We’ve found the best boutique hotels in Malta from St. Julian’s to Valletta
Enjoy heritage buildings, contemporary design, and lots of ocean views at these properties.
It’s our mission to find the trendiest hotels from Sydney to Sri Lanka; London to Los Angeles. So on our continual quest, we’ve delved into the epic hotel scene in Malta. Whether you’re looking for a city break in the country’s capital of Valletta or if you’re all about a beach vacation up the coast in St. Julian’s, these are our picks for the best boutique and design hotels in Malta. Dive in to the history and colour of one of the most stunning places in Europe.
The best boutique hotels in Malta
1. The Phoenicia Malta | Valletta
Located just outside Valletta, The Phoenicia is a heavenly place to stay when you’re vacationing in Malta. The property is surrounded by landscaped gardens, and is an iconic hotel for both locals and visitors alike.
With interiors designed in collaboration with Peter Young, original features such as authentic tiled floors have been retained as well as locally crafted furniture. All 136 rooms and suites feature a sort of old-world elegance, with white washed walls, and fresh blue colours highlighting the stunning views.
Deep Nature Spa is on-hand to tend to any tired bodies and rejuvenate you with its indoor pool, fitness area, sauna and steam room, and selection of treatments. Spend time at the infinity pool and enjoy al fresco dining at Bastion Pool Bar & Restaurant or go all out at Phoenix Restaurant and sample produce from the island.
Find out more about The Phoenicia Malta
2. Iniala Harbour House & Residences | Valletta
One of the newest properties in Malta (and one of the most delectably designed) Iniala Harbour House can be found on St. Barbara Bastion overlooking the Grand Harbour. With just 23 rooms and suites, the property is all about creating an experiential holiday, with a team that will always far exceed your expectations.
The hotel is unique in that it’s spread over four Maltese houses dating back to the 1600s, including their vaults below, marrying history and heritage with contemporary design. A collaboration between Malta’s DAAA Haus, Turkey’s Autoban, and Spain’s A-Cero, we recommend taking some friends and booking into the two-bedroom Grand Residence, complete with plunge pool and courtyard. One of the Maltese balconies overlooks the Grand Harbour, and there’s a kitchenette for entertaining. Or, a few doors down, The Hideaway is spread over five floors and offers an intimate guesthouse experience.
Head down to The Vault Lounge Bar (inside an actual vault!) and enjoy a large range of whiskies, wines, and digestifs, artisan teas, and bespoke cocktails. Michelin-starred ION – The Harbour is located on the rooftop and serves up sweeping views alongside product-driven cuisine. There’s a fitness centre on site, plus in August 2021, a Pool & Spa is set to open at the property.
Don’t miss staying at the sister property: Iniala Beach House, one of the best boutique hotels in Phuket.
Find our more about Iniala Harbour House & Residences
3. Rosselli | Valletta
This 5-star luxury hotel located in a historic building in Valletta is a serene getaway in the heart of Malta’s capital. Offering six room categories named after members of the Rosselli – Massa family or symbols closely connected to them, guests can expect a blend between traditional and contemporary here, with each room totally unique across the property.
We love the Don Pietro – Executive Rooms, inspired by the master of the house who was a gifted artist. Each of these rooms has a private spa and sauna connected for ultimate relaxation and is decked out in Carrara marble, traditional stucco and warm walnut.
When it comes to dining, Grain is on hand to cater to every desire. Enjoy Mediterranean flavours at Grain Street or Michelin-starred cuisine at Under Grain. Plus, The Bar in Grain is all about bespoke drinks and luxe service. The outdoor pool will keep you cool, or relax on the rooftop terrace after all of your exploring.
Discover more about Roselli
4. The Cumberland | Valletta
A Valletta landmark, The Cumberlands is located in a stunning palazzo that was originally constructed in the sixteenth century. Thankfully, the property has been restored and refitted in a way that pays homage to the original building and adds all the modern fittings that travellers look for in the best hotels.
Home to just 23 suites, we love the elegant interiors here that feature highlights such as patterned tiles, pops of blue, and marble and wood finishes. Relax on the rooftop and take in the views of the city or spend some time in the Jacuzzi after a day of exploring. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s restaurant where the original Maltese stone is still on display.
Find out more about The Cumberland
5. The Barrister | Valletta
A truly unique option for anyone holidaying in Valletta, The Barrister calls a former lawyer’s office home. Inside the limestone exteriors, you’ll find a stunning staircase (complete with original bannister) and Maltese balconies, making it the perfect spot for any design enthusiast to lay their head.
Offering just 18 rooms, choose from Superior or Deluxe options, or splurge on the rooms with rooftop terraces and take in the surrounding views from the Jacuzzi. Enjoy breakfast or a nibble at the onsite restaurant Guilty before exploring Malta’s capital.
Find out more about The Barrister
6. The Embassy Valletta Hotel | Valletta
Home to 81 designer rooms in the heart of the capital, The Embassy Valletta Hotel is a beloved property on legendary Strait Street. This is the place to base yourself if you want easy access to all of Valletta’s shopping, cultural, and F&B attractions.
Expect modern guestrooms with a focus on comfort with Superior rooms boasting balconies with city or sea views. Take dinner at The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean or sample Japanese cuisine at Aki. The roofdeck pool has panoramic views of the city, plus there’s a fitness centre, spa, and even a movie theatre on site!
