Rosselli AX Privilege, Valletta

The Rosselli AX Privilege is a 5-star hotel run by the Maltese group AX Hotels. It occupies a 17th-century baroque palazzo on Merchants Street, right in the centre of Valletta. The building was once home to the goldsmith Pietro Rosselli and his wife Alessandra Massa. Its restoration blends original stone, marble, brass and contemporary decor. The hotel was awarded a Michelin Key in 2025.

It has just 25 rooms and suites, each decorated differently. The entry-level rooms measure 20 to 24 m². The Don Pietro executive rooms offer 42 m² and a private sauna. The 3 Herons suites are split-level, with a mezzanine bed. The Sixteen 34 Suite has a separate living room. All sleep two people at most.

Dining is what made its name. Under Grain, in the vaulted basement, holds a Michelin star. Grain Street, on the ground floor, has a Bib Gourmand. Chef Victor Borg is behind both menus. Breakfast is served at the table, indoors or on the terrace. On the roof, the Over Grain bar opens in season, facing the city’s domes.

For relaxation, the options remain limited. The roof terrace has a small plunge pool for cooling off, open from 9 am to 6 pm. A small gym completes the facilities, but there is no spa. Massages are available on request. The hotel is aimed mainly at adults: it has no kids’ club, extra beds or cots.

Recent reviews put the staff far ahead of everything else. They are praised in seven out of ten detailed reviews. Guests mention the welcome glass of prosecco and the evening turndown. They also value a concierge who arranges tours, excursions and bookings. The location is almost unanimously liked. Valletta’s main sights are just a few minutes’ walk away. The careful housekeeping and thoughtful touches in the rooms are also noted.

The food is the other highlight. The breakfast served at the table is often described as the best of the stay. A few guests, however, find it repetitive over a week. Under Grain and Grain Street receive unreserved praise. The palazzo’s decor, its marble hall and the roof terrace also win people over. The rooftop bar is popular for sunset cocktails.

Criticism focuses mainly on the rooms. Many are dark, painted in deep colours, and some only look onto the atrium. The entry-level rooms are small and short on storage. Bathrooms open to the bedroom do not suit everyone. On the street side, music from nearby bars can be heard until around midnight. The air conditioning sometimes struggles during heatwaves. Finally, the rooftop plunge pool is felt to be too small to call a pool. Several guests therefore find the price high for the size of the rooms.

The Rosselli is best suited to couples and solo travellers on a city break. It appeals to those who put service, fine dining and location first. The executive rooms with a sauna and the suites get the best feedback. For a quiet night, it is best to ask for a courtyard-facing room. The team is happy to move you if there is a problem. Families and anyone looking for a pool or spa will do better elsewhere.

The Rosselli AX Privilege is at 167 Merchants Street, a pedestrian street in central Valletta. St John’s Co-Cathedral is 400 m away and the Upper Barrakka Gardens 600 m. All of Valletta’s sights can be reached on foot. The City Gate and the bus terminus are about ten minutes away. The international airport is around 20 minutes by car.

Good to know: Valletta has no sandy beach. For a swim, the rocks at Fond Għadir, in Sliema, are 3 km away. The hotel has no car park and the street is pedestrianised. Ask for a courtyard-facing room if you are a light sleeper.