A spellbinding archipelago nestled between Sicily and Northern Africa, Malta opens up the central Mediterranean region with its culturally rich islands and sandy beaches. This destination is a wondrous blend of art, culture, history and natural beauty, and its popularity in the global travel circuit has facilitated the arrival of world-class entertainment venues, luxury resorts and a rip-roaring nightlife.
The Maltese archipelago is laced with scenic beauty and adventure, and this melting pot of Roman, Moorish, French and British culture leaves visitors fascinated and craving for more. Finding a centrally located hotel is highly advisable to divide one’s time between the beaches, fishing villages and ancient landmarks without commuting far and wide.
After spending many years living in Malta I’m choosing my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Malta and Gozo, from trendy boutique hotels to modern upscale retreats (in no particular order)…
1. 1926 Hotel & SPA – an ultra-hip, Instagrammable and trendy upscale hotel perfect for Influencers, Millenials and Gen Zs
A cool urban getaway situated in the heart of Sliema, the 1926 Hotel & Spa is a high-end luxury hotel famous for its sustainable practices and seasonal Beach Club. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, an onsite restaurant, a lounging area, a world-class spa and innumerable amenities.
Travelers are bound to find the perfect accommodation from the hotel’s extensive selection, including Standard Rooms, Family Rooms, Signature Sea View Suites and 2-bedroom apartments.
The onsite restaurant Margaux serves a traditional breakfast and a creative blend of European Southern French cuisine paired with rare wines. At night, guests can stroll over to the Beach Club to attend events featuring live music, local bands and DJs.
2. Hugo’s Boutique Hotel – Adults Only – a bold, dramatic and trendy boutique hotel located on popular Julian’s Bay
One of the finest luxury boutique hotels in St. Julians, Hugo’s is a glamorous establishment overlooking the beach and marina. The hotel features 200 rooms and suites with an extensive variety of categories, amenities and views of the bay or town attractions.
The accommodations are equipped with impressively innovative amenities, handpick pieces of classic and modern art, and matchless luxuries. Guests can explore suites with indoor and outdoor hot tubs and even a private indoor pool.
Guests enjoy access to multiple onsite dining and lounging venues. Hugo’s Lounge is one of Malta’s most popular venues, featuring a wide selection of Asian, Indian and local dishes.
3. H Hotel & SPA – Adults Only – a cool, fun and hip hotel located near the beach along St. George’s Bay in a lively area perfect for partying
H Hotel & Spa is situated in the Paceville district, 5 miles from Valletta and within proximity to St. George’s Bay, Fort Manoel and the 16th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This location is splendid to enjoy the best of St. Julians’ entertainment venues, restaurants and historical landmarks.
The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, business facilities and meeting rooms, shuttle service and an onsite restaurant and bar. All guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and coffee/tea-making facilities.
The upgraded accommodations feature private balconies overlooking the sea and mini-kitchens with cookware and appliances. Guests can take advantage of the onsite spa to pamper themselves with beauty treatments and restorative therapies at the Turkish bath.
4. AX The Palace – a hip, wow-inducing and Instagrammable hotel with a rooftop spa with an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
AX The Palace is situated in the center of Sliema, offering an ideal setting to explore historical attractions and popular hangout spots without distancing oneself from the Mediterranean Sea.
This 5-star venue attracts people from all walks of life with its extensive selection of comfortable rooms, suites and exclusive designer accommodations. Guests can explore Comfort Rooms, Executive Rooms, Junior Suites, Superior Suites and 6 lavishly decorated units in the AX Designer Collection.
AX The Palace features some of the finest restaurants and cafes in Malta. TemptAsian offers a fusion of Asian delicacies on a romantic rooftop overlooking the Sliema Harbor while the Talk of Town Café serves flavorful drinks and snacks.
To book, check prices or availability for AX The Palace
5. HOLM Boutique & SPA – IK Collection – a cool and creative boutique hotel with gorgeous artful design details for a very unique stay
Vacationers craving avant-garde luxury and personalized attention will find the HOLM Boutique & Spa ideally suited to their needs. This one-of-its-kind hotel transports guests into an indulgent realm of self-pampering with artisanal food, indoor pools and treatment facilities, and exquisite accommodations.
