The 10 best hotels in Malta

Where is it? Mdina

Why go? Saying that this is Mdina’s most luxurious hotel might not mean much once you discover that there are only a handful of options to choose from. Nevertheless, this five-star retreat oozes refined sophistication that makes it stand head and shoulders above the rest. Set in a restored 17th-century palazzo (built for the noble Moscati Parisio family) it provides panoramic views from its hilltop location next to the fortified city’s bastion. All 17 rooms of The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux are decorated with antique furniture, artworks, fine fabrics and marble bathrooms. Haute cuisine can be enjoyed at the on-site de Mondion restaurant.

Where is it? Valletta

Why go? This charming boutique hotel is tucked away on a quiet street in Valletta, opposite the Carmelite Church. One of the most sought-after places to stay in Malta, Casa Ellul boasts nine luxury rooms styled out in neutral tones and decorated with patterned floor tiles and framed art along the walls. All feature spacious marble bathrooms, while some have traditional wooden balconies (galleriji), and three have private terraces with close-up views of the church dome. The icing on the cake has to be all the extra mod cons and an upscale on-site restaurant serving Modern European cuisine.

Where is it? Valletta

Why go? Open since spring 2017, the Coleridge is a tasteful boutique offering housed in a carefully restored 17th-century Valletta townhouse. The five guest suites vary in size (and dramatically in price), starting with the Erskine and ending with Fayette, the penthouse, which has its own roof terrace. All are individually furnished in elegant muted tones, with decor that manages to seamlessly blend contemporary (cutting-edge bathrooms), Baroque (gilt-framed paintings), local (Maltese floor tiles) and international (much of the furniture). Two rooms have balconies overlooking Old Bakery Street. Only breakfast is served here, in a basement room, but the hotel’s central Valletta location means there are dozens of restaurants on your doorstep.

Where is it? Gozo

Why go? Though the ten themed guest rooms in this converted 400-year-old farmhouse complex are all very different, they are all united by their design-infused decor. There’s a real sense that creating each one was a labour of love for owners Patti and Guiseppe, who worked in fashion before opening their 3-star hotel. The Palm Room has palm-patterned wall coverings; the Tokyo Penthouse has a subtle two-tone colour scheme; the Garden Suite is all alcoves and bare-brick walls; while the Loft Room features Pop Art and design books. Two small pools surrounded by palm trees, lush courtyards, terraces with daybeds and a restaurant focused on local produce make ThirtySeven a perfect hideaway in which to relax in style.

Where is it? Floriana

Why go? Evoking the old-school glamour of the 1920s, The Phoenicia Malta is welcoming you with an Art Deco entrance, live piano music in the lobby and fresh Mediterranean interiors. The blue-and-white guestrooms come with dashes of pink to evoke spring in the area, with flourishing ​​seven acres of garden adding to the relaxing feel. Set just outside the ancient city walls, the Phoenicia features an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the harbour. The on-site restaurant is well worth stopping by, as it serves a combination of elevated Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine.

Where it is? Attard

Why go? If you’re feeling in need of a little TLC, the Corinthia Palace Malta has got you covered. This high shine hotel is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside – and you might leave feeling the same way. A study in how to do upper crust style with restraint, this place lives up to its ‘palace’ name with cooling neutral interiors, a pool to die for and lots of lovely, natural light. It’s also family friendly while offering lots of opportunities for the older ones in the party to get some relaxing time – we’re already mentally booking our spa sessions. One of the other big draws is the hotel’s four on-site restaurants, all of which offer the kind of mega-fresh, healthy-but-decadent meals designed to nurture and delight. Yum.

Where is it? Senglea

Why go? Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour is a relatively new design hotel found in a 16th-century fort in Senglea, on Malta’s southeastern side. Interiors come from Maltese/Italian firm Daaa Haus, mixing soothing earth tones, natural materials, Scandinavian textiles and bespoke Italian furniture to create a luxurious feel. The building itself is equally impressive, as the majesty and high vaulted ceilings of the original building are championed throughout. Marina and Grand Harbour panoramas can be offered from each of the spacious 21 suites, while the large rooftop has its own views and yet more views.

Where is it? St Julian’s

Why go? Flashy St Julian’s is a prime spot for chain hotels, so Juliani stands out with its family-run offering. The decor of the 47 rooms isn’t hugely original, but it’s comfortable and Mediterranean in feel, with flashes of turquoise and deep blue that nod to the traditional fishing boats bobbing in Spinola Bay below. The view is one of this 5-star hotel’s USPs, so be sure to request a room at the front when you book. There's also a small rooftop pool with harbour views, which is a lovely spot for a swim and a sundowner. 

Where is it? Valletta

Why go? This family-run guesthouse is set in one of Valletta’s 16th-century buildings on a pretty stepped street close to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The nine clean and light rooms include several single and triple family rooms, making the Asti a good and reasonably priced option for families and friends travelling together – as long as you don’t mind the shared bathrooms and traditional (though perfectly pleasant) decor. Continental breakfast is available and there’s a light, church-like TV room with high vaulted ceilings in the entrance. 

Where is it? Gozo

Why go? Part of a small group of boutique hotels on Gozo and Mala, this mid-range hotel is housed in a smart, traditional building in a quiet village square of Nadur, next to the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul. The interiors combine minimalist design with local authenticity, so expect t find 12 simple rooms with wooden floors, solid colours and plenty of space to settle into. Some of the more expensive rooms have terraces with sea and countryside views. The on-site restaurant, the Fat Rabbit is a nice spot for dinner thanks to its menu of local delicaies, including stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), one of Malta’s national dishes.