The Best Hotels in Valletta, Malta, for Every Traveller

This glamorous base sits just outside of the old town, with serene views of the harbour, the hotel’s sharp-edged contemporary interiors curiously at odds with its grand, colonnaded exterior. It attracts a chic older crowd who drape themselves around the sea-view infinity pool, or click-clack across the polished marble floors of its Palm Court to a much-photographed afternoon tea. Neat rooms channel Malta’s nautical heritage with blinding whites and Mediterranean blues.

Showcasing the crumbling honeycomb walls of a 17th-century palazzo in the old town, 66 St Pauls jazzes up the joint with curving staircases crisscrossing the lofty lobby, a sun-trap pool deck and plush mid-century furniture. Rooms are effortlessly stylish, with bright floor tiles and zebra-print accent chairs pepping up the stone backdrop. Best of all are the generous balconies, with cushioned sun loungers and bird’s-nest views of the city and waterfront.

Within a 10-minute stroll of most of Valletta’s major sights, this smart, modern townhouse hotel has suave rooms in teal and chocolate, with marble countertops, Nespresso machines and minimalist furniture. Descend the elegant cream staircase with its wrought-iron railing to find a sweet set-up of pastries and fruits in the hip little cafe. For special occasions, book the room with its own rooftop patio and alfresco hot tub.

Malta’s storied Knights of the Order once kept their falcons in this centuries-old building (with a more modern wing created after the damage of World War II). Elegantly tiled rooms and gleaming monochrome bathrooms serve young couples and friends heading out on the town; there’s no outdoor pool, but a cavernous underground plunge pool is on hand for a soak. Set on a quiet side street, it’s a good one for getting out of the tourist flow after a day’s sightseeing.

Close to the 17th-century Upper Barrakka pleasure gardens, this homey stay has a quirky design mish-mash of canopied beds, Baroque-inspired murals, bright painted wardrobes, antique furniture and kitsch Union Jack prints. Your hosts Charles and Dorothy go above and beyond with their welcome, local tips and assistance; while a generous spread of cold cuts, cheeses, nuts, fruit and homemade preserves brightens up each morning.

Sitting on Zamittello’s sun-drenched roof terrace, Spritz in hand, taking in views of the city gates and Opera House, just might be peak Mediterranean joy. This 17th-century palazzo does a superb line in classically elegant rooms, with Rococo flourishes, palest-pastel colours and heavy tasselled drapes; interconnecting rooms with living areas and kitchenettes will suit families and groups.

With just 13 rooms, this lavishly decorated boutique hotel has an intimate, retreat feel, made even more pampering by its rooftop pool, cavernous stone spa, hot tub and hammam. A high-ceilinged lobby makes the most of the building’s ancient bones, while rooms mix old with new, courtesy of Moorish-style rugs and wood beams, set against striking murals and black marble showers.

Tucked between fashion boutiques on a sloping, stone-stepped street in the old town, this affordable little guesthouse has a handful of simple but comfy rooms. Friendly staff, free water, gratis tea and coffee, and a continental breakfast mean you can refuel and rehydrate at a great value rate, then set out straight into the heart of Valletta to explore churches, knights’palaces and tropical gardens. Rooms with two double beds, or a double and a single, are top value for families, too.

With rooms in moody blues, slate grey and gold trim, this fashionista’s boutique hotel has plenty of lounging space – on the sultry rooftop, in the jewellery-box lobby and on generous tiled patios attached to several suites. Devour an a la carte breakfast in the cave-like, stone-walled dining room, or soak in the rooftop Jacuzzi for incredible views of the skyline. Your neighbour is the iconic St John Co-Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest examples of high Baroque architecture.

In-the-know couples come to this lusciously decked-out design hotel, its nine suites rich with geometric floor tiles, potted palms, jet-black basket chairs and deep freestanding bathtubs. Some have added character courtesy of antique pianos or fireplaces; most seductive of all is Suite 7, a duplex with a private terrace, cushioned seating and a wooden hot tub, for late-night soaks with the city lights twinkling around you.