Expedia Insiders Select 2012 is an annual award recognizing the very best hotels available in Expedia’s global marketplace, as judged by the experiences of Expedia’s customers. Based on more than 500,000 guest reviews submitted annually by Expedia travelers, only 650 hotels out of 150,000 Expedia properties were designated as the 2012 worldwide award recipients. These properties have been identified by Expedia customers as consistently delivering superior services, an exceptional guest experience and notable value. Insiders’ Select helps travelers make confident decisions when planning their leisure or business trips.

“It is an amazing achievement for Grand Hotel Excelsior to receive a placement on the Insider’s Select List especially when this accolade is being awarded during our 5th year of operation.” said General Manager Mr. Norbert Grixti. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience during their stay in Malta. Being an Expedia Insiders’ Select property is a clear testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence.”

Should you wish to enjoy a relaxing break at a leading Luxury Malta Hotel contact us on info@excelsior.com.mt or on 00356 21250520.

The great bastion walls that surrounded us were no strangers to loud explosions. Five hundred years ago it had been the invading Turkish army that had sought to batter the walls of the city into submission during The Great Siege of Malta.

The arsenal that was rattling the windows of our balcony hotel room was, mercifully, less lethal, but none the less spectacular. Malta was hosting an International Fireworks Festival, and night after night the skies above Valletta, its Grand Harbour and surrounding sister walled cities, were ablaze with tremendous displays of fire, colour and noise. However, safe as we were, it was still comforting that our hotel, the aptly named Grand Hotel Excelsior, was built into the very bastions created by the Knights of St John to ensure the fleets of their great enemy never captured this outpost of Christianity.

Today The Grand Hotel Excelsior ‘sails’ majestically out from the bastion walls itself. Designed to look like a cruise ship, it skillfully blends the ancient walls with a very modern, yet stylish link to the surrounding sea. And this was more than just a nod to the glamour and comfort of the cruise industry, as we were to discover.

Malta has become extremely easy to reach thanks to new flights with Ryanair from Bournemouth Airport. Thursday morning departures with returns early on Monday morning create the ideal long-weekend break. With flights just under three hours and a 9.45am lift off we were by the hotel pool basking in the warm Maltese sunshine by mid-afternoon. Bliss. The Grand Hotel Excelsior sits on the waterfront facing onto Valletta’s second harbour.

Until four years ago it stood abandoned and run-down – almost impossible to understand for such a beautiful spot.

Bought by Hampshire hotel entrepreneurs the Elliot family, the hotel was restored, re-opened and today stands as one of Malta’s most exclusive venues. With its own yacht marina, spa and indoor pool and fitness complex, the five-star hotel is already world-renowned. The cruise-ship design is not restricted to the exterior of this beautiful building. Throughout the hotel there is a feel of grandeur afloat, from the lobby’s grand staircase modelled on that of the Titanic, to the wide corridors and impressive public rooms where guests mingle with locals and large panoramic windows open onto spectacular waterside views.

The cruise-theme features again with the hotel’s dining experience. Guests to the beautiful dining room experience a different world buffet each evening. And it is to the poolside, of course that the guests gather during the hours of the warm Malta sun. Set against the ancient walls created to defend the city, the pool is also the site of the Tiki bar where attentive staff ensure guests don’t have to lift themselves too far from their recliners to enjoy a drink or snack.

The pool has views of Marsamxett Harbour overlooking Sliema and there is a steady flow of water traffic ambling past.

Indeed, the hotel is one of the points of interest for visitors using the numerous sight-seeing boats that ferry tourists around Valetta’s waterfront. And a waterborne trip is probably the best way to first experience Valletta and its surrounding cities. Staff at the Grand Hotel Excelsior are happy to arrange all manner of excursions and will also provide directions for the short, ten minute walk along the harbour front to where water taxis will speed you across to Sliema where the larger ferries leave. The tour we experienced cost £10 each and over two hours weaved its way close to the city walls of not just Valletta but of its surrounding fortress cities. Valletta may be some 500 years old, but it is a virtual youngster compared with some of its neighbours. A water tour is, we decided, the best way to gather bearings and decide which places of interest to return to at a later date.

For Valetta itself the hotel is based just five minutes stroll from the ancient city gate itself. Once inside, past the striking new Parliament building still under construction, and Valletta tumbles away on all sides. Always down to the water. The city was created by the Knights on a huge outcrop of rock and for five centuries waves of residents bringing their culture and architectural styles have swept through and sometimes stayed. The French and we

British were the last conquerors. The Germans tried during the last World War but failed, the battle bringing Malta its cherished award of a George Cross for bravery for all of its citizens.

