Reviews of Dar Isla, in the heart of the Three Cities, Malta
16 Triq San Frangisk, ISL 1457 Senglea, Malta
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Reviewed: 6 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe stay at Dar Isla was amazing. The facilities of the apartment were great, everything you need is pretty much there. Everything is also very clean. The location was also very pleasant. It is a relatively quiet part of town in our experience. Great to rest after a busy day. The apartment isn’t very noise isolated so you can hear some noises outside from time to time. But unless you are sensitive to noises or something its not something to worry about I’d say. Additionally, the apartment is located close to the bus station which was nice. It is located on top of a little hill though so if you have difficulty walking it may not be the ideal place to stay, but generally this probably wont be an issue. Lastly, the hosts were great. They were very kind and very helpful. You can really notice they try to make your stay as best as possible and have put a lot of effort into the apartment. All in all a great stay at Dar Isla and would highly recommend!
There were no real downsides I would say. Only a few minor ones which can maybe be improved. Firstly, there was only 1 trash bin but trash needed to be split into recyclable waste and rest waste which meant one trash bag could not be put into a bin and was just on the floor. Secondly, although the knives in the kitchen were great and very sharp, it would have been nice to have a smaller knife as well. But these are just minor things of course.
Reviewed: 3 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewWe felt unsafe, unsupported, and completely abandoned during a frightening situation. The host was unhelpful and dismissive, and Booking.com has still not responded to our refund request. This was a terrible experience from start to finish. We acted responsibly in a frightening situation, involved the police, and made all efforts to return the property key and communicate with both the host and Booking.com. Weeks have passed and we still haven’t received any refund or communication from either the platform or the host. We are asking Booking.com to take this matter seriously and act in favor of guest safety and transparency. We deserve a full refund and an acknowledgment of how poorly this situation was handled.
Extremely Unsafe Experience at Dar Isla – Still No Response or Refund from Booking.com We are deeply disappointed by our recent experience with both the property Dar Isla and the lack of action from Booking.com regarding our serious safety concerns Despite multiple attempts to contact Booking.com and submit a formal complaint along with a police report, we have yet to receive any response, assistance, or refund. On the night of June 24–25, around 3:00 AM, we were woken up by repeated, aggressive banging on the front door and a suspicious car driving slowly by the house—completely out of place in a typically quiet area. Fearing a break-in, we immediately contacted the host, who minimized the situation, told us it was "our problem" if we felt unsafe, and said burglars “don’t usually come back.” After we insisted, he reluctantly agreed to call the police but later admitted they likely wouldn't come. Due to his inaction, we asked a friend in our home country to contact the local police on our behalf. The police confirmed that only our friend had called—the host never did, despite his claim. This is documented in the official police report, which we submitted to Booking.com. The host also accused us of turning off the "security system" by unplugging Google Assistant devices. We were never informed these were part of any security feature and unplugged them purely for privacy reasons, as many guests do. At no point were we warned not to do so. Feeling unsafe and unsupported, we left the property immediately around 4:00 AM and took a taxi to the airport. We only returned later to return the keys and retrieve our groceries. The host then claimed we didn’t use a taxi but a “local” car a concerning detail, given he claims there are no surveillance cameras on the property. How would he know this? To suggest we fabricated a break in attempt to “move somewhere cheaper” is insulting and baseless.
