La Falconeria Hotel, Valletta

La Falconeria is a 3-star boutique hotel on Melita Street, in the heart of Valletta. The Maltese once called this the street of the Grand Falconer. The Knights of St John kept their falcons here. The hotel occupies a building in two parts. The old facade, adorned with Maltese balconies, houses a marble entrance. The rear, destroyed during the Second World War, was rebuilt in a contemporary style. The two wings surround an open-air inner courtyard.

The hotel has 43 rooms in seven categories. All have traditional cement tiles, air conditioning, a safe and tea and coffee facilities. The Double and Large Double rooms look onto the inner courtyard. They are quiet but get little natural light. On the street side, rooms have a Juliet balcony or a Maltese balcony. The top-floor categories have a patio or a terrace. They offer views over the rooftops, the domes and the harbour. The Executive suite has a 35 m² terrace and a bathtub.

Breakfast is included in every booking. It combines a continental buffet with hot dishes cooked to order. The hotel does not serve dinner and has no bar open in the evening. In the basement, a small indoor pool fills a former well carved into the rock. A small gym and changing rooms are next door. A lounge offers guests water, tea and coffee.

La Falconeria is aimed mainly at adults. Children are welcome, with a free cot for under-3s. You must be 18 to check in. The hotel has neither a kids’ club nor a car park. Pets are not allowed and the whole property is non-smoking.

Recent reviews praise the staff above all. Reception, the breakfast team and housekeeping receive the same praise. Guests appreciate the tips for exploring the island and booking a table or a taxi. The team also stores luggage and sometimes lets guests shower after check-out. The cleanliness of the rooms and shared areas is often highlighted. Several guests say they want to come back.

The location is the other strong point. The hotel is a stone’s throw from the main street, yet on a road that is very quiet at night. The whole historic centre can be explored on foot. Taxis drop guests off at the door. Breakfast is popular for its hot dishes cooked to order. The eggs Benedict are often mentioned. Some guests, however, find the cold buffet too limited. Others regret the dishes charged as extras. The upper rooms with a balcony or terrace are much appreciated for their city views.

The main criticism concerns the courtyard rooms. Their window faces the inner courtyard or a walkway. They are therefore dark and sometimes overlooked by passers-by. Several couples find the Double rooms small. Several guests regret the lack of a bar and evening dining. Occasional remarks target the single lift, busy in the morning, and a slippery shower. The basement pool is just a plunge pool, and the gym is basic.

La Falconeria is best suited to couples and solo travellers who want to explore Valletta on foot. The attentive service and the peace and quiet work in its favour. It is best to book a room with a balcony or terrace to enjoy the light and the view. Travellers looking for a hotel with a bar, restaurant and a pool for swimming should look elsewhere.

La Falconeria stands on Melita Street, a quiet road parallel to Republic Street, Valletta’s pedestrian main street. St John’s Co-Cathedral and the National Museum of Archaeology are a few minutes’ walk away. The Manoel Theatre is also close by. All the places to visit in Valletta can be reached on foot. The bus terminus, outside the City Gate, is less than 10 minutes away. The ferry to Sliema leaves from Marsamxett Harbour, just below. The international airport is about 9 km away, 15 to 20 minutes by car.

Good to know: Valletta has no sandy beach. The hotel has no car park, but taxis drop guests off at the door. Reaching Republic Street or the City Gate involves a short climb.