The best hotels in Malta by category

The best hotels in Malta by category

Malta has a wide range of hotels, from historic palaces to budget stays. To help you choose, we have picked the top-rated hotels in each official category. Our selection combines traveller ratings, the number of reviews and our own detailed hotel guides.

The star ratings quoted are those of the Malta Tourism Authority register. To compare every hotel on a map, see our page on hotels in Malta.

The best 5-star hotels in Malta

Malta’s five-star hotels range from historic palaces to large resorts. Most are in St Julian’s, while the most intimate ones are in Valletta. Here are our five favourites, all highly rated and each with its own style. The full list is on our page on 5-star hotels in Malta.

The Phoenicia Malta, the great classic

Art Deco facade of The Phoenicia Malta at sunrise, seen from its gardens in Floriana
The Phoenicia Malta’s Bastion infinity pool facing Marsamxett Harbour and Sliema
Superior Signature room at The Phoenicia Malta with a double bed and botanical-print headboard
Conservatory of the Contessa restaurant at The Phoenicia Malta overlooking the Valletta bastions
Spa indoor pool at The Phoenicia Malta along a 16th-century fortification wall
Hotel
4.6(4,618 reviews)

The Phoenicia Malta

Floriana, Malta

The Phoenicia Malta is a 5-star grand hotel at the gates of Valletta.

from 350 € / nightSee prices

Opened in 1947 at the gates of Valletta, the Phoenicia is still the benchmark. Its gardens, harbour-view infinity pool and attentive service appeal to couples above all. Standard rooms are small for the category.

Iniala Valletta, intimate luxury

Facades of St Barbara Bastion at sunset, home to the Iniala Harbour House, facing Valletta’s Grand Harbour
Heated indoor pool beneath the stone vaults of the spa at the Iniala Harbour House in Valletta
Double bed in a suite with a balcony opening onto the Grand Harbour at the Iniala Harbour House in Valletta
Glazed terrace of the ION Harbour restaurant on the roof of the Iniala Harbour House, facing the Grand Harbour
Vaulted stone double treatment room at the spa of the Iniala Harbour House in Valletta
Hotel
4.8(345 reviews)

Iniala Valletta

Valletta, Malta

The Iniala Harbour House is an intimate 5-star luxury hotel, set opposite Valletta’s Grand Harbour.

from 350 € / nightSee prices

Facing the Grand Harbour, the Iniala is a very upmarket boutique hotel. The service is outstanding and the view of the Three Cities is superb. On the roof, ION Harbour holds two Michelin stars. The hotel has neither a beach nor a large pool, though.

ME Malta, design in St Julian’s

Aerial view of the ME Malta tower, its curved balconies and terraced pools in St Julian’s
ME Malta’s 8th-floor outdoor pool, lined with Balinese daybeds at the foot of the Mercury towers
Always ME room with a balcony at ME Malta, large bed and view over St Julian’s and the sea
Radio Rooftop terrace on the 20th floor of ME Malta, with tables set facing the sea
Grotto-style indoor pool at the Dee Spas spa in ME Malta
Hotel
4.7(1,324 reviews)

ME Malta

St Julian’s, Malta

ME Malta is a 5-star design hotel in the heart of St Julian’s.

from 124 € / nightSee prices

This recent five-star occupies a modern tower in the heart of St Julian’s. Its large, brand-new rooms and cave-style spa win universal praise. The area stays lively late into the night.

Hilton Malta, the all-in-one city resort

Illuminated facade of the Hilton Malta above a pool lined with arches and palm trees
Bird’s-eye view of the Hilton Malta main pool, its palm trees and the sea
Room with a large bed, seating area and sea-view balcony at the Hilton Malta
Tables laid on the Oceana restaurant terrace facing the pools at the Hilton Malta
Indoor pool with columns in the Hilton Malta fitness club
Hotel
4.6(9,305 reviews)

Hilton Malta

St Julian’s, Malta

The Hilton Malta is a large 5-star hotel set on Portomaso Marina, in St Julian’s.

from 170 € / nightSee prices

Set on the Portomaso marina, the Hilton combines pools, restaurants and spacious rooms. It is a safe bet for families who want everything on site. It gets very busy in summer.

Radisson Blu Golden Sands, for the beach

Above Golden Bay, this resort offers direct access to one of the island’s finest sandy beaches. Its rooms are very spacious. The location is remote, so plan on a car or the bus for sightseeing.

The best 4-star hotels in Malta

Four-star hotels are plentiful across the islands, and quality varies widely. We have chosen places that travellers praise consistently, both in town and in quieter spots.

