Whoa! This is what the original Hilton looked like before the Portomaso Tower took its place
The Hilton is one of Malta's most luxurious 5 star hotels, yet few today are aware that the Hilton we have today is in fact not the original hotel.
Indeed, prior to the one we have now, there was another building that served the same purpose in the area. However, this was demolished in the late 20th century to make way for the Portomaso Business Tower, which opened in 2001. With 23 floors, it is the highest building in Malta.
The hotel lives on in nostalgic photos dating back from those days as well as in the memories of countless workers there and visitors. Initially the subject of many a civilian protest after locals expressed their concern that it would destroy St Julian's, the hotel ultimately proved popular with Maltese and visitors alike.
Maria Graziella Cassar via Nostalgia Malta / Facebook
Although the background of the picture reveals that construction of high-rise buildings in the area had already taken of, the foreground is decidedly more pleasant with its tree-lined driveway. The nostalgic touch is heightened by the now-vintage cars lined up outside the hotel.
Take us back to those days!