Best Luxury Hotels in Malta

Nestling within the ancient walls of Mdina, a stay at the 17th century, 5-star boutique hotel of Xara Palace Relais and Chateaux, puts you at the centre of this historic medieval city. A palazzo built in the 1600s; the building now has 17 luxury bedrooms. Keeping true to its origins, the décor includes period antique furniture, original paintings, Parisian textiles and sumptuous king-size beds. With its award winning restaurant, bar, sauna and fitness centre, all blended with today’s modern technology, the hotel offers everything you need as you explore ancient Malta’s first capital city.

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.

Set across a collection of restored Maltese townhouses and ancient vaults overlooking the Grand Harbour, Iniala Valletta introduces a new dimension of five-star luxury to Valletta. The property offers 23 uniquely designed rooms and suites, each expressing its own design while embracing the city’s distinctive architectural identity.

Interiors are an elegant blend of history and contemporary artistry, where original limestone walls meet custom-made furnishings, picture windows and iconic Maltese balconies, with select suites featuring private plunge pools. Guests can indulge in culinary excellence at ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, the island’s first two-Michelin-star restaurant, while Iniala Spa offers an intimate escape with treatments inspired by Mediterranean wellbeing traditions. With personalised service, discreet luxury, and panoramic harbour views, Iniala Harbour House has swiftly become Malta’s most exclusive urban retreat.

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.

Sometimes less is more. This small, privately owned, deluxe boutique hotel with just nine suites, snuggles in the centre of bustling Valletta. Converted from an old 1800s townhouse, much of the building remains true to traditional Maltese architecture, while the suites are of contemporary design with the usual digital tech included. Although small, the hotel has a good restaurant, pleasant bar, and includes a spa. A great base for enjoying daytime exploration, and varied evening experiences wining and dining against the backdrop of historic Valletta.

Just twelve miles off the coast of Malta, lays the smaller island of Gozo. On the western side of the isle, squeezed between the coastal villages of San Lawrenz and Ta’Dbeigi, the luxurious Kempinski Hotel makes the ideal base from which to explore this fascinating island and its rural and lace making history. A large, 140 room, 5-star establishment with semi-tropical gardens; the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools, three top class restaurants, sauna, and range of Ayurveda wellness treatments, provides everything you require for that much needed relaxing break.

The ancient fortified city of Senglea, built by the Knights of St John, looks across the harbour to Malta’s capital city, Valletta. The original Macina building has risen like the Phoenix, to become a luxurious boutique hotel with a mix of 21 luxury rooms and suites. Sitting alongside Grand Harbour, the hotel is less than five miles from the international airport, a five minute ferry trip from Valletta, and within a pleasant ten minute stroll of the marina, the War Museum, Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitors Palace. Enjoy an after-dinner drink in one of the many waterside bars and café’s, before enjoying a nightcap on the hotel’s roof-top terrace, with its magnificent views across the harbour and city.

Do you believe in the best of both worlds? The plush, family run Hotel Juliani offers you just that. This old, waterfront townhouse on Spinola Bay, converted into a luxurious boutique hotel, is at the centre of St Julian’s wining, dining and partying scene. And yet, as you enjoy a cocktail relaxing around its roof-top pool, you could be on a different planet. Decorated in a modern style, rooms and suites are bright, light and airy. With its international restaurant and views across the harbour, you can enjoy lazy days and party nights looked after by happy, friendly staff.

Stay at The Duke and you can have your very own private sauna. This is one of six different room and suite categories, all of which offer a minibar, climate control, fluffy robes and slippers, Duke organic toiletries, a Roberts speaker, Bio Numi Tea, Illy Espresso machines, Netflix and on-trend vintage/retro decor. Guests benefit from free yoga classes, access to bicycles, free snacks and luxury breakfasts served in The Living Room. The space, featuring furniture and decor by cutting edge designers, is fully accessible. And while there isn’t a dedicated restaurant on site, the street below is filled with excellent restaurants and cafes.

With a prime waterfront location in the Portomaso area, the Hilton offers scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea and is within walking distance of many attractions. The large family-friendly resort has 413 bedrooms, a spa, multiple pools, jacuzzis and sun terraces, and outdoor tennis and squash courts. Dine by the beach, on one of the terraces, at the Blue Elephant restaurant for Thai cuisine, or on fresh catches and Mediterranean dishes at Oceana. Children receive a Kids’ Welcome and a special Kids’ Breakfast experience. While those in higher-level rooms have access to an Executive Lounge.

If you prefer country to coast, this luxuriously decorated, converted villa from the 1800s, is situated in an affluent inland area near the centre of the island. Visitors to this 150 bed, 5-star hotel, are amazed by the aura of peace and tranquillity that pervades the hotel and its grounds. For those who enjoy gardening and gardens, the San Anton Botanical Gardens is right next door, while for the architecturally minded, the Presidential Palace sits opposite. With its pleasant location, two pools, spa, gym, and over 50 wellness treatments, it attracts all who wish to unwind and rejuvenate mind and body.

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.