Recommended Hotels
Malta has a large range of hotels, with a number of fine five-star establishments complementing hotels of other standards. Choices around the capital are limited since the resort areas have grown around the coastal bays – originally at St Paul’s and Bugibba, more recently at St Julian’s and Sliema.
Prices are reasonable by European standards. The smaller budget hotels may have more limited facilities, but all will be spotlessly clean. Most large hotels will offer prices for half-board or full-board that are good money-saving options, but with the range and value of eateries around the island, it would be a shame to limit yourself to the hotel restaurant for the whole of your stay.
Prices are generally quoted per person per night with breakfast included. All rooms in three-star establishments and above must have private bathroom facilities.
Prices rise during the summer months and holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter when it would be wise to make a reservation before you travel.
The symbols below give an indication of peak season prices per person per night, including breakfast.
€€€ more than €165
€€ €100–165
€ Less than €100
Malta
Valletta
Castille € 348 St Paul Street, Valletta VLT 01, tel: 2124 3677; www.hotelcastillemalta.com. Close to Upper Barrakka Gardens, this hotel is set in a converted 17th-century town house. Some of the 38 rooms have balconies. Facilities include two restaurants, a coffee shop and a bar.
Grand Harbour € 47 Battery Street, Valletta VLT 01, tel: 2124 6003; www.grandharbourhotel.com. Small, 30-room hotel with great harbour views. Rooms are small, clean, and have television. Facilities include a restaurant and sundeck.
Osborne €€ 50 South Street, Valletta VLT 01, tel: 2124 3656; www.osbornehotel.com. This well-appointed budget hotel is located in the city centre. All 63 rooms have air-conditioning and television. Facilities include a pleasant bar, restaurant and small roof spa pool.
Phoenicia €€ The Mall, Floriana VLT 16, tel: 2122 5241; www.campbellgrayhotels.com. This fine building is ideally placed, being only a few minutes’ stroll from the centre of Valletta and from the main bus station, which has services to the rest of the island. Facilities include three restaurants, two bars, a hairdressers and an outdoor pool.
Sliema, St Julian’s, Paceville
Corinthia Marina €€€ St George’s Bay, St Julian’s STJ 02, tel: 2370 2000; www.marinahotel.com.mt. An attractive hotel with all 189 rooms overlooking the bay. Friendly and well-appointed with a selection of restaurants and cafés. It also shares beach facilities with its elegant neighbour, the Corinthia San Gorġ (see below).
Corinthia San Gorġ €€€ St George’s Bay, St Julian’s STJ 02, tel: 2137 4114–6; www.corinthia.com. At the entrance to St George’s Bay on the water’s edge, this member of the Corinthia Group is ideally placed for enjoying the sea and the sun. Facilities include a wide choice of restaurants, excellent health spa, swimming pools and a popular beach lido.
Fortina Spa Resort €€ Tigne Sea Front, Sliema SLM 15, tel: 2346 0000; www.hotelfortina.com. Situated in Marsamxett harbour with excellent views of the Valletta skyline, this ever-expanding hotel is a few minutes’ walk to Sliema’s shopping streets, the waterfront, and The Point, Malta’s largest shopping complex. An all-inclusive, 220-room hotel with attractive landscaped gardens, four restaurants, two pools and three spas that offer a variety of health treatments.
Golden Tulip Vivaldi €€ Dragonara Road, St Julian’s STJ 06 tel: 2137 8100; www.goldentulipvivaldi.com. In the heart of Paceville, close to the sea and the Dragonara Casino, this large modern hotel has 263 rooms (many with sea views), conference facilities, a rooftop pool, a fitness centre and a selection of restaurants.
Hilton Malta €€€ Portomaso, St Julian’s STJ 02, tel: 2138 3383. This imposing, 294-room hotel sits on the headland at St Julian’s. The facilities include five restaurants, three bars, a shopping arcade, garden, gym, squash and tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools and a disco. Wheelchair access throughout.
Hotel Juliani €€ St Julian’s STJ 06, tel: 2138 8000; www.hoteljuliani.com. Deluxe, 44-room boutique hotel, overlooking a picturesque bay. Offers a delicious breakfast to wake up to. Has a rooftop pool, fashionable restaurants and free Wi-fi.
Intercontinental Malta €€€ San Wistin Street, St Julian’s STJ 02, tel: 2137 7600; www.ihg.com. Located a short distance from the sea, this large modern hotel has six restaurants and cafés, two pools (one at rooftop level), conference facilities and a popular health club. And it’s at the heart of the entertainment district. 451 rooms.
