Phoenicia Hotel

If you're going to stay in one of the big hotels, it should be here. Among the oldest hotels on the island, this attractive art deco building was commissioned by Lady Strickland for society's most cosmopolitan clientèle. Art Deco grandeur still emanates from this five star hotel with its cool marble, arched lead glass windows, a 1930s cocktail bar and a ballroom that once saw the soon-to-be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip dance there. To enjoy your stay to the full, book one of the recently refurbished third or fourth floor rooms with views looking out to The Grand Harbour or the city walls of Valletta, only a stone's throw away from this conveniently-situated property. The facilities are excellent and the magnificent seven-acre garden can be enjoyed on the walk to the bastion pool area which looks straight out onto Marsamxett Harbour.