The Comfort Rooms offer a sweet setting for solo travelers and couples, while the Superior Rooms have a retro vibe and sprawling balconies. The safari-themed Family Rooms delight adults and children alike, and Deluxe Room with Outdoor Spa Bath features luxe amenities and a private spa bath.
Groups and families seeking privacy can explore Executive Suites with outdoor spa baths, fully equipped kitchenettes and private terraces overlooking Balluta Bay.
6. Palazzo Ignazio – a small, unique and intimate boutique hotel in central Valletta offering great facilities and fabulous views
Palazzo Ignazio welcomes travellers to experience traditional Maltese culture and lifestyle from a prestigious location in the heart of Valletta’s historic quarters. This hotel positions visitors inside the ancient walled city, a UNESCO Heritage Site with magnificent palaces and piazzas from the early 1500s.
This charming hotel offers 25 guest rooms and suites, including Standard, Deluxe and Superior accommodations. The standout units of the Palazzo include the St. Paul’s Suite, designed with shades of limestone and green, and the Grand Harbour Suite featuring a private terrace with a jacuzzi.
The onsite café serves a hearty breakfast spread with modern and traditional fares, and the Rooftop Bar offers an elegant dining experience with artisanal cuisine and sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.
7. V Hotel – a cool, fun and creative mid-range hotel with an upbeat vibe located in buzzing St. Julian’s
V Hotel is situated in St. Julian’s Paceville neighbourhood, a stone’s throw away from the Portomaso Marina and Spinola Garden. This location attracts travellers wanting to stay near the picturesque Spinola Bay and the central tourist landmarks.
V Hotel offers 35 air-conditioned guest rooms, an outdoor pool, and a breakfast area. Guests can explore two main categories: King Room with Sea View and Deluxe Room with Balcony. The rooms are designed with a special emphasis on modern comforts and convenience, featuring smart TVs, minibars, high-speed Wifi and ensuite bathrooms with rainfall showers.
The hotel provides a wide selection of local and continental breakfast staples and freshly-brewed coffee each morning.
To book, check prices or availability for V Hotel Malta
8. Cesca’s Boutique Hotel – a wonderful unique boutique gem located on the beautiful island of Gozo
Cesca’s Boutique Hotel is perched on the tip of the scenic Xlendi Valley, welcoming nature lovers to explore the island of Gozo from a luxurious, centrally-located venue.
This oasis of tranquillity is steeped in Mediterranean traditions and old-world charm, offering a romantic setting for wellness retreats and couples getaways.
Cesca’s features 18 guest rooms and suites with a relaxing atmosphere and private balconies to feast one’s eyes on the lush valley. All units have distinct amenities, layouts and views, alongside air conditioning, double-glazed windows, and fine linens.
Guests speak highly of the onsite eatery, La Vallee, featuring a classy setting and a creative menu with traditional Maltese delicacies.
9. Hotel Argento – a cool, chic and modern boutique-style hotel located near Portomaso Marina
A 4-star boutique hotel nestled in the heart of St. Julians, Hotel Argento curates a highly personalized experience with keen attention to detail and tailored services. Guests can explore a lineup of 74 rooms and suites adorned with elegant furniture and modern appliances.
Single travellers and couples can explore Standard and Double Rooms, while the Junior Suites are more suitable for families and luxury enthusiasts. Hotel Argento features a rooftop swimming pool with a spacious sundeck overlooking the magnificent Spinola Bay and Maltese landmarks.
The day begins with a sumptuous breakfast buffet, and guests can grab mid-morning snacks and coffee at the Lobby Bar.
To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Argento
10. Waterfront Hotel – stylish and contemporary upscale hotel in an enviable position near Marsamxett Harbour
A traditional Mediterranean-style venue steeped in culture and traditions, the Waterfront Hotel boasts a unique location right on the edge of the calming blue waters. This island getaway features 165 rooms and suites designed with authentic Maltese and island-themed elements.
