Valletta is Malta’s capital, built by the Knights of St John on a peninsula that is only 1km by 600m. The city is small but packs a big punch for tourists, it is a Unesco World Heritage site and it is easy to see why – it is unbelievably beautiful. For such a compact city it offers a lot of luxury hotel options. Inside the city walls, there are plenty of boutique properties to stay, while just outside the city wall there are larger resort-style properties. We have listed a selection of luxury hotels in Valletta all of which have the TLE seal of approval.
The Barrister Hotel
For that family home feel, choose The Barrister, a property that once accommodated one of Malta’s top law firms. Surrounded by limestone walls and topped by a glass dome skylight, it’s evocative of the old town period architecture outside but offers designer sensibilities inside. For one of the best rooms in the house, stay on the top floor, in a deluxe room with your own rooftop terrace and outdoor hot tub, from which you can gaze across the historic skyline to the blue yonder. While there’s no restaurant in-house, you have plenty of local choice on the doorstep, as The Barrister is perched beside the foodie-favourite Strada Stretta.
The Cumberland Boutique Hotel
The Cumberland Boutique Hotel has been on St John Street in Valetta since the 16th century when it was first inhabited as a city centre palazzo. It then became a hotel during the Colonial era when the city was a hive of activity with British service men, travellers and traders. The hotel is located right in the heart of Valetta, surrounded by bars, restaurants and the city’s cultural landmarks just a short walk away. The hotel retains many of its original features and its 22 individually styles rooms which come in Delux, Superior and Junior Suites category are chic, contemporary and beautifully appointed.
Rosselli AX Privilege
Located in the very heart of Valetta, the luxurious AX Rosselli Privilege was formerly a palazzo which has been transformed into a stunning 5 star boutique hotel. The property has six room categories ranging from comfort, superior and executive all of which have their own private well spas and terraces. The duplex junior suites feature double-height ceilings and have their own private lounge area and internal spiral staircases. Rosselli’s restaurant Grain guarantees the best quality produce, infused with that unique Mediterranean flavour which makes your palate sing. A stay at the AX Rosselli Privilege also includes extras like an evening turndown service and in-room spa treatments and make sure you visit the outdoor pool up on the roof while you enjoy looking out over the Valletta city skyline.
Grand Hotel Excelsior
The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers 5-star luxury, built into the bastion walls of Valetta close to the gates of the city. It overlooks Marsamxett Harbour and provides some stunning views out to sea. Larger than the hotels inside the city walls, the hotel has extensive facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, gym, spa and multiple dining options. Rooms are airy and spacious with French windows leading to individual balconies and views out to the harbour. In true resort style start the day with their extensive breakfast buffet and in the summer months, the Tiki Bar and Yacht Club on the water’s edge serve light lunches and grills.
Casa Ellul
This historic hideaway in Valletta, has been in the Ellul family for generations and is close to the Manoel Theatre and only moments away from the best bars and restaurants in the city. Originally a Victorian-period Palazzo, this small luxury boutique hotel in Valletta expresses a classical yet stylish design, inspired by a combination of past Baroque influence and present chic elegance. There are just nine rooms in the hotel, all described as suites offering large open plan spaces and duplexes. The hotel combines old with new so expect to see original stone windows and Maltese wooden balconies sitting next to ultra modern design features like their contemporary private terraces and jacuzzis. Their restaurant Risette offers laid back fine dining, the menu changes weekly with a focus on fresh Med flavours.
Palazzo Consiglia
Palazzo Consiglia is a traditional Maltese townhouse converted into a modern boutique hotel situated at the heart of Valletta in St Ursula Street, just a few meters away from St Rocco’s church. This 400-year-old townhouse retains the building’s original Maltese character, while it is brought up to date with modern comforts like its roof terrace plunge pool and cellar spa. Boutique in size at just 13 bedrooms, each room being individually decorated, including wooden floors, Persian style rugs and freestanding wardrobes and king sized beds.
The Phoenicia
The Phoenicia is one of Malta’s iconic hotels, located at the gates of Valletta, built by the British in the 1930’s the Phoenicia was a firm favourite with the Queen and is also a “Leading Hotels of The World” hotel. Its location at the city gate means it has enough space for a garden and outdoor pool and it is still just a short walk to all the main sites, restaurants and bars within the city wall. The hotel oozes 1930’s charm and its main Palm Court in the centre whisks you back to a bygone era. Rooms are fresh, with white cream and blue tones offset by plant-patterned furniture. For casual dining head to The Bastion Pool Bar, while the stunning main dining room The Phoenix takes fine dining to the next level.
