10 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Malta

Palazzo Consiglia

Surrounded by the bright blue of the Mediterranean, sun-drenched and historic, and crowned with exceptional architecture, Malta knows luxury. A prize through history, her winners have fortified her beautifully and built their palaces even grander with every change of hands. Her many marinas bristle with yachts and fancy sailboats, her churches are rich with art, and some of her hotels are the kind of places that still have a grand ballroom. And one which Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have frequented! Some of our recommendations for the best luxury hotels in Malta have been converted from grand Italianate mansions or 17th century palazzos, while some are purpose built, but all are very special places to stay.

In Valletta

The Phoenicia Hotel

  • The Phoenicia Hotel is Malta’s grande dame: a glamorous Art Deco behemoth, by Malta’s standards, with 136 rooms and suites, and a grand ballroom that has hosted the soon-to-be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. The Deco decor has been refreshed but retained, and there’s a great nautical colour palette that reminds you to look outside, beyond the walls of the elegant cocktail bar, the tea rooms with their huge windows and the highly regarded restaurant. There’s also a large pool and seven acres of garden leading down towards the harbour. The best rooms are on the recently refurbished third or fourth floor, with views looking out to The Grand Harbour or the city walls of Valletta.
  • The Rosselli is one of the newest entries in Valletta's luxury hotel scene and it certainly packs a punch. Its gorgeous rooms and suites ooze with glamour and style, there's a sumptuous lounge area where you can enjoy a relaxing drink or simply watch the world go by, plus there's a small rooftop plunge pool and excellent onsite restaurant.

66 Saint Pauls

  • 66 Saint Paul's is a beautifully renovated 17th century palazzo in the heart of Valletta which offers a real sense of luxury, both old and new. 66 Saint Paul’s has just six individually styled rooms, though when you first enter you’ll probably feel as if this is a much larger hotel. While renovating, the architects kept as many of the original features as possible, so all the rooms are quite different, and the larger ones have traditional Maltese balconies or private terraces. There’s also a roof terrace with panoramic views, and a courtyard, and spa and solarium. Perfect for seeing the local sights.
  • If you like your luxury with all the trimmings the Palazzo Consiglia is for you. In this 13 room boutique hotel no opportunity for opulence has been missed, and there’s an inventive fusion of stylish original features, contemporary comforts and luxury details. The rooms and suites are all different shapes and sizes, and there are several good family options. There’s also a chic spa and a sunny terrace.

In Sliema

  • The Palace is one of Malta's few five star hotels and it offers a cosmopolitan sanctuary in the centre of buzzing Sliema. There is a good range of accommodation here, but for something truly special you need to book one of their signature suites; each has been specifically designed around a central theme and all are superb! Plus there's a great spa area and fabulous rooftop pool terrace and lounge with panoramic views over city and sea.
  • The Victoria is a four star hotel, but we reckon it manages to punch well above its weight in terms of rooms and services. Here the vibe is almost gentleman's clubby, with deep leather sofas and gilded mirrors - you'll find true traditional elegance. There's also a couple of dining options, plus indoor pool and spa area and superb rooftop pool and terrace.

The Most Romantic Luxury Hotels

Palais Le Brun

  • One of Valletta’s charms is her array of elegant 16th and 17th century palazzos, and some of the most beautiful have been carefully converted into small hotels. Hotels like the 28 room Palais Le Brun, a baroque-era palace turned refined boutique hotel. As well as keeping many of the original architectural features, the designers of the Palais Le Brun have also kept the decor regal, with Persian carpets, antique furniture, rich damask fabrics, spiral staircases and beautiful balconies. The most indulgent of the suites has its own private terrace with a hot tub facing the sea. For the rest of us there’s a rooftop pool with 180° views. The hotel’s restaurant is run by award-winners and it’s certainly one of the places to eat in Valletta.
  • Luxury is often romantic, but there’s something especially romantic about the Domus Zamittello. It could be the building? There’s certainly romance in a meticulously restored 16th century palazzo. Or it could be the matching decor with hints of baroque and weighty fabrics? The sea views from the roof terrace are certainly romantic, especially of an evening, and a private balcony is always an enchanting place to watch the sun go down. There are just 27 rooms, and a very elegant restaurant.

The Xara Palace

  • Perched on the ancient bastions of Mdina is The Xara Palace, a 17th century palazzo given the Relais et Chateaux treatment. Now the only hotel within the walled city, this is a really special place to stay, with just 17 rooms and suites and the kind of discretion and service that attracts everyone from rock star to royalty. There’s a lot of charm in the detail of the decor: a curated mix of Maltese antiques and treasures from farther afield, in spacious rooms with high ceilings and lots of natural light. On the roof terrace is the hotel’s award-winning restaurant which has panoramic views all the way out to sea.

