Seven of the Best Boutique Hotels in Malta

Admire 16th-century buildings, take a dip in the glistening Med or sip coffee in historic cafés – these hotels are great bases from which to explore the island.

With Valletta's converted palaces giving way to renovated battlements in the fortified city of Senglea, Malta is brimming with boutique hotels. Admire 16th-century buildings, take a dip in the glistening Med or sip coffee in historic cafés dotted along cobbled streets. These hotels are great bases from which to explore the island.

Island chic: seven stunning boutique hotels in Malta

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AX The Saint John

One for history buffs, this former trader’s residence on moneyed Merchants Street artfully combines the architecture of a 17th-century Maltese home – think stately courtyards and wooden balconies – with vintage interiors, resulting in a laid-back, retro feel. Handily located a two-minute walk from Valletta’s main square, the hotel also has its own industrial-chic gastropub-style restaurant downstairs, decked out with exposed metal pipes and red padded chairs.

Address

176 Merchants Street, Valletta VLT 1174

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Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour

With vaulted ceilings and limestone interiors encased in 16th-century fortress walls, Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour is a hotel brimming with history. Wake up to views of Senglea's bustling harbour and a breakfast of pastries, eggs and fruit, which is served in the Scandi-style restaurant located in the fort. In the evening, watch the sun sink behind the shoreline from the rooftop pool or settle down in the nextdoor cocktail bar to sip on a glass of Maltese wine.

Address

Macina, Triq il-31 ta' Marzu Senglea ISL1040

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Casa Ellul

Belonging to the eponymous Ellul family, this townhouse has been restored to its former glory, complete with original tiling and neoclassical architecture. Wander around Valletta's cobbled streets, returning to dine at the hotel's Risette restaurant for weekly changing menus of European-style fare. Most rooms come with a roll-top bath, but book into the Penthouse for 360-degree views across the city.

Address

81 Old Theatre Street Valletta VLT1429

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Hotel Juliani

Overlooking the Mediterranean from Spinola Bay, this boutique hotel offers a sophisticated stay in St Julian's neighbourhood. Book a suite decorated in soothing cream and grey tones with a traditional gallarija (wooden balcony) and sea views. Head straight to the rooftop pool to catch some rays, sip on cocktails on the terrace or scramble down steps on the promenade to go paddling in the sea.

Address

25 St George's Road St Julian’s STJ 3208

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Palazzo Prince d'Orange

Those who love sprawling spaces should book into one of the spacious apartments at Palazzo Prince d'Orange. Complete with kitchens, sitting rooms and bedrooms, each suite is individually designed - choose between having your own charming courtyard, antique furnishings or private entrance. Located in Malta's historic capital, the hotel is a great base from which to explore Valletta before cosying up in an armchair in the palazzo library.

Address

316 St Paul Street Valletta VLT 1211

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The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux

Perfectly camouflaged inside Malta's medieval citadel, this 17th-century palace has been converted into an opulent hotel. Dine at The deMondion - the hotel's restaurant is considered one of Malta's best for Mediterranean cuisine. Book a table on the balcony for a meal with a view before heading up to your bedroom to soak in a freestanding bathtub or head out onto your private terrace where a whirlpool hot tub beckons.

Address

Misrah Il Kunsill Mdina MDN 1050

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Rosselli

Originally home to a Maltese Knight called Don Pietro Rosselli, hotel Rosselli is decked out with elevated design worthy of its noble heritage. Admire antique furnishings, marble interiors and spiral staircases before heading up to the rooftop pool for views of St George's Basilica. Spend days relaxing in private saunas or book an in-room treatment (we recommend the vinotherapy body wrap or the black-soap scrub).

Address

167 Merchants Street Valletta VLT 1174

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