Corinthia Palace, Attard

The Corinthia Palace is the Corinthia group’s founding hotel, opened in 1968. It is built around a 19th-century villa in San Anton, in the town of Attard. It faces the presidential palace and borders the San Anton botanical gardens. The former capital, Mdina, is around 4 km away. The hotel has 147 rooms and suites, all with a private balcony. A refurbishment revamped 74 rooms between late 2025 and 2026.

Dining is spread across four venues. Villa Corinthia serves Italian cuisine by chef Francesco Mazzei. The breakfast buffet is served in its historic salons. Bahia, a fine-dining restaurant selected by the Michelin Guide, occupies the villa’s upper floor. The Secret Garden opens by the pool in season. Josephine’s is a café with a fully plant-based menu. In the evening, the Caprice Lounge offers cocktails and live music.

For relaxation, a large outdoor pool lies in the gardens, surrounded by trees and sunbeds. It opens in season and is not heated. The Athenaeum spa houses an indoor pool and a jacuzzi. Its Vitality Suite combines a sauna and steam room, by booking, from age 16. It is free for hotel guests. The Reflex gym also offers group classes. A paid tennis court completes the facilities.

The hotel welcomes children, but its atmosphere remains geared towards peace and quiet. There is no kids’ club. Under-16s can use the indoor pool from 9 am to 12 noon only. The Vitality Suite and gym are closed to them. Paid childcare is available. Dogs are welcome, with their own bed, bowls and menu.

Recent reviews praise the staff above all. They are mentioned in the vast majority of detailed comments. Reception, the concierge, the breakfast team and the bar receive the same praise. Guests also love the setting. The historic villa, the flower-filled lobby and the breakfast room give the place real character. The gardens and tree-lined pool create the feel of an oasis in the heart of the island.

Peace and quiet comes up again and again. The hotel is in a residential area, far from the bustle of the seaside resorts. Its central position makes excursions easy, and the free shuttle to Valletta is appreciated. Breakfast is among the best-rated features, for both its choice and its service. The rooms are seen as spacious, with very comfortable beds. The restaurants go down well, though a few guests find the prices high. In the evening, the Caprice Lounge bar is often praised for its atmosphere and service.

The downside mainly concerns the unrenovated rooms. Carpets, furniture and decor there look dated for a five-star hotel. The bathrooms are also judged small, sometimes with a shower over the bath. Refurbishment work disrupted some stays with morning noise. In summer, the pool also welcomes outside visitors and sunbeds run short at weekends. Finally, the Vitality Suite is booked in time slots, which disappoints some guests. A few reviews also mention key cards that stop working and ageing air conditioning.

The Corinthia Palace is best suited to couples seeking rest and attentive service. It will also appeal to those who want to explore the whole island by car or taxi. It is best to ask for a renovated room. Families with young children and beach lovers will be better served by the coast.

The Corinthia Palace is in San Anton, in the town of Attard, in central Malta. It faces the presidential palace and the San Anton botanical gardens. The heart of Attard village and its restaurants are about ten minutes’ walk away. Valletta is 8 km away, around 15 minutes by car. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the capital, to be booked the day before. A bus stop is nearby. The international airport is 10 km away, about 15 minutes by car.

Good to know: the hotel is not by the sea. Allow 15 to 20 minutes by car to reach the coast. Taxis and ride-hailing apps remain the simplest way to explore the island.