Le Méridien St Julians Hotel and Spa €€€ 39, Main Street, Balluta Bay, St Julian’s STJ 1017, tel: 2311 0000; www.lemeridienmalta.com. Positioned halfway between Sliema and St Julian’s, Le Méridien merges the concepts of boutique and spa to create a sharp yet relaxing atmosphere. All 276 rooms and suites have a view. Includes four restaurants, a spa with indoor heated pool, conference facilities and a shopping arcade.
Preluna Hotel and Towers €€ 124 Tower Road, Sliema SLM 01, tel: 2133 4001; www.preluna.com. This large, 280-room hotel on the main coastal road at the eastern end of Sliema is popular with tour groups. Many of the rooms have sea views. Facilities include three restaurants, three bars, indoor and outdoor swimming pools (the outdoor pool is across the street), gym, sauna and water sports, including a scuba diving school. Wheelchair ramps throughout.
Radisson Blu Resort €€ St George’s Bay, St Julian’s STJ 02, tel: 2137 4894; www.radissonblu.com. Situated on the edge of St Julian’s and Paceville, within easy reach of the nightlife yet comfortably removed from it. Facilities include four restaurants, five bars, a gym, private beach, sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and powered water sports. All 252 rooms have views of the sea.
The Waterfront €€ The Seafront, Gzira SLM 03, tel: 2133 3434; www.waterfronthotelmalta.com. Nicely positioned facing Valletta on the waterfront from where daily cruise boats set out. All 116 rooms have a view. Has a rooftop swimming pool and two restaurants. Only a few minutes’ walk into Sliema.
Westin Dragonara Resort €€€ Dragonara Road, St Julian’s STJ 02, tel: 2138 1000; www.westinmalta.com. A stylish family hotel set in landscaped gardens on its own peninsula, close to Dragonara Casino and St Julian’s entertainment district. Most rooms have sea views. There are good restaurants, swimming pools, conference facilities and a children’s club. The 340 rooms include 25 suites and two penthouses.
Birżebbuġia
Water’s Edge € Summit Square, Birzebbugia BBG 2310, tel: 21650036; www.watersedgemalta.com. Just 10 minutes away from Malta’s International Airport, this modern and stylish hotel is located on the edge of an idyllic bay, hence the name. All 40 rooms have a view and free Wi-fi. Includes two restaurants.
Mdina and Central Malta
Corinthia Palace €€€ De Paule Avenue, Attard BZN 05, tel: 2144 0301; www.corinthia.com. A luxury, 155-room resort hotel in the centre of the island, the Corinthia Palace, with its superb landscaped gardens, is the dowager of Malta’s hotels. Guests can use the beach and water sports facilities at the sister hotel, Corinthia San Gorġ in St Julian’s (for more information, click here).
Xara Palace Relais and Chateaux €€€ Misraħ il-Kunsill, Mdina MDN 02, tel: 2145 0560; www.xarapalace.com.mt. A beautiful boutique hotel located in the bastions of the medieval citadel, and a perfect place for a romantic get-away. The rooms are furnished to the highest standards. Facilities include two restaurants, a bar and a sundeck. 17 suites.
St Paul’s Bay, Mellieħa Bay and Qawra
Dolmen Resort €€ St Paul’s Bay SPB 05, tel: 2355 2355; www.dolmen.com.mt. A large and popular, easy-going family hotel facing the sea, located midway between quiet Qawra and Buġibba with its bustling nightlife. The facilities include swimming pools, a tennis court, a gym, and the Oracle Casino, with a slot machine hall, as well as the traditional gaming room. 413 rooms and suits.
Gillieru Harbour € Church Square, St Paul’s Bay SPB 01, tel: 2157 2720; www.gillieru.com. On the seafront next to a fishing harbour and the church square of St Paul’s Bay, this is in an ideal location for strolling to the restaurants and bars. Fifty rooms are accompanied by two restaurants, a bar, pool, games room and water sports. 74 rooms.
Golden Sands Radisson Blu Resort €€€ Golden Bay, Mellieħa, tel: 2356 1000; www.radissonblu.com/en/goldensandsresort-malta. This is one of the island’s top hotels, with stunning views of the golden sands below, the glistening Mediterranean, and the unspoilt surrounding countryside. The hotel has 329 modern rooms, eight bars and restaurants, a spa, business centre, private beach and water sports.
