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Finding the best Malta hotels for your stay can be a daunting task: There’s a lot to choose from.
In this guide, I offer you the top hotels in Malta in the best areas to stay around the Maltese islands, personally selected and reviewed with insider knowledge from a tourist-turned-local.
Each of the listed hotels gives you a quick impression of what to expect, the best options for your needs and current hotel rates and deals you can expect before visiting Malta.
For Malta hotel recommendations in specific locations, have a look at these guides:
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, these are some of the top hotels in Malta available in this category.
The carefully curated selection below strikes a balance between high-quality facilities and comfort, location and overall value to enjoy a luxury stay in the Maltese islands. Although not all of the below hotels are in the 5-star category, please rest assured they all belong in this list.
If I had to pick just the cream of the crop, these would be the luxury hotels I’d recommend to you!
Looking for more luxury hotels in Malta? See the full list here: Luxury 5-Star Hotels in Malta Compared and Reviewed
If you plan on booking a luxury hotel in Valletta, the stunning Iniala Harbour House ticks all the boxes.
With 23 elegant rooms complete with modern comforts, breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour, an award-winning restaurant, and fabulous facilities, you are promised an experience that will certainly exceed your expectations.
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Things to consider
Located just outside the gates of the capital city of Valletta, you simply can’t miss the Phoenicia Hotel.
With superb facilities such as the Bastion Pool and a beautiful spa and wellness centre, the Phoenicia Hotel offers a comfortable stay for families and couples. What’s more, the rooms are exquisite, some of which have a balcony that offers views of the Grand Harbour or Marsamxett Harbour. What’s more, the welcoming staff certainly go the extra mile to make your stay a memorable one.
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Following its recent renovation works, the Barceló Fortina Sliema Hotel is currently one of the top hotels located right in the heart of Sliema. Complete with modern rooms and all the facilities you’d need for a wonderful stay on the island, this hotel is one to watch.
What’s more, you are just a stone’s throw away from the Point Shopping Mall, Tigné Point Beach and several bars and eateries.
Rooms range from a standard double room or twin room to superior and premium ones with spectacular sea views or city views. What’s more, you can enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant, catch some rays by the outdoor swimming pool, unwind in the indoor pool and spa or perhaps work up a sweat at the fitness centre.
N.B. The Barceló Fortina Sliema Hotel offers an accommodation-only basis, so if you’d like to have breakfast on the premises you need to select an option that includes it with the rate.
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The Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour is a bit of a hidden gem among Malta hotels, set within a historical fortress with rooms offering unobstructed views out over the idyllic Grand Harbour.
Located in Senglea, one of the Three Cities, you’re a 7-minute ferry ride away across the harbour from the capital city Valletta. However, the Three Cities themselves offer plenty of charm and character, and you’ll be perfectly placed to discover these harbourside towns and their eateries.
The hotel itself consists of 21 suites, ranging from 40 to 130 square metres, some with high vaulted ceilings and offering tasteful decor and comfort. You can enjoy panoramic views from the hotel’s rooftop terrace and swimming pool, as well as business facilities and other facilities to complement your luxury stay.
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If you’re looking to stay in Malta’s capital city and you’re looking for some of the most premium accommodation around, you’ve just found it. Casa Ellul is a beautiful hotel situated on the northern side of Valletta, tucked away within one of its quieter streets. The hotel’s rates are also reasonable considering its small size and level of facilities on the property.
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Part of the popular international chain of luxury hotels, the Hyatt Regency Malta is one of the newcomers in town that has been making some waves. With its fabulous rooms and great amenities, it provides a memorable stay for travellers staying in the area.
What’s more, you’re close to several restaurants, the Baystreet Shopping Complex, the Eden Cinema, St George’s Bay and Paceville.
