H Hotel & Spa, St Julian’s

The H Hotel & Spa is an adults-only 4-star hotel. It is in Paceville, the nightlife district of St Julian’s. St George’s Bay beach is two minutes’ walk away. The hotel belongs to the Maltese Hugo’s group. Its highly theatrical black and gold decor is unlike any other in Malta.

The hotel has 160 rooms and suites, across eight categories. Many overlook St George’s Bay. Rooms have motorised curtains, USB sockets and often a mirror above the bed. The bathroom is open to the bedroom, behind glass partitions. Suites add a hot tub, sometimes on the terrace. One of them even has a private pool.

The breakfast buffet is served at the Black Giraffe, on the first floor. It is the hotel’s only restaurant. For dinner, the Hugo’s group runs several venues next door: a pizzeria, burger bar, pub, Asian restaurant and terrace. On the roof, Infinity by Hugo’s combines a cocktail bar and a champagne bar. The House of Dom Pérignon, on the top floor, mainly hosts private events.

For relaxation, the rooftop infinity pool is around 20 m long. It opens from May to October, weather permitting, with hot tubs and a view of the bay. In summer, a DJ plays there in the afternoon and parties go on until 4 am. In the basement, the Carisma Spa offers a hammam, sauna, steam bath, salt room and massages. It adjoins a heated indoor pool. Children are not allowed.

Recent reviews praise the staff above all. Reception, the breakfast team, housekeeping and the rooftop waiters come up again and again. Guests also love the hotel’s style. The black and gold decor, mirrors and suites with hot tubs appeal especially to couples. Rooms are seen as spacious, clean and well equipped. The beds are very comfortable. Several couples mention the little touches laid on for a birthday.

The location is ideal for going out. St George’s Bay beach, restaurants and clubs are right on the doorstep. The rooftop pool is liked for its view of the bay and its cocktails. The basement spa is appreciated, especially out of season. The breakfast buffet is generous, with omelettes made to order. Some, however, find it the same from one day to the next. The group’s restaurants, right next door, make it easy to vary dinners.

The downside appears in nearly one detailed review in three: noise. Music from the clubs in the street goes on until 4 am. In summer, rooftop parties add to it and the lifts get overloaded. Rooms on the street side or under the roof are the most exposed. Those on the inner courtyard are quieter, but have no view or natural light. Many also find the rooms too dark. The glass-walled bathroom is awkward when sharing with friends. Finally, the small rooftop pool is also open to outside guests.

The H Hotel & Spa is best suited to couples and friends who have come to enjoy the nightlife. Those who stay out late will sleep without trouble. Travellers looking for peace and quiet would do better to choose another area. Otherwise, ask for a room on a high floor, away from the club street and the roof. Bring earplugs too. Out of season, the hotel is quieter and the spa really comes into its own.

The H Hotel & Spa stands on St Augustine Street (Triq Santu Wistin), in Paceville. This is the bar and club district of St Julian’s, on Malta’s north-east coast. The sandy beach at St George’s Bay is two minutes’ walk away. A shopping centre, a supermarket and many restaurants are just opposite. Spinola Bay is about twelve minutes’ walk away. Buses and taxis easily reach Valletta, 20 minutes away by car. The international airport is around 11 km away, 25 minutes by car. The hotel arranges a paid transfer on request.

Good to know: the hotel has no car park. Check-in is from 4 pm, and a deposit is held on your credit card. For a quiet night, ask for a room on a high floor, away from the club street and the roof.