We would like to address a recent guest's concern regarding a stay at our property on June 25th. We take all safety-related matters very seriously and would like to clarify the situation with the utmost respect for privacy and Booking.com’s content policies. 1. Initial Incident and Response. • During the early hours of June 25th, we received a call from the guests asking us to contact the police, as they reported hearing a loud bang on the door. They immediately stated that the apartment was unsafe and requested a refund before discussing the situation further or calling the police themselves, something we believe should have been their first action in an emergency. During their interaction with the police officer, the guests asked how to request a refund, which the officer found odd, given that the primary concern should have been their safety. An hour later, we called for a follow-up report from the officer, who informed us about the guests’ primary focus on obtaining a refund rather than addressing their immediate safety concerns. The guests also called us later that morning with an aggressive tone, accusing us of not taking sufficient action. However, we had promptly called the police 15 minutes after their initial calls which lasted around 10 minutes, and we had taken additional steps to ensure their safety. 2. Security System and Communication Issues. • After receiving the initial call, we checked the property’s security system and discovered that the guests had disabled the internet and security system approximately 2 hours before the call. This was a concerning action, especially if they were feeling unsafe, as it disabled their only means of communication and security. When we asked them to turn the system back on, they repeatedly objected, which seemed unusual given the circumstances. We also attempted to contact the guests eight times after the matter, but received no response until they informed us they had left the property. Given their reported fear for safety, we found it strange that they chose to leave alone in the very early hours, especially in a neighbourhood they had just claimed was ‘unsafe.’ On the latter, we would like to emphasise the fact that Dar Isla is situated in a very calm and safe neighbourhood where everyone knows everyone. 3. Follow-Up Investigation. • The following morning, we contacted the police again and visited the property. We spoke with neighbours, none of whom reported hearing anything unusual during the night. One neighbour, who lives directly opposite the property, confirmed that the dogs did not bark, which would have been expected if there had been any loud disturbances. Additionally, there were no reports from the police or neighbours of any suspicious activity in the area. It’s also important to note that the area around Dar Isla is well-known to be very safe, as confirmed by the police officer to the guests themselves. In the four years we’ve been hosting guests, safety and security concerns have never been raised by previous guests, and on the contrary, many have commented on how welcome and safe they felt during their stays. 4. Departure and Refund Request. • The guests left the apartment voluntarily in the very early hours, which was unexpected given their earlier claims of feeling unsafe. They quickly packed their belongings and left the property without any apparent plan of action. We would have rather expected them to ask us where to relocate in such a situation, but it seems they knew exactly what to do or where to go. Despite saying they would not return, they returned later that morning to collect groceries and left without paying the required tourist tax. Additionally, the car that attended them was not a taxi, but a locally registered vehicle, which raises further questions. It is contradictory that the guests disabled their only means of communication and security (the Wi-Fi and security system), yet claimed that someone was attempting to break into the property at that very precise moment in time. As the system was off during the alleged break-in attempt, no evidence was captured. The police officer who followed up with us noted that there was no evidence to support the claim and suggested that the request for a refund might be linked to an attempt to move elsewhere, perhaps to a cheaper property or to stay with friends. The officer also stated that the switching off of the Wi-Fi and security system during the said time is quite odd. 5. Conclusion. • We believe the guests request for a refund is unfounded, as the situation seems very odd. The apartment was fully prepared, cleaned, and sanitised for their arrival, and all necessary supplies were provided as we always do. As a small rental business, we invest significant time and resources to ensure that all guests have a comfortable and safe stay. Accepting their booking meant turning down other potential guests, and it is disheartening that their comments have had a negative impact on our business. A digital guide is sent to all guests prior to their arrival detailing all the necessary information about the property, including the WI-FI system and security system, beside information about Senglea itself and amenities. We are disappointed by the guests' attitude and their unfounded claims, which ultimately hurt us both as people and as a business. The impact of this review, along with the overall score, will affect us not just emotionally, but also in terms of our business reputation. We remain committed to offering a safe and welcoming environment for all of our guests, and we hope to continue improving our services. Best regards, Dar Isla Team
We would like to address a recent guest's concern regarding a stay at our property on June 25th. We take all safety-related matters very seriously and would like to clarify the situation with the utmost respect for privacy and Booking.c… Show more
Reviewed: 3 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewGood location in Senglea with a 5-10 minute walk to local bars & restaurants. The apartment was clean and well presented with nice towels and bathroom amenities also a fully fitted kitchen, nice lounge area with WiFi and TV.
None
Reviewed: 2 December 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewBeautiful apartment, well equipped, very clean.
Everything was great!