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A familiar name in the hotel world, the Hilton Hotel Malta at Portomaso in St. Julian’s is a luxury hotel that has maintained a high standard of accommodation for a number of years now. Located on the border between Malta’s nightlife hotspot and the quieter Spinola Bay, its seaside location is paired with all the luxuries you’d expect from a hotel with this name.
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The Westin Dragonara Resort is one of the few 5-star hotels in Malta that offer the premium feel you’d expect from accommodation with that rating.
In short, the Westin Dragonara Resort is a modern hotel complete with spacious, high-quality interiors with excellent facilities throughout and a large gym. Although located in a nice part of the island, you’ll need a short walk to get to the more central part of St. Julian’s, where you can find the better restaurants in the area.
This hotel is a popular choice for travellers with deep pockets.
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BOCO Boutique Hotel is a unique little hotel in the Three Cities, across the harbour from the capital city of Valletta. Also referring to itself as an Art Hotel, BOCO offers six beautifully designed rooms with a high level of comfort and is run by a passionate hotelier.
The reviews don’t lie: This hotel gets hospitality and high-quality accommodation right in a location that can be a real draw for those looking to base themselves in a place close to, but away from tourist hotspots.
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Most Malta hotels in the 4-star category strike a good balance between quality of accommodation, location and value for money. These hotels tend to be the most popular choice, and that affects hotel rates as demand increases for bookings, especially during the high season.
If you’re looking for a memorable stay in Gozo with a touch of luxury, The Duke Boutique Hotel is a highly recommended option in my book. Being centrally located, it’s easy to get to other parts of Gozo, either by bus (with the terminus around the corner) or by car (public/private car parks nearby). If you have the budget go for a room with a heated jacuzzi!
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Lure Hotel & Spa is the latest addition to luxury hotels in Malta and is currently one of the easiest recommendations to make within this segment.
This designer hotel offers excellent spa facilities, suites with jacuzzis and a wonderful stay in the quiet heart of Mellieħa, one of Malta’s top destinations for its beautiful natural surroundings and sandy beaches.
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The AX The Saint John boutique hotel offers a chic stay right in the heart of Malta’s Capital. Centrally located on Merchants’ Street, this property offers beautifully decorated rooms coupled with all the latest smart amenities. A delicious breakfast featuring a selection of sweet and savoury products.is included with the price.
What’s more, landmarks and popular attractions such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, the National War Museum and the Upper Barrakka Gardens are within the vicinity of the hotel.
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A fairly new addition in the area, Hugo’s Boutique Hotel provides a unique style of accommodation with edgy-looking interiors and offers well-furnished and -equipped rooms. What makes this hotel unique is that it’s an adult-only hotel with a slightly mischievous character.
The important thing to know is that it’s situated in the heart of the nightlife centre Paceville. If you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet location, this hotel may not be the best choice.
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The AX Victoria Hotel offers a solid option in the quiet heart of Sliema, an otherwise busy seaside resort along the northern coastline of Malta. With a stylish, homely interior and quality amenities (including a gym, pool and business centre), it offers all the comfort you’d expect from a 4-star hotel and value in an area where quality accommodation isn’t necessarily the norm.
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Fully deserving of its four stars, Hotel Juliani provides a high level of accommodation and is situated along Spinola Bay, one of the nicer parts of town overlooking the bay.
Although amenities and rooms are on par with similar hotels listed above, rates are a little higher here because of its location. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent option if you’re not on a budget, and you won’t need to worry about good food options – there’s a good choice of restaurants right on the hotel’s doorstep.
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The 1926 Le Soleil Hotel and Spa opened its doors a couple of years ago, and it has since become one of the top Malta hotels with a 4-star rating in Sliema.
With its prime location close to the seafront, all shops, restaurants, bars and amenities are nearby. What’s more, the area is well-connected to buses heading to Valletta, and you can also take boat trips to Comino Blue Lagoon.
As far as features and facilities go, the rooms are quite spacious and are sold at reasonable rates. What’s more, you can also enjoy some time with your friends and loved ones at the spa, the fitness centre as well as the seaside infinity pool and beach.