Find out more about The Embassy Valletta Hotel
7. Corinthia Palace | San Anton
Sitting pretty in San Anton, across the road from the President’s San Anton Palace and Gardens, Corinthia Palace offers a peaceful escape for your next Malta vacation. Rooms and suites combine contemporary colours with warm woods to create inviting spaces, each complete with a balcony, many of which overlook the garden so you can spy the resident peacocks.
When it’s time to relax, Athenaeum Spa caters to your heart’s desire with its selection of body and face treatments. The flagship Mediterranean dining venue, Villa Corinthia serves up everything from breakfast to brunch, afternoon tea and dinner or enjoy a meal under the stars at Rickshaw. Don’t forget to schedule some time by either the indoor or outdoor pool where the hours will slowly pass you by.
Find out more about Corinthia Palace
8. Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour | Senglea
Originally built in 1554 by the Order of Saint John, this hotel opened its doors in 2018 as an ode to its iconic history. Here, ancient fortress walls contrast with contemporary interiors and the finest luxury fittings to create a holiday setting unlike any other.
Home to just 21 suites, the property offers unobstructed views of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding marina, spectacular high vaulted ceilings, and plenty of natural light. Take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool (and take in views of Cospicua and Vittoriosa), or enjoy modern Mediterranean at Hammett’s Macina Restaurant.
Find out more about Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour
9. The Snop House | Senglea
Sitting inside a beautifully renovated classic Maltese Building, The Snop House is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly boutique experience. Beyond the red doors, six bedrooms await, each with a different design, but all paying homage to the history, culture, and traditions of Malta.
Enjoy breakfast in the dining room made from products grown locally in the Island Region of Gozo alongside homemade croissants and baguettes. And don’t forget to take in the neighbouring harbour views from the rooftop terrace during your stay.
Discover more about The Snop House
10. AX The Palace | Sliema
This 5-star hotel located in the heart of Sliema is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a blend of the city life combined with panoramic views of the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. Choose from a range of rooms or go all out and book into one of the AX Designer Collection suites themed around View, Texture, Music, Light, Flavours, and Fragrance.
Indulge in the relaxing spa facilities, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and steam baths or hit up the shops located right on the hotel’s doorstep. TemptAsia on the ninth floor offers sweeping views of Valletta and some of the finest cuisine in town or enjoy the relaxed vibes at The Tabloid High STReat. One thing’s for sure, you won’t find better service than at AX The Palace.
Discover more about AX The Palace
11. 123 Mainstreet Boutique Hotel | St. Julian’s
Nestled away in the heart of St. Julian’s, 123 Mainstreet is a family run boutique hotel that we just adore. This is the kind of place you’ll want to stay if you’re looking for a home away from home, but it’s handily located within a stone’s throw of the best restaurants and shops.
Guests have exclusive access to a gorgeous terrace area at the property where morning coffee can be enjoyed, and some of the rooms also offer a double fronted balcony with views of Spinola Bay. Each suite is completely unique and designed in a range of welcoming colours complete with added extras like heated floors and rain showers.
Find out more about 123 Mainstreet Boutique Hotel
12. be.HOTEL | St. Julian’s
Another gem in the heart of ST. Julian’s, be.HOTEL is all about design-led rooms and suites and a relaxing atmosphere. Contemporary fittings and pops of colour sit in rooms filled with plenty of natural light at this 4-star property, and we just love the Superior Sea-view rooms that offer views of St. George’s Bay.
But the highlight here absolutely has to be the rooftop pool with its views of the Mediterranean; the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sunset. Fornelli Restaurant will keep you fed before you take a dip in the Jacuzzi and there’s a fitness centre in case you need to pump some iron.
Find out more about be.HOTEL
13. Holm Boutique & Spa | St. Julian’s
If you’re a fan of colour, then you’ll definitely want to book your stay at Holm Boutique & Spa. Whimsical spaces filled with patterns and textures await at this property, and the Penthouse even comes with a lovely balcony and outdoor spa.
This is also the perfect spot if relaxation is important to you, as the hotel offers cutting-edge spa facilities and treatments, including a water-sensory space. There’s an indoor pool, a rooftop pool, and even a Himalayan Salt Room.
Find out more about Holm Boutique & Spa
14. The Xara Palace | Mdina
Fans of heritage, history, and culture, may want to book in for a few nights at the exquisite Xara Palace. Housed in a converted 17th century palazzo, the property offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside for some right, royal relaxation.
The rooms and suites here embrace the hotel’s history with vintage furniture, ornate fixtures, and luscious rugs, but you’ll get all the mod cons here too, with some suites inclusive of Jacuzzis.
A selection of restaurants onsite serve a range of Mediterranean delights for all seasons and moods, from fine dining to relaxed bistro. The friendly staff can help you book a local food tour and point you in the direction of the best spots to see in the unique ‘silent city’.
Learn more about The Xara Palace Hotel
15. Lulu Boutique Hotel | Zebbug
Located in one of the oldest villages in Malta, Lulu Boutique Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the south of the country. Run by a lovely couple with a passion for hospitality, expect everything you need to feel swiftly at home here.
With just eight suites, each has been designed to retain original features from the house with a contemporary twist. There’s a swimming pool with a bar, breakfast is included, and some of the rooms even come with their own Jacuzzi or swimming pool.
Find out more about Lulu Boutique Hotel
But wait, there’s more…
- Find out about the best eco-friendly hotels in Bali
- Discover the world’s grandest pink hotels
- And we recently stayed at Andaz Singapore