Palais Le Brun, Valletta charm

Stone inner courtyard at Palais Le Brun with a wall fountain, wrought-iron staircase and glass-block floor
Rooftop pool at Palais Le Brun, lined with sunbeds and parasols, facing the rooftops of Valletta
Duplex suite at Palais Le Brun with a large bed, crystal chandelier, white panelling and marble floor
Vaulted stone dining room of the Palais Le Brun restaurant with laid tables and cane chairs
Private terrace with jacuzzi in a Palais Le Brun suite, overlooking the sea and Sliema
Hotel
4.7(2,273 reviews)

Palais Le Brun

Valletta, Malta

Palais Le Brun is a 4-star hotel set in a 1606 palace in the heart of Valletta.

See prices

Housed in a palace dating from 1606, Palais Le Brun is often called the best four-star hotel in Malta. Its staff and breakfast, with a hot dish served à la carte, win universal praise. The rooftop pool is small.

AX The Victoria, peace and quiet in Sliema

Rooftop pool at the AX The Victoria lined with sunbeds, with a view over the rooftops of Sliema
Rooftop pool at the AX The Victoria with sunbeds and a view over the rooftops of Sliema
Room at the AX The Victoria with a double bed, leaf-patterned wallpaper and a seating area
Dining room of the Copperfield’s restaurant at the AX The Victoria with light wooden chairs and floral panels
Indoor pool at the AX The Victoria with picture windows and a relaxation area
Hotel
4.5(5,318 reviews)

AX The Victoria

Sliema, Malta

The AX The Victoria is a Victorian-style 4-star hotel in a quiet part of Sliema.

See prices

On a quiet Sliema street, this Victorian-style hotel is much loved for its warm welcome. Guests can also use the facilities of the neighbouring AX The Palace. That hotel’s renovation is due to start in November 2026, so check which facilities remain open.

be.HOTEL, for nights out in St Julian’s

Facade of the be.HOTEL in Malta overlooking St George’s Bay at sunset
Rooftop pool lined with sunbeds at the be.HOTEL in Malta
Sea-view superior room with a large bed and a balcony over St George’s Bay at the be.HOTEL
Breakfast table facing St George’s Bay on a terrace at the be.HOTEL
Rooftop pool at the be.HOTEL in Malta and its be.KINI bar
Hotel
4.4(12,038 reviews)

be.HOTEL

St Julian’s, Malta

The be.HOTEL is an urban 4-star hotel set in the heart of St Julian’s nightlife.

See prices

In the heart of the nightlife, be.HOTEL is popular for its rooftop bay-view pool and attentive staff. It makes a good base for groups of friends. Light sleepers will struggle with the noise from nearby bars.

Urban Valley Resort & Spa, among the greenery

Surrounded by greenery in San Ġwann, Urban Valley offers very large rooms, often proper apartments. It suits couples and families travelling by car. A free shuttle to Valletta and Sliema runs on request, booked in advance.

Paradise Bay Resort, facing Gozo

Aerial view of the Paradise Bay Resort in Ċirkewwa, with its pool on the rocks and the Gozo ferry harbour
Outdoor pool at the Paradise Bay Resort lined with sunbeds, on the edge of the cliffs and the sea
Sea-view room at the Paradise Bay Resort with a double bed, a blue wall and a balcony facing the sea
Dining room of the Il-Merill restaurant at the Paradise Bay Resort, with large picture windows onto the coast
Private sandy beach at the Paradise Bay Resort with sunbeds and parasols, below the Porto Lounge
Hotel
3.9(4,379 reviews)

Paradise Bay Resort

Mellieħa, Malta

The Paradise Bay Resort is a large 4-star waterfront hotel on the north-west tip of Malta.

from 65 € / nightSee prices

On Malta’s northern tip, this resort enjoys open sea views and direct access to the water. Ferries to Gozo and Comino leave right next door. The building is showing its age and the location is remote.

The best 3-star hotels in Malta

Three-star hotels are the backbone of Malta’s hotel scene. The category criteria are less strict than in France, so always read the reviews before booking. These hotels clearly stand out from the crowd.

La Falconeria, in central Valletta

Facade of La Falconeria in Valletta, with its wooden Maltese balconies and wrought-iron balcony
Indoor pool at La Falconeria set in a former well carved into the rock, with a spiral staircase
Double room at La Falconeria with a large bed, curtained window and cement-tile floor
Breakfast room at La Falconeria with blue padded banquettes and geometric tiling
Lounge at La Falconeria with blue armchairs, wood panelling and track lighting
Hotel
4.6(2,490 reviews)

La Falconeria Hotel

Valletta, Malta

La Falconeria is a 3-star boutique hotel right in the centre of Valletta.

