The Phoenicia Malta, Floriana

The Phoenicia Malta is a 5-star hotel that opened in 1947. It was the island’s first grand hotel. It stands in Floriana, just in front of the main gate of Valletta. The Art Deco building in Maltese stone is surrounded by nearly 3 hectares of gardens. Renovated in 2017, it is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The hotel has 132 rooms and suites. The Signature and Superior rooms are the most compact. The Executive and Deluxe categories look out over the city or Marsamxett Harbour. Several have a balcony. The suites add a sitting room and, in some cases, several balconies. Connecting rooms and rooms adapted for guests with reduced mobility are available.

The Contessa restaurant serves breakfast and Mediterranean cuisine in a conservatory opening onto the gardens. Beefbar in the City is an upmarket grill. In season, the Bastion offers poolside lunches. The Palm Court Lounge serves coffee and afternoon tea beneath its rotunda. The Club Bar opens in the late afternoon for cocktails.

For relaxation, the Bastion pool is an infinity pool set at the foot of a 16th-century rampart. It only opens in the warmer months. The Phoenicia Spa & Wellness covers 1,200 m² over two levels. It houses a heated indoor pool, a sauna, a hammam and a salt room. Children are welcome, but there is no kids’ club. Under-14s can only use the spa in the morning, from 7 am to 10 am.

Recent reviews praise the staff above all. They are mentioned in the vast majority of detailed comments. Doormen, concierges, the breakfast team and pool staff receive the same praise. Guests also note small touches, such as treats in the room or a gesture for a birthday. The historic setting is a winner. The lobby, the Palm Court and the gardens set the tone of a classic grand hotel.

The location wins almost everyone over. The heart of Valletta is a few minutes’ walk away, and the hotel stays quiet. The Bastion pool, facing the harbour, is the most cited asset after the staff. It is reached by a path through the gardens. Breakfast is considered very generous, with hot dishes cooked to order. The Contessa and Beefbar also score well for dinner.

The main complaint concerns the size of the entry-level rooms. Several guests find them small for a five-star hotel. Some bathrooms only have a shower over the bath. The television, the number of sockets and the in-room equipment sometimes disappoint. Value for money gets the lowest score. Finally, weddings are frequent in season and can liven up some evenings.

The Phoenicia Malta is best suited to couples and travellers who want to explore Valletta on foot. It will appeal to those who love historic grand hotels and attentive service. It is best to book a Deluxe room or a suite to enjoy the space and harbour views. Families with young children will find few dedicated activities.

The Phoenicia Malta stands on The Mall, in Floriana, just in front of City Gate. This is the main gate of Valletta. Republic Street and Valletta’s sights are a few minutes’ walk away. The main bus terminus is next to the hotel. Buses serve the whole island from this terminus. Grand Harbour, with its ferries to Gozo and Sicily, is 1.5 km away.

The international airport is around 8 km away, 15 to 20 minutes by car. There is no beach in the immediate vicinity. Good to know: the outdoor pool only opens in the warmer months. For a winter stay, you can rely on the spa’s heated indoor pool.