Travelers can explore multiple accommodations, including Superior Sea View Rooms, Family Rooms and Deluxe Suites. All units offer ensuite bathrooms, cable TV, minibars, safety deposit boxes, air conditioning and private balconies.
The onsite Regatta Restaurant offers a traditional Maltese dining experience with plated dishes and a full buffet in an elegant setting overlooking Manoel Island and Sliema Creek. The Lobby Bar serves cocktails, wines and fast food options.
11. Be. HOTEL – a cool, fun and funky hotel with a youthful but relaxing vibe located near the beach in lively St Julian’s
Visitors seeking affordable and ideally located accommodation for an unforgettable vacation In St. Julians will find their match the Be. Hotel.
Situated near the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Triq Santa Rita Steps, this upscale venue features modern rooms, home-like amenities, a rooftop pool, a fitness studio, and a restaurant. Be. Hotel has the right room for everyone, from Standard Rooms for budget-conscious vacationers to lavishly decorated Terrace Suites with high-end amenities.
The be.KINI Rooftop Pool delights weary travellers with its relaxing ambience, while the onsite Fornelli Restaurant offers iconic flavours from Maltese, French, Italian and Spanish cuisines.
To book, check prices or availability for Be. HOTEL
12. Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz – a chic, elegant upscale boutique hotel surrounded by semi-tropical gardens located on the highly sought-after island of Gozo
A five-star luxury resort designed for recreation and restoration, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz offers a premium spa, an Ayurveda center, multiple dining venues, swimming pools and abundant recreational amenities.
Travelers are bound to find the perfect setting in Kempinski’s extensive lineup of guest rooms, suites and residences. Singles and couples can explore deluxe rooms overlooking the pool, while vacationers seeking privacy will appreciate the lavish suites and 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments.
The onsite spa is an oasis of rejuvenation with an oriental Hamam, multiple pools, and a fitness studio. Guests wanting to dine on authentic Gozitan and Maltese cuisine will love the atmosphere and food served at the in-house restaurant L-Istorja.
13. Lure Hotel & SPA – Adults Only – a sleek, chic and romantic adults-only boutique hotel located in quieter Northern Malta
A 4-star hotel in the heart of Mellieha’s village square, Lure Hotel & Spa invites travelers to immerse in local Maltese culture from an ideally located venue within proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. This period-style building offers chic accommodations, an onsite restaurant, and a rooftop pool.
Guests enjoy access to the indoor pool area with a spa and steam room, while the rooftop infinity pool features a lounging area and bar. Couples can reserve spa treatment rooms for massages, or request a candlelight dinner in the outdoor dining area.
The onsite restaurant, The Core specializes in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, serving the guests at breakfast, lunch and dinnertime.
14. Land’s End, Boutique Hotel – a modern, stylish and very well-presented upscale boutique hotel located in the heart of Sliema
The Land’s End Boutique Hotel is a luxurious venue in Sliema’s vibrant city center, offering proximity to the walled city quarters, popular restaurants and retail outlets. Land’s End offers contemporary accommodations decked with tech-savvy amenities, smart appliances, and fine furniture.
The themed accommodations include the Tranquil Room, Distinct Room, Lush Rooms and Lavish Suites. Solo travelers and couples can find 1-2-person rooms while families can explore spacious rooms and suites designed to accommodate 3-4 individuals comfortably.
Land’s End is also home to Malta’s famed restaurant, Monastike, specializing in traditional Maltese cuisine with locally farmed produce. The Living Room serves as an informal lounging space to relax and connect with fellow travellers.
15. The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux – a vintage-chic upscale boutique hotel located on ancient bastions in the famous medieval city of Mdina
Housed in a painstakingly restored 17th-century palazzo overlooking the Maltese countryside, Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux is the only hotel situated within the confines of the Silent City of Mdina. One could not ask for a more splendid location to immerse in Malta’s magnificent Baroque-style architecture and medieval landmarks.
Xara Palace features 17 luxurious guest rooms and suites with an intimate setting, antique furniture, Parisian linens, artworks and modern appliances. Guests enjoy access to an outdoor pool, a mini gym and sauna, and multiple onsite dining options.
The Palace is also home to the award-winning restaurant, de Mondion, a popular site for wine-tasting events and soulful Mediterranean flavours.