See prices

This boutique hotel owes its rating to very attentive staff and a quiet street in the centre. Breakfast includes hot dishes cooked to order. Many rooms face the courtyard and lack natural light.

Hotel Valentina, design in Paceville

Outdoor lounge with white sofas and palm trees on the roof terrace of Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s
Illuminated infinity pool at dusk on the roof of Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s
Large bed and illuminated headboard in a superior room at Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s
Illuminated counter and stools at the lounge bar in the lobby of Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s
Library corner with armchairs and free-to-use computers in the lobby of Hotel Valentina
Hotel
4.6(4,602 reviews)

Hotel Valentina

St Julian’s, Malta

Hotel Valentina is a 3-star designer hotel in the heart of Paceville, in St Julian’s.

See prices

Modern and spotless, the Valentina has a rooftop pool and a warm welcome. It is aimed at couples and friends out for the nightlife. Noise from nearby bars and building sites bothers some guests.

Holiday Inn Express Malta, the reliable choice

Palm-lined facade with multicoloured balconies at the Holiday Inn Express Malta in St Julian’s
Outdoor pool at the InterContinental Malta, open to Holiday Inn Express Malta guests
Double room with a blue wall and a large white bed at the Holiday Inn Express Malta
Counter and high stools at the Express Café bar of the Holiday Inn Express Malta
Heated indoor pool at the InterContinental Malta, open to Holiday Inn Express Malta guests
Hotel
4.5(2,177 reviews)

Holiday Inn Express Malta

St Julian’s, Malta

The Holiday Inn Express Malta is a modern 3-star hotel right in Paceville, in St Julian’s.

See prices

Opened in 2017 opposite the Bay Street shopping centre, this hotel wins guests over with its cleanliness and top-floor breakfast. The pools and spa belong to the neighbouring InterContinental, with paid access from April to October. Music from Paceville carries at night.

Osborne Hotel, location in Valletta

Aerial view of the Osborne Hotel in Valletta, with its rooftop pool and Marsamxett Harbour in the background
Pool and sunbeds on the roof terrace of the Osborne Hotel, overlooking Valletta’s rooftops and the sea
Deluxe sea-view room at the Osborne Hotel with two beds, a dressing table and a window facing the Carmelite Church dome
Blue armchairs and mirrored ceiling in the Blue Lounge bar at the Osborne Hotel in Valletta
Colourful tables and chairs on the sunny roof terrace of the Osborne Hotel in Valletta
Hotel
4.3(5,157 reviews)

Osborne Hotel

Valletta, Malta

The Osborne Hotel is a 3-star hotel set in a historic palace in the heart of Valletta.

See prices

In a historic palace on a quiet capital street, the Osborne is praised for its location and hearty breakfast. Its rooftop pool is tiny and the hotel does not serve dinner.

Hugo’s Boutique Hotel, adults only

Open only to guests over 18, Hugo’s offers designer rooms in the heart of Paceville. Guests can use the spa and rooftop pool of the neighbouring hotel. Noise from the clubs can disturb your sleep.

The best cheap hotels in Malta

Hotel prices in Malta drop sharply from October to March. All year round, staying away from St Julian’s and Valletta also saves money. These hotels offer a good balance of price and comfort, with a few drawbacks worth knowing.

Pergola Hotel & Spa, views in Mellieħa

View from a balcony at the Pergola Hotel & Spa over its pool, the church and Mellieħa Bay
Rooftop infinity pool at the Pergola Hotel & Spa at sunset, facing Mellieħa’s church
Pool-view room at the Pergola Hotel & Spa with twin beds, a desk and a balcony
Dining room of the Bonaventura buffet restaurant at the Pergola Hotel & Spa in Mellieħa
Cave Bar at the Pergola Hotel & Spa, a bar set inside a cave and opening onto a terrace at dusk
Hotel
4.2(6,923 reviews)

Pergola Hotel & Spa

Mellieħa, Malta

The Pergola Hotel & Spa is a 4-star hotel perched high above Mellieħa.

from 75 € / nightSee prices

Perched on the heights of Mellieħa, this four-star often charges close to three-star rates. Its pools with a view and its bar set in a cave give it real charm. The air conditioning struggles in high summer.