Malta’s Best Luxury Waterfront Hotels

Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour

  • Directly overlooking the Grand harbour of Senglea, the Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour has some of the best sea views of any hotel on the island. It’s also an extremely elegant place to stay, with 21 rooms and suites in a range of shapes and sizes, all really beautifully decorated in stylish contemporary neutrals and plenty of pale wood — there’s certainly a Scandinavian feel to the decor, but with the original Maltese stone, and the arched shapes of the fort it’s been converted from. The best views are from the roof terrace and pool, but there are pretty good views from the restaurant too. This is one of the best luxury hotels in Malta for families too.

For affordable luxury

Valletta Suites

  • Stylish and contemporary, with a real focus on clever design, the Valletta Suites are a collection of just three apartment suites within an elegant townhouse. Two of the apartments have their own kitchenettes, and two of them have a private balcony, and one a sun-trap of a terrace. All of them have chic, personalised design, with traditional Maltese brickwork, antiques and objets d’art, oriental rugs, lavish fabrics and witty contemporary designer pieces. These are romantic, as well as great value.
  • Also in a great Valletta location, The Coleridge is another beautifully and carefully converted townhouse. There are just five rooms, of all different shapes and sizes, but this does feel more like a hotel than the Valletta Suites. The decor ranges from quite traditional luxury: gilded frames, heavily draped windows and velvet upholstery, to contemporary luxury: think bolder shapes and colours. There’s no restaurant, but breakfast is included.

Still not sure which to book?

10 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Malta

Phoenicia Hotel
Phoenicia Hotel

Valletta (Floriana)

The grand dame of the Maltese hotels still upholds its 1930s glamour. Art Deco in style with marble floors, arched glass windows, 30s cocktail bar, and even a ballroom. Harbour views and fantastic gardens. Go back in time on a cultural adventure to the glamour of a bygone era.

  • Local exploring - Local exploring in style just outsided the entrance to Valletta, within walking distance of the main sights and top restaurants.
  • Sights nearby - Explore the Ggantija, a Neolithic temple complex and one of the oldest free standing man made structures in the world.
  • Sailing - Boat tours can be arranged through the hotel, the perfect way to see the coast.
  • Diving - Guests can explore the wrecks and caves around the island with dive guides.
from CA$645 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Xara Palace
The Xara Palace

Mdina

Uncompromising luxury with all the individuality and sophistication of a Relais Chateaux property. Interiors with splendour - high ceilings, antiques, rugs, lots of natural light. Gorgeous rooms and award-winning rooftop restaurant. A palace of romance, surrounded by stunning baroque architecture.

  • Sights nearby - Mdina's monuments, museums and Roman villas are just a few steps away
  • Private Hot Tub - Some dulpex suites come with their own private terraces and hot tubs
  • Traditional - Antique furniture and original paintings
  • Restaurant - With panoramic views of the city
from CA$457 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Valletta Suites
Valletta Suites

Valletta

A haven for the design conscious: modern luxury meets historic charm in these apartment suites and unassuming townhouse. Traditional brickwork, balconies, high ceilings, sun trap terrace, picture perfect rooms with antique furnishings and oriental rugs. Chic, intimate, delightful.

  • Sights nearby - Near to opulent baroque churches and the Grand Master’s palace
  • Romantic
  • Seaside
  • Sea Views
from CA$190 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Palace
The Palace

Sliema

Cosmopolitan sanctuary with a difference in the urban heart of Sliema. Unique concept suites in ultra contemporary design - minimalism, chromes, stones, marbles, ochres, state-of-the-art sound systems. Fantastic spa and rooftop nightlife. A masterpiece in modern lifestyle.

  • Short break - With its great location and top notch facilities, The Palace is perfect for a short "fly and flop" break.
  • Restaurant - Top-floor restaurant specialising in Asian cuisine, and a second offering Mediterranean classics
  • Swimming Pool - Fabulous rooftop infinity pool with a view and indoor option for the cooler months.
  • Views - Great views over city and sea from many of the rooms and Lounge 360.
from CA$162 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Victoria Hotel
Victoria Hotel

Sliema (Sliema)

Malta’s equivalent to a Pall Mall gentleman’s club set in the 19th century. Traditional elegance - grand pianos, open fireplaces, leather chairs, gilded mirrors, mahogany furniture, and antique paintings. A luxurious spa, rooftop terrace with pool and leisurely restaurant. For business and pleasure.