16. Seaview Hotel – Adults Only 16 Plus – a charming, intimate and gorgeous gem of a hotel with quirky-chic details and panoramic views of St. Paul’s Islands
Perched on the beautiful promenade of Bugibba, the Seaview Hotel boasts a tranquil location set against the Islands of St. Paul. Guests can indulge in modern luxuries in the brightly-lit rooms, feast on local and international cuisines at the four onsite restaurants, and splash around in the infinity pool.
The hotel’s lineup of accommodations includes Triple Rooms with Side Sea View and Superior Side Sea View with expansive balconies and outdoor space to make the most of the stunning location.
Guests adore dining at the onsite Upper Deck Bar & Restaurant, while a continental breakfast is served at the Reef Restaurant every morning.
17. Corinthia Palace Malta – a chic and very elegant upscale boutique hotel with a stately home vibe located near San Anton gardens
Staying at the Corinthia Palace is all about strolling through beautifully manicured gardens, pampering sessions at the Athenaeum Spa, and gastronomic adventures at the hotel’s multiple onsite restaurants.
Corinthia Palace is home to 147 guest rooms and suites, designed with comfortable furniture, practical amenities and private balconies to enjoy unobstructed views of the Presidential Palace and San Anton botanical gardens.
The hotel’s dining venues are incredible, each curating a unique experience. The Villa Corinthia is the main restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, while Rickshaw is a quirky establishment specializing in Far Eastern and Asian cuisines. Guests can enjoy freshly-brewed coffee and plant-based treats at Josephine’s.
18. Gomerino Hotel – a chic and beautiful hotel with a fabulous rooftop terrace located in Malta’s capital Valletta
The Gomerino Hotel positions travelers on the prestigious St. Paul’s Street, surrounded by Baroque landmarks, museums, palaces, churches and sites dating back to the 1500s. Housed in a thoughtfully renovated 17th-century Baroque Palace, the Gomerino radiates grandeur with its intricate details and rare antiques.
The hotel offers 44 lavishly decorated double rooms, an indoor pool, a rooftop pool and bar, a spa, a fitness studio and a sauna. Guests can explore Deluxe Double Rooms with queen-size beds and sofa beds, or opt for a Balcony Room to enjoy magnificent views of Valletta’s walled city and Grand Harbor.
The onsite spa offers a broad array of therapies and treatments.
19. Cavalieri Art Hotel – a modern and well-presented hotel with a seafront terrace and pool set on the beach in buzzing St Julian’s
The Cavalieri Art Hotel curates a soulful Maltese getaway with tasteful accommodations offering sweeping views of Balluta Bay. Situated near the bustling Balluta Square, this luxury hotel offers two main categories: Deluxe Bay View Twin Room and Deluxe Comfort Twin Room.
All guest rooms have a sophisticated setting with minimal furniture, practical amenities and luxurious bedding. Guests have access to multiple in-room appliances, including air conditioning, smart TVs, and coffee and tea-making equipment.
The onsite Ottocento Restaurant is one of Malta’s finest eateries to enjoy buffet-style dining with endless dishes prepared with fresh, locally farmed produce. The Pommarola Restaurant offers alfresco-style dining with a poolside setting.
20. BB De Rohan – a cute, cosy and intimate boutique B and B located at the end of a narrow cobbled alley for a more authentic Maltese stay
A warm and intimate bed and breakfast located in the historical village of Haz-Zebbug, BB DE Rohan offers well-appointed double rooms and home-like amenities.
The rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, comfortable bedding, individually controlled air conditioning, minibars, LCD TVs, and complimentary bath amenities.
This vintage-themed venue has a lively atmosphere and guests like socializing in the expansive living area with a library and snooker table. Each morning, guests enjoy an impressive spread in the airy breakfast room, featuring cheese, cold meats, seasonal fruits, marmalades and freshly baked treats.
The hosts at BB De Rohan help travellers plan local tours and excursions with concierge services, including arrangements for guided tours, vehicle rentals and reservations at local restaurants.
To book, check prices or availability for BB De Rohan
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.