Pebbles Resort, in St Paul’s Bay

Overall view of the Pebbles Resort from a terrace, over the white facades with balconies, the palm trees and the pool courtyard
Outdoor pool at the Pebbles Resort seen from a balcony, surrounded by sunbeds at the foot of the hotel facades
Superior double room at the Pebbles Resort with a large bed, padded headboard, desk and French window onto the balcony
Dining room of the Flavours restaurant at the Pebbles Resort with a stone counter, banquettes, plants and wicker pendant lights
Heated indoor pool at the Pebbles Resort under an industrial ceiling, with mosaic pillars and sunbeds
Hotel
4.4(2,631 reviews)

Pebbles Resort

St Paul’s Bay, Malta

The Pebbles Resort is a modern 3-star hotel in St Paul’s Bay.

from 62 € / nightSee prices

This family-friendly three-star stands out for its much-praised staff and spotless rooms. The buffet dinner is varied. Be aware that in summer the building changes its name and becomes an adults-only party hotel.

Topaz Hotel, budget in Buġibba

Facade of the Topaz Hotel in Buġibba with its “The Topaz” entrance, balconies and a vintage bus parked outside
Bird’s-eye view of the outdoor pool at the Topaz Hotel, with its terrace, sunbeds and parasols
Twin room at the Topaz Hotel with red bedspreads, a desk, a TV and a French window onto the balcony
Wine bottles displayed in a barrel in front of the wine rack at the Topaz Hotel restaurant
Indoor pool at the Topaz Hotel surrounded by blue columns and sunbeds
Hotel
3.7(3,530 reviews)

Topaz Hotel

Buġibba, Malta

The Topaz Hotel is a budget 3-star hotel, tucked away in the quiet streets of Buġibba.

See prices

The Topaz relies on a large outdoor pool and a popular evening buffet. The rooms are dated and the air conditioning often disappoints in summer. It is a budget option for those who spend their days out.

Alexandra Hotel, value in the heart of Paceville

Outdoor rooftop pool at the Alexandra Hotel in St Julian’s, lined with sunbeds under pergolas
Blue sunbeds lined up under a reed pergola beside the rooftop pool at the Alexandra Hotel
Double bed and bedside table in a renovated superior room at the Alexandra Hotel in St Julian’s
Dining room of the Alexandra Hotel restaurant with its colourful glass roof and the breakfast buffet
White marble reception desk lit in blue in the renovated lobby of the Alexandra Hotel
Hotel
3.6(11,602 reviews)

Alexandra Hotel

St Julian’s, Malta

The Alexandra Hotel is a very central 3-star hotel in the heart of Paceville.

from 53 € / nightSee prices

The Alexandra is one of the cheapest hotels in central St Julian’s. Its location and rooftop pool are its real strengths. Many rooms are dated and the nights are noisy.

Hostels and small budget stays

Malta also has youth hostels, handy for solo travellers and tight budgets. Two Pillows Boutique Hostel in Sliema and Hostel Malti in St Julian’s are among the most popular. For a very early flight, Squadron Base and The Suites Piazza Kirkop are a few minutes from the airport.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about hotels in Malta

What is the best hotel in Malta?

There is no single answer. The Phoenicia Malta remains the historic benchmark. For an intimate stay in Valletta, Iniala Valletta and Palais Le Brun are among the top-rated. For a sandy beach, the Radisson Blu Golden Sands is the obvious choice.

Do you have to pay a tourist tax at the hotel?

Yes. Since 1 July 2026, the environmental contribution has been €1.50 per adult per night, capped at €22.50 per stay. You pay it at the hotel, on top of the room rate.

When should you book a hotel in Malta to pay less?

Aim for October to March, when rates often fall by half. The weather stays mild for much of the winter. In summer, book early, as the best hotels fill up fast.

Can you stay overnight on Comino?

Not for now, as the island no longer has a hotel open. A Six Senses resort has been announced for 2027. In the meantime, Comino is a day trip, notably for the Blue Lagoon.

What plug sockets do hotels have?

Maltese hotels use type G sockets with three pins, as in the UK. Unless you are coming from the UK or Ireland, pack an electrical adapter. Some newer hotels also have USB sockets.

Which area should you choose for your hotel?

St Julian’s and Sliema work well for a first visit. Valletta appeals to heritage lovers, and the north of the island to families looking for beaches. Our page on hotels in Malta covers each area in detail.

Whatever your budget, always compare the rating, the location and the facilities actually open on your dates. Our detailed hotel guides flag any known works and closures.