  • Short break - The Victoria offers smart accommodation plus excellent facilities - ideal for a quick "fly and flop" break.
  • Sights nearby - Located in urban Sliema, just a few minutes’ drive from the Capital City, Valletta
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor rooftop pool and heated indoor option for cooler months.
  • Restaurant - Offers both an à la carte menu and a varied buffet
from CA$140 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palazzo Consiglia
Palazzo Consiglia

Valletta

A small boutique hotel set in the heart of historic Valletta. Beautifully renovated throughout the building keeps its opulent charm yet has a distinctly contemporary feel. Luxury has been added throughout with a spoiling spa, plunge pool and rooftop terrace offering glorious city views.

  • Local exploring - Well positioned to walk to all of Valletta's cultural attractions.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the fascinating Knights-period Fort St Elmo.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Opulent
from CA$291 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Coleridge
The Coleridge

Valletta

An elegant boutique property in the heart of historic Valletta. Five individually styled rooms are traditionally dressed with choice antique furniture, gilded frames, wooden floors and heavily draped windows. The bathrooms are however an entirely modern affair. An intimate and luxurious base.

  • Local exploring - With many attractions within walking distance this is a luxurious base to discover the city from.
  • Sights nearby - Discover the historic Fort St Elmo and learn of the island's history in the attached museum.
  • Restrictions on children - Adult only
  • Romantic
from CA$199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Domus Zamittello
Domus Zamittello

Valletta

Meticulously restored, chic 16th century Palazzo. Offers modern luxury with a baroque touch, ideally situated on Valletta's main high street. King sized beds with marble bathrooms, roof terrace encapsulating elegant views. Stunning, boutique break for historical city escape.

  • Sights nearby - Visit the Upper Barracca Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, University campus, city market and much more.
  • Architectural - Enchantingly restored, historic 17th century Palazzo.
  • Outstanding location
  • Romantic
from CA$243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
66 Saint Paul's
66 Saint Paul's

Valletta

Newly renovated 17th century palazzo offering outstanding luxury in the heart of Valletta. Located just a stone's throw away from most of the cultural sights, comprising individually styled interiors and a terrace with rooftop pool, 66 Saint Paul's is an unmissable place to stay in the capital city.

  • Sights nearby - The Church of St Paul's Shipwreck is directly beside the hotel and other fantastic sights eg. Upper Barrakka Gardens closeby.
  • Great walks - Stroll along the Valletta waterfront or take a city tour to admire the countless examplesof stunning Baroque architecture.
  • Spa - Luxurious spa located in the basement or treatments can be arranged in your room.
  • Views - Enjoy panoramic views of Valletta and the three cities from the roof terrace.
from CA$221 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour
Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour

Senglea (Triq il-31 ta’Marzu )

Elegant and luxurious accommodation overlooking the Grand Harbour. Featuring a rooftop terrace boasting wonderful views over Valetta and a glorious pool. The 21 suites are contemporary and luxurious and there's a modern Maltese restaurant too.

  • Total relaxation - With Spa facilities that include beauty treatments, massages, yoga and pilates, you can truly unwind.
  • Business meetings - Featuring multi-purpose meeting rooms and a rooftop terrace with capacity up to 1000 people.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Designer
from CA$398 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palais Le Brun
Palais Le Brun

Valletta

An exquisite, 16th-century palace is the setting for this boutique hotel in Valletta. Guestrooms are elegant, with plush Persian carpets and antique-style furnishings in a regal palette; book a luxury suite for a private terrace hot tub. Dine at gourmet restaurant Patakka; a refined hotel.

  • Foodies - This hotel is one to watch for foodies, boasting a culinary delight in the form of the acclaimed Patakka restaurant
  • Local exploring - Set inside the tiny walled capital of Malta, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring on the island
  • City Style - Set in a beautifully restored heritage palace in Valletta, this hotel has reams of chic Maltese style
  • Restaurant - Dine at the acclaimed hotel restaurant, Patakka, brought to you by the same team behind the award winning L’Artiglio Ristorante
from CA$266 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Rosselli
Rosselli

Valletta

A top notch luxury stay in the heart of Valletta, whose decor oozes with sultry glamour. Rooms and suites offer a clever blend of up-to-the-minute interiors whilst not forgetting their period roots. Michelin starred Under-Grain is a treat and there's a small rooftop plunge pool too.

  • City Style - A super stylish stay with luxurious rooms and suites in a great central location.
  • Short break - Ideal if you're looking for a chic property at which you can either relax or get out and about exploring.
  • Restaurant - Grain Street for casual dining and Under Grain with one Michelin star
  • Swimming Pool - Small outdoor pool with great city views from its rooftop position
from CA$242 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Back to articles

Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.