Best Boutique 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.

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.

Set across a collection of restored Maltese townhouses and ancient vaults overlooking the Grand Harbour, Iniala Harbour House 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.

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.

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.

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.

With just 17 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, The Barrister Hotel is an intimate boutique retreat housed within a restored 17th-century former lawyers office in the heart of Valletta. Its prime position near St George’s Square and the Grand Master’s Palace places you within easy reach of the capital’s historic landmarks, artisan cafés and waterfront promenade.

Interiors combine Maltese limestone with refined contemporary touches, creating a warm and sophisticated aesthetic. The hotel’s intimate restaurant and bar serve modern Mediterranean cuisine showcasing local ingredients and fine wines, while a tranquil courtyard garden offers space for morning coffee or evening aperitifs.

Although compact in size, service is attentive and personal, with a concierge on hand to arrange transfers, private tours and cultural experiences across the island. Perfect for couples and solo travellers,

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 servicemen, 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.

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.