Mellieha Bay € Mellieħa Bay, Għadira SPB 10, tel: 2357 0000; www.melliehabayhotel.com. This large hotel faces Għadira, the biggest sandy beach on Malta. Bus routes to Valetta or Ċirkewwa for the Gozo ferry pass directly outside. The 313-room hotel is popular with tour groups. Facilities include a restaurant, four bars, swimming pools, tennis courts, water sports, a garden and nightclub. There is also a diving centre on site.
Paradise Bay € Ċirkewwa SPB 10, tel: 2152 1166; www.paradise-bay.com. A large, 217-room hotel on the western tip of Malta, overlooking the ferry dock for Gozo. There is a popular dive facility here, but no restaurants or bars around the hotel. Facilities include two restaurants, two bars, a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and a shopping arcade.
Seashells Resort at Suncrest €€ Qawra Coast Road, Qawra, tel: 2157 7101; www.seashellsresortmalta.com. This all-inclusive hotel provides a get-away-from-it-all location. Facilities include water sports and a children’s pool, as well as a professional diving centre. It was thoroughly renovated in 2015.
Selmun Palace € Salman, Mellieħa SPB 10, tel: 2152 1040; www.galahotels.com. Situated on a hill high above Mellieħa Bay to the west of Malta, this hotel is comprised of an 18th-century castle with an extensive but sympathetic modern addition. Facilities include a gourmet restaurant in the castle’s former chapel, a bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, games room, gym, private beach and tennis courts. 154 rooms, six suites in the castle.
Sunny Coast Resort € Qawra Bay SPB 1981, tel: 2157 2994; www.sunnycoast.com.mt. Large family-orientated holiday hotel facing the bay. Only a stroll away from the busy centre of Buġibba, it offers restaurants, pools and children’s entertainment. Self-catering apartments are also available.
Gozo
Calypso € Marsalforn, tel: 2156 2000; www.hotelcalypsogozo.com. Long-established, 100-room hotel ideal for families. Located only steps from the sea and the promenade, it has restaurants, tennis and squash courts.
Cornucopia € 10 Ġnien Imrik Street, Xagħra VCT 110, tel: 2155 6486; www.cornucopiahotel.com. Pretty hotel with 50 rooms and suites in the centre of the island, based in a converted farmhouse. Lots of atmosphere. Facilities include two swimming pools, a restaurant, bar, games room and hairdresser. There are also self-catering bungalows and converted farmhouses.
The Grand € Triq Sant Antnin, Għajnsielem GSM 104, tel: 2156 3840; www.grandhotelmalta.com. An attractive hotel on the hillside above the port of Mġarr with its fishing boats, ferries and fish restaurants. Most of the 46 rooms have balconies; many have sea views whilst others overlook the countryside. Family suites also available. Restaurant and small rooftop pool.
Kempinski San Lawrenz & Spa €€€ Triq ir-Rokon, San Lawrenz, GRB 104, tel: 2211 0000; www.kempinski.com/en/gozo/hotel-san-lawrenz/. Located outside the tiny village of San Lawrenz and near the Inland Sea, this comfortable hotel has excellent facilities plus a Thalgo spa with marine algae therapy and an Ayurveda centre. There are conference facilities, pools, restaurants and floodlit tennis courts. 106 rooms and suites.
San Andrea € Xatt ix-Klendi, Xlendi VCT 115, tel: 2156 5555; www.hotelsanandrea.com. Small 28-room hotel on the seafront with pleasant, attentive service. Some of the rooms have sea views. Simple restaurant.
St Patrick’s € Xatt ix-Xlendi, Xlendi VCT 115, tel: 2155 1866; www.vjborg.com. Beautifully located on the harbour in the picturesque cove at Xlendi, this hotel takes its design features from traditional buildings. Some of the rooms have windows and balconies overlooking the inner courtyard, others have views over the bay. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, splash pool and whirlpool.
Ta’ Ċenċ €€€ Sannat VTC 112, tel: 2219 1000; www.tacenc.com. In a secluded country location but with a private beach, Ta’ Ċenċ offers delightful countryside accommodation. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, two swimming pools, excellent health spa, tennis courts and whirlpool. Be sure to explore the nearby dolmen and other ancient remains. 83 rooms and suites.
Comino
Comino € Island of Comino, SPB 10, tel: 2152 9821; www.cominohotel.com. Comino island’s only hotel, with 95 rooms, two restaurants, a pool, health club, tennis courts, games room and hairdresser. Closed end Oct–Easter.