N.B. Bear in mind that the beach club is a 200m walk away from the main building and is open to non-guests as well.
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The db San Antonio Hotel & Spa is one of the few quality hotels around in this popular tourist area and was recently refurbished to high standards with spacious rooms a stone’s throw away from the seafront (and also offering sea view rooms).
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Formerly known as the AX Seashells Resort, the newly refurbished AX ODYCY Hotel is one of the larger hotels in Qawra and is usually in high demand.
With a location that’s suitable for most types of travellers, the hotel has a large outdoor pool across the road, right at the seafront and is situated near Ta` Fra Ben for those who prefer swimming in the sea (or snorkelling).
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The Salini Resort is a hotel located just outside the Buġibba/Qawra/St. Paul’s Bay area. It’s a good option for those looking to benefit from a location suitable for exploring Malta while not being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of what can be a rather busy location during the high season.
Having undergone refurbishment recently, you get good quality and modern accommodation with relative peace and quiet. This hotel gets very good reviews now that it’s been revamped, so definitely worth considering.
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Having undergone a major renovation and upgrade a couple of years ago, the Seabank Hotel Malta (Resort + Spa) is a popular choice for couples and families with children looking to stay in the Mellieħa area. Situated at the foot of the main road coming down from the village, you’ll be staying right at the edge of Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay.
The hotel itself offers comfortable accommodation with amenities of a high standard and a great outdoor pool.
N.B. A minimum stay of 3 nights applies
Reasons to stay here
Things to consider
Located near the centre of Mellieħa, the Pergola Hotel & Spa offers decent accommodation and good facilities at reasonable prices. Most of the rooms are quite spacious, although small rooms are also offered here, so choose your room carefully. If you’re looking for an option for accommodation in Mellieħa, this is a good option to consider.
Having said that, you would choose to stay here if you want to be close to a large sandy beach or you want to stay in a quiet village to explore the rest of Malta. If you belong to the second group, you’ll want to hire a car and public parking is difficult to find near this hotel. They offer private parking but expect to pay €8/day as a separate charge.
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The Maritim Antonine is one of the better options when looking for a hotel in Mellieħa, providing good quality accommodation fairly close to Mellieħa Bay. With spacious rooms and good facilities, you can get a good value deal here for a comfortable stay.
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The Mercure in St. Julian’s is part of a well-known international chain of hotels with a reputation for high-quality hotel accommodation at a good value. Situated in one of the most popular locations in Malta, it’s a good option for couples looking for a comfortable hotel to stay in and enjoy the nearby nightlife.
Hotel facilities are of good quality, the rooms are spacious, and some offer a sea view.
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If you’re not looking to spend a lot on a hotel, there are a few hotels in Malta that offer a higher value for money than others. These are the best hotels in that category.
Be warned though: Rates change with increasing demand, so book well in advance!
Situated in the popular tourist village of Qawra, the Park Lane Aparthotel is something a little bit of a gem in an area that’s known more for larger, family-oriented hotels. Offering a mix of hotel rooms and self-catering apartments, its unassuming, modern interiors and central location offer a good option to couples of all ages.
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If you’re looking to stay in a hotel by the seaside and in a central part of Malta, the Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel may be a good option. Although rated as a 3-star hotel, the value is certainly there, and the location is hard to beat.
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Despite being an island nation, few hotels in Malta are situated on some of the bigger beaches or have their own private beach. Those that do will charge a premium, but perhaps that’s not a big issue for you.
If staying near the beach is a priority for you, you could consider staying at these hotels that are part of my recommendations above:
My aim with this guide is to help you find a hotel that matches your requirements and budget for the right accommodation in Malta for you. I’ve selected the top hotels in Malta based on my own experience and those of close friends and family. In other words: I wouldn’t recommend any of these hotels unless I genuinely felt they offer a good product.
