The Jerma Palace Hotel is a run-down building on the Marsaskala shore - its beauty and originality is only noted by some, and it unfortunately was marked by authorities as a hazardous zone in 2016. So far, however, there has been no renovation or restructuring, and access hasn't even been restricted. There are, however, plans to demolish and rebuild the property, giving Jerma a bright future… perhaps.
In its heyday, the Jerma Palace Hotel was a thriving 4-star complex with pristine living quarters, superb lounge areas and a stellar view - probably the best on the island. Frequented by locals, foreigners and even Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan dictator who stayed in the Presidential Suite, which served him well during his visits to Malta. The variety of guests which visited the hotel can be seen of what's left of the old decor, as can be seen in William Pelizazari’s video depicting the tragic state the Jerma is in today.
But if you look at the video, you’ll note that this pile of rocks is a stunning building housing some awesome artwork. A graffiti haven with quirky, cute, political, artistic and macabre depictions of some great contemporary artists. Amidst all the rubble, the mess and the dangerous state of the hotel, the Jerma is a hang-out for the cool kids who find beauty in chaos.
The gorgeous view from the Jerma, together with the site's urban picnic vibe and stunning art work, encourages a good look-around and would be a shame to do away with, should the place get restored and renovated. But there is, of course, a flip side to the current hip-factor: health and safety concerns and the misuse of the site, due to the waste of space and resources it embodies, are factors which lend themselves towards a rehabilitation of the area.
There is currently interest in developing the area into a 6-star resort, featuring hospitality wonders which are only present in Dubai. The choice on what to do has not yet been made, but here’s hoping a sustainable approach with tasteful finishings and public access results from it!