Best Historical 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 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.

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 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.

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.