Please note: I do not accept payment from any hotels to be listed on my site. However, I do receive a small commission if you click through on any of the hotel links and make a booking – at zero extra cost to you. That small commission goes a long way to support Malta Uncovered, helping people like yourself have a great holiday in Malta – Thank you!
To help you get a broader, balanced evaluation, I’ve also included pros/cons that are frequently mentioned by other travellers for each of the hotels listed.
… and with that out of the way, let’s dive right in!
Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.
As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.
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Hi Ed.
My family and I are staying in Malta in April 2019. We have older kids, they’re pretty chilled but would really like a pool and good food. I’m a stickler for cleanliness and my partner likes a decent size bed.
The kids are wanting to snorkel at blue lagoon, swim with the dolphins at the marine park and do the electric tour cars. My partner wants to try some good restaurants.
I’ve been researching into hotels and am having real trouble finding something to suit.
I need somewhere within reach of the activities the kids want to do, with a good pool and food and decent size beds in a clean hotel.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Adele
Hi Adele, without knowing what budget you’re looking at it’s hard to make a recommendation. Location-wise probably St. Julian’s is your best bet. There’s a direct bus that passes by the Marine Park and you can take the bus to Sliema Ferries to hop on a boat to get to the Blue Lagoon. Great choice of restaurants in the area as well.
I am thinking of staying in St. Paul Bay at San Antonio Hotel or the Dolmen Resort Hotel. I got Cerebral Palsy and use sticks. Wondering which one is better for disabled people?
Hi Chris, the San Antonio has 5-6 shallow steps to descend to enter the reception area while the Dolmen doesn’t but the road leading to the entrance isn’t level. I’m not sure which would be the biggest challenge for you but I hope that info helps you make up your mind!
Hi we are going to Malta end of January beginning of February what would you expect in terms of weather . Also was residing at the DB San Antonio . Do you have any knowledge on his specific hotel
Hi Elizabeth, I won’t lie to you – February is usually one of the coldest and dreariest months of the year. Having said that, the sun is never far away so there’s always a chance of good weather. Hard to predict of course!
The DB San Antonio I listed in this article – a hotel I would recommend without hesitation.
This is a great site. Thanks for all your research as it makes it so much easier for a first-time traveller to Malta! This will be a short 3-night, 3 full days stay so thought Valletta would be the best choice for us. My husband and I prefer smaller hotels with character and are thinking about the Barrakka Suites. Can you rate it or suggest alternatives? We are planning to use the public transportation to get around.
Hi Pat, thank you, I’m happy to hear the site’s been useful to you so far! 🙂 I recommend Barrakka Suites as one of the best options in Valletta, in fact, you can find my comments as well as more recommendations here: Hotels and other accommodation in Valletta
Sorry just to say – we are a family of 4, so we want a family hotel.
We are also thinking about going in April 2017. What weather would we be likely to get?
All hotels you mentioned are family-friendly as such, though location-wise (as mentioned regarding nightlife) unless your children are well into their teens, the Intercontinental may not be the best choice.
April is usually sunny and temperature around 20 C during the day. More info on that here.
This is by far one of the best sites when thinking about travelling to Malta.
I am looking for a premium 5 Star Property in St Julians. The ones I saw on Trip Advisor are – The Hilton (just newly renovated, The Westin, The Intercontinental, Corinthia and the Radisson Bleu.
Can you help me out with the following:
1. Which is the best in your opinion and why?
2. Do any of these offer all inclusive?
3. How far are these from the town centre and restaurants?
Hi Adarsh,
Although I’ve stayed at The Westin, Corinthia and Radisson Blu myself, I haven’t at the Hilton and Intercontinental. What I can tell you is that in my opinion both the Corinthia and Radisson Blu need a little attention in terms of rooms and interiors. They’re not bad, don’t get me wrong, though if you have the budget I’d suggest the Hilton.