Reviewed: 25 March 2024 · Stayed in March 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 5 August 2023 · Stayed in July 2023
Verified reviewLoved staying at Dar Isla. We go to Malta every year and have not been disappointed by the island or properties and this was no exception. Dar Isla was spotlessly clean, comfy, extremely well equipped, easy to access/leave and the welcome items after a long journey were mostly gratefully received. There is a corner shop over the road, which was so handy for supplies. The location is perfect for strolling to local bars, cafes & restaurants in Senglea. But if you want a dip in the Grand Harbour, then you are only 5 mins away, as right at the end of Sengela you can sunbath on the rocks and swim in the sea, without a grain of sand getting in your shorts! A short 15 walk into Birgu, opens up more sightseeing, restaurant & cafes, not to forget the water taxi to Valletta, a wonderful capital city that is not to be missed. A further 20 mins walk will take you to Kalkara, with yet more to experience. Take your swimmers as right at the end it its small, quiet, clean sandy beach, Rinella Bay a favourite with the locals. Can't wait to go back next year. Thank you Dar Isla for a wonderful time
Just needed a rack to hang our clothes on outside. That said there were plenty of coat hangers that did the job!!
Dear Sue. We sincerely appreciate your review. We are so happy that you have thoroughly enjoyed your stay in Malta and in particular at Dar Isla. Alessandro & Romina Dar Isla Malta
Reviewed: 10 May 2023 · Stayed in May 2023
Verified review- beautiful design-furnished apartment in an old typical house - basic food and welcome gifts from the owners - fully equipped kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, toaster and coffee maker - close to the ferry to Valletta and the bus stop - close to groceries and restaurants - check-in and check-out at night, keys available after entering the code in the lockbox - the apartment is located on 3 floors, a lot of stairs can be problematic for elderly people - windows in old houses are not sound proof, might be a problem for someone who is a light sleeper
We were satisfied with everything.
Dear Jana, We sincerely appreciate your review. We are so happy that you have thoroughly enjoyed your stay in Malta and in particular at Dar Isla. Alessandro & Romina Dar Isla Malta
Reviewed: 15 April 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewLocation beautiful. Very close to the bus and to the fairy to Valletta, you need to prepared for going a little bit uphill (no problem for me). The apartment has everything that You need to stay in Malta. Its very quiet and 2 local shops are 100m away. Owners are so nice and very helpful. They went abowe and beyond to make our stay very pleasant. I am awed with this place and will recommend it to everyone.
Dear Marta. We sincerely appreciate your review. We are so happy that you have thoroughly enjoyed your stay in Malta and in particular at Dar Isla. Alessandro & Romina Dar Isla Malta
Reviewed: 8 April 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewThe apartment is very well equipped and conveniently located. Everyting is easily accessible by ferry and bus. There are numerous small groceries within walking distance. A mobile greengrocer comes by regularly. Communication with Romina and Alessandro went easily.
The windows are not well insulated, so it is sometimes a bit noisy in the early morning hours (around five o'clock) when the small store across the street gets deliveries. Fortunately we could always fall asleep again.
Dear Katja, We sincerely appreciate your review. We are so happy that you have thoroughly enjoyed your stay in Malta and in particular at Dar Isla. Alessandro & Romina Dar Isla Malta
Reviewed: 4 February 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewDar Isla is the perfect place in almost every respect for a couple wishing to spend a few days in Malta surrounded by its sights. The apartment is beautifully designed and furnished. There is a huge bathroom and a separate toilet. There is a fully equipped kitchen with a dining room, a romantic bedroom, and a living room. Excitable hosts respond quickly to questions, which are not many thanks to the pdf guide they have prepared. There are plenty of different restaurants in the area. Within a few hundred meters there is a bus and ferry stop.
I do not recommend the place to the elderly or people with small children due to the rather steep stairs. From the disadvantages, the bathroom is underheated, but I think it may be a problem only in January, which is when we were there.
Dear Cezary, We sincerely appreciate your review. We are so happy that you have thoroughly enjoyed your stay in Malta and in particular at Dar Isla. Alessandro & Romina Dar Isla Malta