Where to Stay in Valletta: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Valletta and its surroundings? Looking for the areas and hotels?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Malta very well, I have created this guide of:

• Valletta’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Valletta and surroundings

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Valletta for the first time: The Embassy Valletta Hotel, located in the heart of the capital and with swimming pool!
• Where to stay in Malta for swimming and relaxing: 1926 Hotel & SPA in Sliema, for its beach club
• Best 5-star hotel in Valletta: The Phoenicia Malta, the iconic hotel at the gates of the city
• Where to stay in Malta on a budget: Mr. Todd Hotel in Sliema
• Where to stay in Malta with family: The Westin Dragonara Resort in St. Julian’s
• My favorite hotel in Valletta for a romantic stay: Rosselli – AX Privilege

In Valletta, the Historic Capital

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a fortified city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city itself is an open-air museum, famous for its baroque architecture, charming narrow streets, and breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour.

For me, Valletta is the ideal place to stay for a first-time visit!

You should stay in this district if you want:

• To be surrounded by history and culture
• To explore the main landmarks on foot.
• To enjoy a romantic and charming atmosphere.
• To easily reach other parts of Malta (there is the bus station, and ferry to Gozo)

This is the perfect area to see:

• St. John’s Co-Cathedral, famous for its opulent interior and Caravaggio’s masterpiece.
• The Grandmaster’s Palace, the historic seat of power in Malta.
• Upper Barrakka Gardens, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
• The National Museum of Archaeology, showcasing prehistoric artifacts.
• Manoel Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest working theatres.
• The charming streets like Republic Street and Merchant Street, filled with shops, cafes and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Valletta?

• Osborne Hotel: Located within the ancient city walls. Classic, comfortable double rooms start at 130€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop plunge pool, fantastic location, very friendly staff. A great choice for its excellent value in Valletta.
• The Embassy Valletta Hotel: In the heart of the city on Strait Street. Stylish, modern double rooms from 250€, with a fantastic breakfast. Strong points: stunning heated rooftop infinity pool with city views, excellent location, high-quality service. My top pick for a first-time stay in Valletta!
• Rosselli – AX Privilege: A 5-star luxury hotel in a 17th-century palace. Exquisite and unique rooms from 350€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop pool, Michelin-starred restaurant, exceptional service, and historic elegance. The perfect hotel for a luxurious and romantic getaway in Valletta.
• The Phoenicia Malta: Set in a 1920s-style building just outside the city gates. Timeless, elegant rooms from 450€, breakfast included. Strong points: beautiful 7-acre gardens, a spectacular infinity pool overlooking the harbor, indoor pool, impeccable service. This is the most iconic 5-star hotel in Valletta!

In Sliema, for Shopping and Sea Views

Just a short ferry ride from Valletta, Sliema is a bustling commercial hub known for its shopping, restaurants, and long seafront promenade.

Sliema offers a more modern and residential feel compared to Valletta, with fantastic views of the harbor and the capital’s fortified walls.

It’s a great base for exploring the island thanks to its excellent transport links.

You should really stay in Sliema if you want:

• To be in a central location with great transport links (ferry to Valletta, bus routes).
• If you love shopping and dining out with a wide variety of options.
• To enjoy seafront walks and swimming from the rocky beaches.
• A lively atmosphere without the intensity of St. Julian’s nightlife.

This district is perfect for discovering:

• Sliema Promenade
• The Point Shopping Mall, Malta’s largest shopping center.
• Rocky beaches, popular spots for sunbathing and swimming in the Mediterranean sea.
• Boat tours, with many excursions going to Comino and Gozo.
• the numerous cafes and restaurants lining the waterfront.