Location-wise, the Corinthia and Radisson Blu are on the outskirts and not the closest to St. Julian’s centre. The Intercontinental is closer to the centre but also located right in the middle of the Paceville area (known as the centre of local nightlife), which is great if you enjoy nights out. The Westin is on the edge of that area so not bad location-wise. Overall, apart from being the better choice qualitatively, the location of the Hilton is better – you’ll be close to Balluta bay and some of the better restaurants around. If budget isn’t a issue, that would be my choice.
Hi Edward,
My husband & myself are thinking of a christmas break, we have visited Malta twice before but in the summer, I have earmarked 2 hotels & wondered which you thought would be best for a winter christmas visit, the Hilton in St Julians or The Phoenicia in Valletta?
Hi Jo, assuming you’re looking to do a little sightseeing as well I’d say Valletta will be a better location for that time of year.
Dear Edward
What a great site this is. Lots of very well written information.
I would like to ask about Mellieha Bay Hotel in particular. We have a 12 yr old daughter with extra needs who is mobile and loves the sea so the sandy beach and pools are good but it needs to be child friendly. We also like to visit historic sites and wondered if it could be done by bus or is a rental car the best way? We aim to visit the end of May.
Can we hire a car in Mellieha (it would save two days rental) or is the airport the best option.
Can you suggest any alternatives.
Many Thanks
Hi Lewis, thank you for the feedback, I’m happy you find the site to be useful to you! These are my answers to your queries:
* Location-wise, the Mellieha Bay Hotel is a good option, with easy access to the beach, though you might be more comfortable at the Mellieha Holiday Centre (which will undoubtedly be more pricey, however), which also offers easy access through a tunnel underneath the road and also having a good-sized pool on its premises. Another option could be the db Seabank Resort & Spa as well. Do keep in mind that towards the end of May the weather will be good though sea temperatures will still be pretty chilly. The first half of June may be a better option in that regard (you’ll still beat the large high season crowds)
* You can technically use the bus to get pretty much anywhere (and allow easy access being low floor buses), though it will definitely be easier and more comfortable for your child to have your own transport.
* Yes, you can hire a car in Mellieha, in fact most rental companies will deliver a rental car to your hotel of choice free of charge. In the area I know that Drifter provide good service (they’re my parents’regular choice whenever they rent a car in Malta).
I hope that helps!
Hi Edward, just wanted to thank you for this honest and helpful round-up of the best hotels around Malta. It’s very well thought-through and incredibly useful as we come to plan a birthday getaway. 🙂
Hi Sam, thank you for the feedback – enjoy your stay! 🙂
We are due to stay at Radisson Blu St Julien’s Bay – are you willing to review please?
Is it easy to access local restaurants? Easy to travel to Valletta?
Thank you
BNS
Hi Barry,
The hotels I’ve listed above are the ones I would actually recommend to friends or family. I’m not a big fan of the Radisson Blu St. Julian’s myself at this point. Although the hotel at Golden Bay is a much better example of what you’d expect of a Radisson hotel, the one at St. Julians is, in my opinion at least, long overdue for refurbishment, especially considering the rates charged.
It IS easy to get to good local restaurants, although some of the better ones will be a 15-minute walk away on the other side of St. George’s Bay towards the Balluta area, and the bus stop on the main road means you can reach Valletta easily.
Hi. I’m interested in the Qawra Palace but reviews are very mixed. Can you help me please?
Hi Alli, the Qawra Palace Hotel is similar to the Seashells resort though sits more on the “cheep and cheerful” side. It’s very much a budget family hotel in need of refurbishment, last I heard. I’ve listed it together with a few other options in that area here
Hi, I booked at the Panorama hotel in Mellieha – can you rate it? Thank you! Anna
Hi Anna,
I’ve never stayed there myself, nor do I know anyone who has. All I can tell you it’s not the most modern hotel and there are probably better options around that offer more value for money. A couple of places that come to mind: Mellieha Holiday Centre and the Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa, for example.