Today Britain’s legacy remains in the form of language – just about everyone speaks English – a red pillarbox here, and old British phone box there. The most popular flags you see flying today, however, belong to the island’s many football clubs. Valletta is a marvellous clutter: a gorgeous mixture of old and new, high culture and everyday folk, exclusive shops jostling for position with trendy bars and street cafes. Yet authentic Malta with its lively, friendly people, is everywhere.

At the Grand Hotel Excelsior tired feet and sun-kissed skin can find its rest from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The balcony to our harbour-view room proved just that added oasis of luxury that enabled us to find even more quiet and comfort. And as the evening sun set before us, the lights from across the harbour turning the seafront into a shimmering spectacle, we gave thanks to the Knights of St John for saving the island for us – and Ryanair for making getting there so easy. Bless them all.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable Malta Holiday, then stay in a top Luxury Malta Hotel on the doorstep of Valletta, the capital city of Malta.

Honoured as a Highly Rated 5 star Property as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site.

VALLETTA, MALTA, July 2012: Grand Hotel Excelsior today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. 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 travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

“Grand Hotel Excelsior is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said General Manager Mr.Norbert Grixti. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience during their stay in Malta, and this accolade is evidence that we really believe our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.”

“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellenceaward gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijingto remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers agreat customer experience.”

Should you wish to experience a luxury holiday at this superior Malta Hotel contact us on info@excelsior.com.mt or on 00356 21250520.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior is proud to be the first local hotel to be awarded the Equality Mark certification by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), with the support of the European Social Fund (ESF).

The National Commission awarded Grand Hotel Excelsior in recognition of the organisation’s efforts to provide the ideal work environment that is free from any type of discrimination. This achievement is another proof of the hotel’s commitment to its employees and acknowledges the its responsibility to provide equal access to opportunities and career development based on employees’ potential, irrespective of their gender and family responsibilities.

“We value our employees as the most important resource within the organization and we are duly bound to offer a working environment where employees work without fear of prejudice or gender discriminations,” said Norbert Grixti, General Manager of Grand Hotel Excelsior. “Since opening its doors in 2007, the Grand Hotel Excelsior has always been a pioneer in gender equality within the hospitality industry and we have always maintained this position throughout all training and other human resource programmes.”

Stay updated with events taking place at this Luxury Malta Hotel.

Chinese New Year, better known in China as the Spring Festival, is a time to welcome longevity, wealth and prosperity and to eliminate any negative events from the past. In Chinese tradition, each year is dedicated to a specific animal. The Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Rat, Boar, Rabbit, Dog, Rooster, Ox, Tiger, Snake, and Ram are the twelve animals that are part of this tradition. Each of these animals are thought to bestow their characteristics to the people born in their year. In 2012, the Dragon is welcomed back after the 2011 year of the Rabbit.

Chinese people may celebrate this feast in slightly different ways but their wishes are almost the same; they want their family members and friends to be healthy and lucky during the New Year.

To find out about Events at the Excelsior Hotel Malta and Things to do in Malta during your holidays stay updated with our Hotel website.

In 2011 the Grand Hotel Excelsior hosted several distinguished guests, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying, former Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It also welcomed the music legend Cliff Richard, renowned DJ David Guetta and Isle of MTV performers Snoop Dogg and LMFAO, as well as several sports personalities including Carlton Cole of West Ham FC, Olympic Gold Medalists Antonio Rossi, Yuri Checchi, Pietro Mennea and Leeds football legend Peter Lorimer.

“The fact that such celebrities have chosen the Grand Hotel Excelsior is a clear proof of the excellent quality of service that the hotel offers to all of its guests,” the hotel said in a statement.

In their tenth year, the Foundation for Human Resources Development celebrated the Malta People Awards 2011 on the 9th of December. For the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta, this was a great opportunity to celebrate its newest outstanding Human Resources achievement, just a few weeks after its success at the Malta Kulinarja Awards.

This Luxury Malta Hotel was awarded the FHRD Employee Engagement Award on the basis of its continuous staff development; encouragement and reward of employee engagement; and participation within all levels of the organisation. The Human Resources department is pivotal in disseminating this corporate culture and is continuously working to achieve higher levels of staff motivation and commitment.

The Forest is comprised of trees branded by various companies, including Sarah Young, Azzopardi Fisheries, Atlas Insurance, MSV Life, Energy World Corporation, W&J Coppini, Delicata Wines, Vodafone, Camilleri Wines, Mafimex Ltd, Alistair and St Angela’s Nursery, who all gave a donation to a charity of their choice.

