Hugo’s Boutique Hotel, St Julian’s

Hugo’s Boutique Hotel is an adults-only 3-star hotel. It stands on St George’s Road, right in Paceville, the party district of St Julian’s. The building has eight floors, each with its own theme. It houses 40 rooms and suites with dark, theatrical decor. It belongs to the Hugo’s group, which also runs the H Hotel, 130 metres away.

Elegant rooms come with or without a balcony, and some rooms have a sea view. The suites add a hot tub or a sauna, sometimes facing St George’s Bay. Some rooms have a mirror on the ceiling. A wall panel controls the lights, curtains, air conditioning and TV. Each room also has a coffee machine, a minibar and USB sockets.

Hugo’s Lounge, on the ground floor, serves sushi, Indian dishes and Asian fusion cuisine in the evening. The breakfast buffet is served at Black Giraffe, in the H Hotel next door, from 7 am to 10.30 am. A footbridge links the two hotels, but its opening hours are limited. Otherwise, you have to go via the street. The group also runs a pub, a burger bar and a pizzeria in the area.

For relaxation, the hotel has neither a pool nor a spa on its premises. Its guests use those of the H Hotel free of charge. On the roof, the infinity pool opens from May to October, weather permitting. In the basement, the Carisma spa has a heated indoor pool, a hammam and a sauna. Treatments and massages are charged. Children are not allowed: you must be 18 to check in.

Recent reviews praise the staff above all. Reception, housekeeping and the breakfast team receive regular praise. The daily cleaning is often singled out. The rooms are seen as spacious, clean and well equipped. The dark, bold decor appeals to most guests. The beds are often described as very comfortable. The suites with a hot tub win over couples on a romantic getaway.

The location is ideal for going out. Bars, restaurants and clubs are right on the doorstep. St George’s Bay beach is a two-minute walk away. The breakfast buffet scores well for its choice and its omelette station. A few guests, however, find it the same from one day to the next. The Hugo’s group restaurants nearby are popular. The cocktails served by the rooftop pool are also well liked.

Noise is the number one complaint. The neighbouring clubs play music until 4 am, almost every night. In summer, parties also liven up the roof of the hotel next door. Rooms on the lower floors and on the street side are the most exposed. Another frequent criticism: breakfast, the spa and the pool are in the other hotel. When the footbridge is closed, you have to go via the street. Faulty air conditioning, controls or hot tubs also come up. Finally, the deposit and the room check at check-out annoy some guests.

Hugo’s Boutique Hotel suits couples and friends who want to live at Paceville’s pace. The designer setting and free spa access make up for the lack of on-site facilities. Most guests judge the value for money fair. Travellers seeking peace and quiet should choose another area. Failing that, it is best to ask for a room on a high floor, away from the street.

Hugo’s Boutique Hotel looks onto St George’s Road, in the heart of Paceville. This part of St Julian’s is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants, on Malta’s north-east coast. The sandy beach at St George’s Bay is a two-minute walk away. Spinola Bay is about a twelve-minute walk away. Buses and taxis easily reach Valletta, 20 minutes away by car. The international airport is about 11 km away, around 25 minutes by car. The hotel arranges taxis and transfers 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 clubbing street.