Here are my favorite hotels in Sliema

• Mr. Todd Hotel: A modern hotel located a short walk from the seafront. Bright and clean double rooms from 100€, breakfast included. Strong points: great value for money, central location, friendly staff. An excellent choice for a budget-friendly stay in Malta.
• The Waterfront Hotel: Directly on the Sliema promenade with harbor views. Modern double rooms from 160€, breakfast included. Strong points: heated indoor pool, fantastic views of Valletta, great location.
• 1926 Hotel & SPA: A stylish hotel with a focus on wellness. Elegant double rooms from 180€, breakfast included. Strong points: access to a seasonal beach club with an infinity pool, a luxurious spa, and a relaxing atmosphere. Very good value for money!
• AX The Palace: This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Sliema. It offers luxurious rooms with designer touches. From 250€, breakfast included. Strong points: stunning rooftop infinity pool with a bar and panoramic views, several high-quality restaurants, exceptional service. Simply the best luxury hotel in Sliema!

In St. Julian’s, for Nightlife and Entertainment

St. Julian’s is Malta’s entertainment hub, famous for its vibrant nightlife, numerous restaurants, and luxury hotels.

The area, especially the neighborhood of Paceville, comes alive at night with bars, clubs, and a casino. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to go out at nights!

You can stay in St. Julian’s:

• If you want to be in the heart of Malta’s nightlife scene.
• For a holiday with a wide choice of restaurants, bars, and casinos.
• To stay in some of Malta’s most luxurious resort hotels.

Best things to see and do around St. Julian’s:

• Paceville, the epicenter of Malta’s nightlife with countless clubs and bars.
• Spinola Bay, a picturesque bay filled with traditional Maltese fishing boats and excellent seafood restaurants.
• Portomaso Marina, a luxury yacht marina with upscale dining options.
• St. George’s Bay, a small but popular sandy beach
• The Dragonara Casino, housed in a magnificent 19th-century palace by the sea.

The Best Hotels to Stay in St. Julian’s

• The District Hotel: Located steps away from St. George’s Bay and Paceville. Modern and soundproofed rooms from 120€. Strong points: central location for nightlife, clean and comfortable, great value.
• be.HOTEL: Situated within the Bay Street Shopping Complex. Bright, stylish rooms from 160€, breakfast included. Strong points: panoramic rooftop pool, very convenient location, modern facilities.
• Hotel Juliani – Boutique Hotel: A family-run boutique hotel overlooking Spinola Bay. Spacious, elegantly designed rooms from 200€. Strong points: rooftop pool with beautiful views, personalized service, fantastic location. An excellent choice in St. Julian’s for a romantic stay.
• Hilton Malta: A luxurious 5-star resort with stunning sea views. Spacious and elegant rooms from 350€, breakfast included. Strong points: four outdoor pools, a private beach club, a fantastic spa, and multiple restaurants.
• The Westin Dragonara Resort: This 5-star hotel sits on its own private peninsula. It offers huge, comfortable rooms with private balconies. From 400€, breakfast included. Strong points: two private beach lidos with direct sea access, large pools, kids’ club, and excellent dining options. The ultimate luxury resort experience in St. Julian’s!

In Gzira, for a Local Vibe and Great Value

Nestled between the bustling towns of Sliema and the historic capital Valletta, Gzira, along with its charming neighbors Ta’ Xbiex and Msida, offers a more authentic and residential Maltese experience.

This area is best known for its picturesque marinas filled with yachts and the stunning views across the water to Valletta’s bastions and Manoel Island. It provides a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere while still being incredibly central.

Staying here allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: easy access to major attractions and a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.

You should really stay in Gzira if you want:

• More affordable accommodation options compared to neighboring Sliema and Valletta.
• A central location to explore the island, with excellent bus connections.
• To experience a more local, authentic Maltese neighborhood.
• To enjoy beautiful walks along the marina promenades.

This district is perfect to discover:

• The Gzira and Ta’ Xbiex Waterfront, perfect for a stroll with spectacular views over Valletta
• Manoel Island, connected by a small bridge, offering a lovely walk and a glimpse of Fort Manoel.
• The Royal Malta Yacht Club
• A variety of local cafes and restaurants that are popular with residents.
• Easy access to the Sliema ferries, just a short walk away, connecting you to Valletta in minutes.