Ray Coppini, Director of W & J Coppini explained why his organisation decided to contribute to this noble initiative.

“W&J Coppini & Co is proud to participate in the Christmas Forest charity campaign and would like to congratulate the management of the Excelsior Hotel for its initiative to raise funds for those who are mostly in need.”

The Grand Hotel Excelsior employees, family and friends have also sponsored their own Employee Charity Tree and decorated the tree with the donators’ photos as an appreciation for their contribution.

Norbert Grixti, Grand Hotel Excelsior General Manager, said that, “The success of the Charity Forest has given us the strength to make next year’s Charity Forest a bigger show of solidarity, making Christmas less materialistic. We encourage more local organisations to join us in this initiative.”

Companies which would like to participate in the Grand Hotel Excelsior Charity Forest are kindly requested to send an e-mail on info@excelsior.com.mt.

Sunday 20th November 2011, Valletta Malta – 35 days until Christmas, but Jolly Roger and his band of merry chefs are in high spirits and are already celebrating.

Who can blame them for cracking open the Champagne, having brought home an incredible haul of medals in the Malta Kulinarja Gastronomic Competition which was held last week.

Having been awarded for excellence, team work and inspiration, our chefs, under the guidance of Roger Friggieri, David Pulis and Noel Azzopardi, are making plans and preparations that will make your Christmas and New Year truly memorable events. Indeed, this Christmas season you are in for a treat by our award winning chefs.

On this occasion Our Chefs would like to invite you to taste our exceptional food during your Christmas Festivities in Malta!

The Grand Hotel Excelsior strongly believes in its commitment to promote Maltese hospitality to all its distinguished guests. Madame Secretary left a note note in the Hotel’s Visitor Guestbook saying “Thank you for your gracious hospitality and warm welcome to Malta. All the best.”

Stay updated with more top Malta events and news from this superior Luxury Malta Hotel.

They’ve all been to Malta and they’ve all slept in the same bed. This particular bed is found in the executive suite at the five-star Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana.

Speaking to General Manager, Norbert Grixti, Vida found out that there is a long list of celebrities – musicians, politicians and athletes – who have chosen this specific suite in which to catch their 40 winks while in Malta. Three flights of stairs bear testimony to this, with photos of Cliff Richard, the Black Eyed Peas, referee Pierluigi Collina, Dione Warwick and so many others taken with the Excelsior staff.

Our two-hour long discussion covers many topics and of course the national airline woes are always a concern for anyone in the tourism industry. Asked whether low-cost airlines have impacted the business negatively his answer is a clear ‘No’. A low-cost airline, he clarifies, does not necessarily mean a low-budget client. ‘People will choose their airline based on convenience. Why would you pay more to travel to an airport that’s further from home simply to use a more expensive carrier? The money that is saved in flights will probably be spent anyway while on holiday.’ The national carrier has done far more for tourism and the economy than it is given credit for. They will operate routes that are not making a profit as there are destinations that are not as popular, and that also may benefit the nation economically while not really helping the airline. Of course there is also the employment factor too.

And while it may have taken a few twists and turns over the last few weeks, there is also the crisis in Libya. ‘Occupancy shot up for a few weeks,’ he says, ‘as people fled the area and chose Malta as their destination.’

As we spoke we couldn’t help looking out over the Grand Hotel Excelsior’s private marina with views of the Sliema cityscape. ‘It is exclusive to our guests’ he says. ‘Although commercially it is a prime location, we focus on providing the highest standard of service to our clientele.’

As we head back out of the hotel we pass through the restaurants. During the summer months Wednesday evenings are themed Global Tastes where guests can try a vast selection of cuisines – Italian, Indian and Turkish. During the rest of the year eight cooking stations are available to cater to all tastes for the Sunday lunch buffet.

If you would like to find out more about what’s happening at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta then stay updated with this Luxury Malta Hotel’s events.

Meeting Thai massage therapist Artita at the Grand Hotel Excelsior’s Le Grand Spa provides first-hand information about it all.

To celebrate the friendship that the Maltese enjoy with the Chinese People, the Grand Hotel Excelsior had the pleasure to invite the Ambassador of China to Mata, His Excellency, Mr Zhang Keyuan, and the staff at the Chinese Embassy, to a discussion on European alcoholic drinks and cocktails as well as customs and etiquette acknowledged whilst drinking in our Continent.

The Ambassador thanked Excelsior Bars Manager Paul Cassar and his assistant David Mc Keon, who conducted the discussion together, and promised to be back to the Hotel to exchange more interesting facts about the two cultures.

