Locanda La Gelsomina

Personalised wellness massages, Vinyasa yoga sessions and retreats, and a sense of tranquillity and security await you at Locanda La Gelsomina, an intimate boutique hotel in old Malta. There are independent temperature control, a private safe and complementary toiletries and tea-making facilities in each of the four suites. TV and free WiFi are also included. Interiors are varied, but all share a tasteful blend of foreign finds and Maltese tradition. Expect exposed brick, bold statement pieces, antique woods and pops of butter yellow, sky blue, forest green and cherry red. The hotel does not offer dining facilities other than breakfast, but its situation in Birgu means there are numerous dining options within walking distance. The hotel does have its own tea-house serving fine, organic leaf teas as well as wines and chocolates. The on-site boutique sells unique items of furniture purchased abroad and curiosities gathered from far and wide. Children over 16 only.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
Locanda La Gelsomina is an oasis of harmony steeped in tranquility and history. Our guests love our unique fusion of Eastern and Western interior accents which highlight the buttery Maltese limestone walls. We are tucked away off the beaten track yet on the doorstep of the island's main historical and cultural attractions. Guests love being able to come back to their own private hideaway after a full day spent visiting this beautiful isle.

What is there to do in the area?
Located just a stone's throw away from Birgu's main historical sites that include the Inquisitor's Palace, Fort St. Angelo and the Malta Maritime Museum, Locanda La Gelsomina is the ideal base from which to explore this intriguing hamlet.

Birgu is one of the island's three ancient towns knowns as The Three Cities, and the sister hamlets of Cospicua and Senglea are just a short walk away. The capital gem of Valletta is a mere 10-minute water-taxi ride away from Birgu's waterfront, while one of the world's most famous Neolithic site - the Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum - is a short 15-minute drive away.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Our wholesome, gourmet breakfasts are tailored to our guests' preferences and dietary requirements. Vegetarian and lactose-free choices are offered upon request, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as fine Maltese honey from Gozo and traditional Maltese bread baked daily from the village baker are always on the breakfast table.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Our hotel offers daily breakfast, and although we do not host an in-house restaurant, fresh meals prepared with authentic local ingredients may be served upon request for lunch and dinner. Alternatively, guests may visit our favourite local eat and private dining concept, Tal-Petut, which is just a 1-minute walk away from Locanda La Gelsomina.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Suite 4, because of its spectacular views of Birgu's skyline and the breath-taking Annunciation Church dome nearby.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
Due to the antiquity of the locale, we are unable to accommodate children below the age of 16 years of age. Our accommodation policy does not provide for extra beds in our suites.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
If you are seeking an intimate, conveniently-located boutique hotel filled with charm and offering a personalised service with a human touch, look no further than to Locanda La Gelsomina.