Here are my favorite hotels in Gzira

• Hotel Kennedy Nova: A family-run hotel located right on the Gzira promenade. It offers simple, clean rooms from 95€. Strong points: the rooftop pool with its fantastic views of the marina and Valletta, the unbeatable location, and the excellent value for money.
• Azur Hotel by ST Hotels: A modern and stylish hotel in the heart of Gzira. Spacious and comfortable double rooms from 140€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop pool, friendly and helpful staff, great breakfast selection, and its proximity to bus stops. The best value for money in Gzira!
• Grands Suites Hotel Residences and Spa: This 4-star hotel offers a more luxurious stay in Gzira. Modern suites with kitchenette facilities from 180€. Strong points: fantastic rooftop infinity pool, a relaxing indoor pool and spa, very clean rooms, and helpful staff. This is the best choice for a high-end stay in Gzira!

Where to Stay in Valletta on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Malta without spending too much:

• Mr. Todd Hotel: Located in Sliema, a stone’s throw from the ferry to Valletta. Bright, modern double rooms from 100€, including breakfast. Strong points: fantastic value, excellent location for exploring, very clean. This is definitely the best choice for staying in Malta for cheap.
• Grand Harbour Hotel: Located in Valletta with beautiful views over the harbor. Simple, clean rooms from 110€. Strong points: the view from the rooftop terrace, great location for sightseeing, helpful staff.
• Sliema Marina Hotel: Directly opposite the Sliema ferry terminal. Functional rooms from 115€, breakfast included. Strong points: unbeatable location for transport, rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi, sea views. Another great place to stay in a central location on a budget.

Where to Stay in Valletta with Family

• Cavalieri Art Hotel: In St. Julian’s, right on the water’s edge in Spinola Bay. Quadruple rooms from 150€. Strong points: large outdoor pool, sea views, quiet yet central location.
• The Waterfront Hotel: In Sliema, this hotel offers family rooms for 4 from 180€. Strong points: indoor pool, excellent location on the promenade, easy access to playgrounds and boat trips.
• The Westin Dragonara Resort: Located in St. Julian’s. This resort is perfect for families, offering spacious rooms that can accommodate four people from 400€. Strong points: kids’ club, playground, multiple pools, and direct access to the sea. You should really consider this place if you’re traveling to Malta as a family.

What is the best hotel in Valletta?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Valletta, I recommend you the The Phoenicia Malta.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Rosselli – AX Privilege or The Westin Dragonara Resort.

Where to stay in Valletta: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Valletta and the surrounding towns, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by area!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Grand Harbour Hotel	Valletta	110€
Osborne Hotel	Valletta	130€
The Embassy Valletta Hotel	Valletta	250€
Rosselli - AX Privilege	Valletta	350€
The Phoenicia Malta	Valletta	450€
Mr. Todd Hotel	Sliema	100€
Sliema Marina Hotel	Sliema	115€
The Waterfront Hotel	Sliema	160€
1926 Hotel & SPA	Sliema	180€
AX The Palace	Sliema	250€
The District Hotel	St. Julian's	120€
Cavalieri Art Hotel	St. Julian's	150€
be.HOTEL	St. Julian's	160€
Hotel Juliani - Boutique Hotel	St. Julian's	200€
Hilton Malta	St. Julian's	350€
The Westin Dragonara Resort	St. Julian's	400€
Hotel Kennedy Nova	Gzira	95€
Azur Hotel by ST Hotels	Gzira	140€
Grands Suites Hotel Residences and Spa	Gzira	180€
Mr. Todd Hotel	Cheap Hotels	100€
Grand Harbour Hotel	Cheap Hotels	110€
Sliema Marina Hotel	Cheap Hotels	115€
Cavalieri Art Hotel	Hotel for families	150€
The Waterfront Hotel	Hotel for families	180€
The Westin Dragonara Resort	Hotel for families	400€

Malta travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

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