Professor Amato expressed his pleasure with the warm welcome extended at the Hotel. “I am impressed that all of you can speak Italian”, Professor Amato told team members as he was checking into his room. Italian tourists, who happened to be in the Hotel’s lobby upon his arrival, were surprised and very enthusiastic to see one of their leading politicians.

For an enjoyable holiday in Malta packed with events and activities stay in a centrally located Luxury Malta hotel which is within walking distance to the capital city, Valletta.

Joined by two of this year’s hottest acts Far East Movement and LMFAO, Snoop Dogg entertained thousands of fans gathered in Floriana for one of Europe’s most important music events.

“It gives me great satisfaction to see these stars all smiles around the hotel and exchanging jokes with our staff.  It means a lot to me” General Manager, Norbert Grixti said about the visit.

Nearing its fifth year of operation, The Grand Hotel Excelsior has hosted artists such as Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, Kelis, Kid Rock, Akon, One Republic and Maroon 5.

For more information about Malta Events and activities during your next Holiday in Malta check out what this Luxury Malta Hotel has to offer.

The menu has also been revamped, to include a selection of pasta dishes, salads and grills. The theme of the venue reflects a Tiki ambiance, making this a truly unique venue on this side of the Island.  It is open from 11.00 a.m. till 11.00 p.m., seven days a week.

A new concept will be introduced on Wednesday nights, starting from mid-July, when a buffet style food court will be set up, serving a selection of Mediterranean, Asian and the all-time summer favourite, BBQ Grill. The a la carte menu will also be available.

For more information about dining at this Malta Restaurant, contact the hotel’s food and beverage Team on 00356 21 250 520 or food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt. Bookings are recommended.

For the past 14 years he has been working in Malta, more recently having become the resident Indian chef at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana.

We meet on the day when he is preparing a buffet laden with typical Indian fare and he spares some time out of the kitchen to share his experience. Chef Michael smiles warmly but discreetly – his quiet attitude is typical of his people.

“I have been working in kitchens since I was 19 years old. After school I got my diploma and since then have worked in a variety of cities and countries.”

His experience is vast and ranges from that acquired by working in a Taj Mahal restaurant to what he learnt from a Copper Chimney restaurant where he was head chef. He has worked in the UK, Norway and Dubai and has been at the Excelsior since its opening. The hotel, which offers six types of cuisine on its menu lists, has thought well to provide Indian cuisine as a speciality. A question arises spontaneously – how Indian is his Indian cooking when he has to adapt it to a European-Maltese palate?

“Then again, I am very often surprised when some of our Maltese patrons specifically request food with extra hot sauces – so hot not even I can handle them!”

When guests who have never experienced Indian food turn up for the special buffet dinners, Michael takes time out of the kitchen to explain about the dishes, preparing them for the kind of food they will be presented with.

“In Indian cooking we use many spices that are not only included for the particular taste, colour and fragrance they produce, but also for their beneficial health qualities. For instance, turmeric is good for removing bacteria from food. It is also very good for the skin. “Cardamon is helpful with breathing problems and heartburn. Then again, chilli is not good for everyone, and people with heartburn or acid problems should watch out.”

Some of the more popular dishes are typical Indian staples – chicken tikka masala is a case in point and those unfamiliar with Indian food should try out this first as a safe bet. Both chicken and lamb are most popular meats in Indian cooking. Then there are fish curries, pickles, poppadoms and soups.

There are, however, other more particular dishes, such as the Kashmiri Chicken Tikka, Pancer Makhani made with cottage cheese, Chicken Chettinad, a special dish from the south of India, and Samiya Upma. “Most British Indians who visit our restaurant say our Indian food is better than what they find back in the UK. This is such a compliment for me. I have had guests who have said my food is even better than what they ate in India – and that is a very special compliment indeed.”

Michael creates many of the dishes himself and likes to turn the menu around from week to week. He feels that the most important aspect is that guests can experience his kitchen staff preparing food in live cooking sessions – most frying is done in front of an audience – even samosas.

But what about this Indian chef predilection for Maltese food? Michael smiles and openly admits, “I have tried Maltese rabbit and I like it a lot – it is absolutely delicious and succulent. I have also sampled traditional timpana, which I enjoyed. But I have a weakness for cheesecakes… After having cooked for so many people all day long, sometimes cheesecakes are my favourite dinner-time solution…

Should you wish to experience such mouth watering cuisine at some of the top Malta Restaurants kindly contact the Food and Beverage Team at the Excelsior Hotel Malta on 21 250 520 or on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt.