ME Malta by Meliá, St Julian’s

ME Malta opened in November 2024 in St Julian’s. This 5-star hotel from the ME by Meliá brand occupies a 20-storey tower. It was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects as part of the Mercury Towers project. Reception is on the 7th floor, above a shopping arcade.

The hotel has around 175 units: 113 rooms, 27 suites and 35 residence studios. Rooms measure at least 30 m². Many have a balcony and a view of the town or the sea. The studios, in a connected building, have a fully equipped kitchen. The largest suites reach 200 m² and three bedrooms.

Three venues take care of dining. Luciano by Gino D’Acampo serves Italian cuisine all day. On the 20th floor, Radio Rooftop offers Asian cuisine and cocktails, with a 360° view. The Cabana Club sits beside the 8th-floor outdoor pool, surrounded by Balinese daybeds.

The Dee Spas spa occupies the vaults of the former Mercury House. It has a grotto-style indoor pool, a sauna, a hammam and treatment rooms. A large gym completes the offer. Families are well looked after, but under-18s can only use the spa until noon.

Recent reviews put the staff far ahead of every other topic. The welcome, reception, waiters and housekeeping receive the same praise. Service by the pool and on the rooftop is seen as quick and friendly. Guests readily mention special touches for a birthday or an upgrade. The rooms are felt to be large, new and very comfortable, with the beds often praised. The design of the tower and public areas impresses most guests.

The location is liked for being so central. Restaurants, shops, a supermarket and bus stops are right outside the hotel. Breakfast, combining a buffet and à la carte dishes, scores well for quality. Some, however, find it repetitive over a long stay. The 20th-floor rooftop wins people over with its view. The grotto spa is the other guest favourite. The very well-equipped gym is also often mentioned.

The downside lies mainly in the neighbourhood. The Paceville clubs and traffic can be heard at night, sometimes even on the upper floors. Nearby building works start early in the morning. The bathroom open to the bedroom bothers some travellers. The outdoor pool falls into shade from mid-afternoon. Its water turns cool out of season. A few guests also find the drinks and restaurants expensive. Finally, the Wi-Fi remains the lowest-rated feature.

ME Malta is best suited to couples and solo travellers who enjoy a lively city vibe. It also appeals to those looking for a design hotel with a spa and rooftop. Families will find interconnecting rooms and a warm welcome for children. It is best to book a high floor on the sea side. The residence studios are far from the public areas and take some finding. Those after seaside calm will prefer a beachfront resort.

ME Malta stands in the Mercury district, in the heart of St Julian’s, on Malta’s north-east coast. The bars and clubs of Paceville start at the foot of the tower. The sandy beach at St George’s Bay is about 450 m away, six minutes on foot. Several bus routes serve the area. Valletta is 7 km away, around twenty minutes by car. The international airport is 10 km away, about 25 minutes by car. The hotel arranges transfers on request.

Good to know: the entrance is at street level, but reception is on the 7th floor. For a quiet night, ask for a high floor on the sea side.