The best hotels in Malta are design-led, often offering elegance and charm amid baroque splendor. Boutique hotels occupy townhouse gems, and grand luxury hotels take up residence in restored forts and palaces. But how to pick from the range of hotels? We’ve narrowed down the selection of best hotels in Malta to a tight shortlist—presented below in no particular order. We keep this list up-to-date regularly as new hotels launch and existing ones evolve.
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Iniala Harbour House is a boutique designer hotel, spanning four exquisite Maltese townhouses atop Valletta’s most coveted street. With a rich history dating back to the 1600s, this ultra-luxe retreat offers world-class service and captivating urban design. The hotel boasts 23 glamorous accommodations, each with unique designs, traditional Maltese balconies, and, in select suites, private plunge pools on their terrace. The hotel features a serene spa nestled in ancient stone vaults, while the indoor-outdoor ION Harbour hosts a chic and romantic Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant. Here, guests can savor fine dining and admire majestic views sweeping across countless church domes, spires, and fortified walls overlooking the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities beyond.
Alternatively, book Iniala Harbour House via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos (including the leading shot) © Iniala Harbour House
Casa Ellul is a historic hideaway in the heart of Valletta, owned by the Ellul family for generations. Housed in a Victorian-period Palazzo, this boutique hotel combines classical elegance with contemporary design. The property features nine luxury suites, each offering spacious open-plan layouts and stylish decor. Some suites include traditional wooden balconies or private terraces with jacuzzis, providing stunning views of the church dome. The on-site restaurant, Risette, offers laid-back fine dining with Mediterranean flavors; the hotel also features a pleasant bar and spa. With personalized service and a central location, Casa Ellul serves as an ideal base for exploring the city’s historic landmarks and vibrant dining scene, offering a memorable stay reminiscent of a friend’s welcoming home.
Alternatively, book Casa Ellul via
Expedia | WelcomeBeyond or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Casa Ellul
Nestled in the heart of Valletta, the luxurious AX Rosselli Privilege is a 5-star boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century palazzo, once the residence of Maltese Knight Don Pietro Rosselli. With 25 rooms and suites, the hotel seamlessly blends modern design elements like marble, vibrant wallpaper, and bespoke Italian furniture with historic charm. The hotel is a culinary destination, thanks to the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, Grain, which comprises three dining areas: Street, offering French and Mediterranean small plates; Under, featuring a more formal menu; and Over, located on the hotel’s rooftop, providing stunning views of the Valletta city skyline. Guests can unwind in the lounge area adorned with a restored fountain or enjoy the outdoor pool on the roof.
Alternatively, book Rosselli – AX Privilege via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Rosselli – AX Privilege
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The Xara Palace, nestled within the ancient walls of Mdina, Malta’s historic medieval city, is a luxurious Relais & Châteaux property housed in a grand 17th-century palazzo. Renovated into a 5-star boutique hotel, it boasts 17 opulent rooms and suites, each individually adorned with antique furniture, original paintings, and sumptuous fabrics, offering a blend of modern amenities and heritage charm. Guests can savor panoramic views from its hilltop location and dine at the Michelin-starred de Mondion restaurant, known for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Other dining options include Trattoria AD1530 and Palazzo de Piro Café and Bistro. With its fairytale setting and impeccable service, The Xara Palace offers an unforgettable retreat for those seeking refinement in the island’s historic capital.
Alternatively, book The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © The Xara Palace
Cugó Gran Macina is a 16th-century bastion transformed into a boutique hotel. Dating back to 1554 and built during the Knights of St John era, the property espouses the medieval charm of its heritage address while embracing modern design in the interior design. The hotel’s 21 suites feature vaulted ceilings and marble bathrooms. The interiors, created by the Maltese/Italian firm Daaa Haus, blend soothing earth tones with Scandinavian textiles, limestone walls, and bespoke Italian furniture. The hotel guests’ favorite is the stylish rooftop pool and deck with great views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The elegant bar and restaurant at Cugó Gran Macina offers sophisticated interpretations of traditional Maltese cuisine, crafted by an award-winning team.
Alternatively, book Cugó Gran Macina Malta via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Cugó Gran Macina Malta
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The Phoenicia is an iconic landmark hotel with a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Drawing from the grand Art Deco style the hotel seamlessly blends vintage charm with contemporary sophistication. Located on the edge of Valletta’s 16th-century city walls, the property has lush gardens, and its infinity pool offers epic views of the harbor and ancient bastion walls. The Phoenix Restaurant serves traditional Maltese cuisine, while the on-site Café Phoenicia invites for casual dining. For drinks, head to the Club Bar, the place for craft cocktails, or to the Palm Court Lounge for afternoon tea, evoking a bygone era.
Alternatively, book The Phoenicia Malta via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Phoenicia Malta
The Corinthia Palace Hotel, located in Attard’s tranquil San Anton area, occupies a 19th-century villa. The hotel exudes elegance and charm, with many original features preserved, like marble floors and neoclassical columns. Accommodations range from superior rooms to executive suites, all featuring comfortable beds and private balconies or terraces. The property boasts a splendid garden with a spacious pool deck, highlighted by a multilevel outdoor swimming pool. Guests can indulge in treatments at the deluxe Athenaeum Spa, and dine at five bars and restaurants. Afternoon tea at the Orange Grove Brasserie is a delightful experience not to be missed.
Alternatively, book Corinthia Palace Malta via
Expedia | Corinthia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Corinthia Palace Malta
Nestled within the enchanting labyrinth of medieval streets in Mdina, Malta’s captivating ‘Silent City’, this meticulously restored historic residence unveils a collection of six uniquely crafted suites. Each boasts opulent wallpapers, polished wooden floors, luxurious deep soaking tubs, and custom-made headboards adorned in hues inspired by the island’s lush plant life, featuring shades of sage, clover greens, and gold. Guests can indulge in breakfast and refreshments served in the Palazzo’s charming internal skylit Courtyard Lounge or beside the rooftop pool, offering panoramic views of the surrounding city walls and breathtaking sunsets.
Alternatively, book Palazzo Bifora via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Palazzo Bifora
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Situated in the heart of Valletta, Domus Zamittello offers a prime location for sightseeing, just a stone’s throw away from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, renowned for breathtaking harbor views. This boutique hotel, steeped in history, occupies a lavish 17th-century palazzo. Meticulously restored, the palazzo showcases exquisite craftsmanship and elegance. Inside, guests are greeted by a spacious hallway adorned with Tuscan columns and tasteful furnishings, creating a serene ambiance. From the intricately painted coffered ceiling in the breakfast room to the hand-painted details on bedroom wardrobes and doors, every corner boasts meticulous attention to detail. A standout feature is a distinctive 125 sq m open-air terrace providing breathtaking views of Valletta’s Gateway and Freedom Square.
Alternatively, book Domus Zamittello via
Booking.com | Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Domus Zamittello
The Coleridge, a stylish boutique hotel named after the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is situated in a carefully restored 17th-century Valletta townhouse within the historic bastion walls. Its five guest suites, individually furnished in elegant muted tones, blend contemporary and local aesthetics. Each suite is adorned with unique antiques, rich fabrics, and original artwork. The penthouse offers a roof terrace. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the barrel-vaulted cellar, and due to its central Valletta location, numerous restaurants are easily accessible.
Alternatively, book The Coleridge via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Coleridge
Our 2024 guide to the top hotels on the island
The below shortlist makes a worthy companion to the main list.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 12/08/2024
From historic grand dames to quaint canal-side townhouses
