The Malta Marriott feels less like a typical chain hotel and more like a carefully designed seaside mini-resort. Fresh from a €40 million refurb, it’s bright, modern, and packed with amenities without ever feeling cramped. Multiple pools, a spa, and thoughtfully separated spaces mean families, business travellers, and couples can all find their own groove here.
The grand open-plan reception immediately impresses. I loved the local Mdina glass accents catching the light as you walk in, as well as the intricate floral arrangements throughout the hotel. Service is always attentive and polished, making you feel genuinely welcomed. Plus the activities on offer here are seemingly never ending, from towel-folding workshops to themed evenings.
Why stay at the Malta Marriot Resort & Spa?
Right on Balluta Bay, the Malta Marriott is ideally located for a bit of life without being in the thick of busier neighbouring areas like St Julians. Hop-on-hop-off buses stop right outside, making it easy to explore the rest of the island. The hotel itself is modern, light, and fuss-free, with plenty of space to unwind after a day of sightseeing. It works equally well for business travellers, families, or couples seeking a quieter pace. Adults-only areas, like the gorgeous panoramic sundeck on level 12, complete with a heated pool, add an extra touch of serenity. We stayed during a near-capacity period, but it never felt crowded – each segment has its own space.
What are the rooms like at Malta Marriot Resort & Spa?
The 301 rooms range from sea-view doubles to spacious family suites, each designed with a clean, uncomplicated style. Think warm browns and soft beiges, bright white linens, steel-and-glass lamps, playful flower towel art on the bed, a simply huge shower and a comfy sofa area. And it’s not just the room that sparkles; every inch of this hotel is spotless.
Attention to detail doesn’t stop at cleanliness. Each night, the room is tidied, and turndown service leaves a little chocolate on your pillow. Modern perks include a big TV with welcome messages and personalised updates, a mini bar and top-notch This Works toiletries, mainly supplied in large dispensers rather than tiny bottles, in keeping with the hotel’s sustainability approach.
Our room looked out over Balluta Bay, with a balcony framing the unmistakable cobalt blue of the Mediterranean. The rooms are well soundproofed, but light sleepers may prefer a rear-facing option during summer weekends, when nearby beach clubs are in full swing.
What’s the food like at Malta Marriot Resort & Spa?
The food here was a highlight. The area is stuffed with tempting restaurants along the promenade, but do not under any circumstances overlook Atrio, the hotel’s terrace restaurant. In summer, the terraced restaurant overlooks the boats bobbing in Balluta Bay (indoors in winter) and the food is spectacular.
We started with aged Parmesan, warm crusty bread and pungent olive oil, and every dish that followed was generous and dishes are full of flavour – right down to our veggie butternut squash main. The same goes for the drinks: think crafty, Instagram-ready cocktails and a wine list that globe-trots from Malta to Mendoza. Pairing is easy enough, but the staff are more than happy to advise if you’d rather sit back and sip.
Breakfast in the main dining area runs a generous window, 6.30-11am every day of the week. There’s a whole international spread here, with a buffet across islands and an omelette station serving slightly unconventional (but very welcome) options like spicy chorizo and smoked cheese or spinach and tofu. Expect fresh juices, smoothies, and hot drinks, or kick-start the morning in proper holiday mode with a glass of bubbles.
It was great to see Maltese flavours taking centre stage, with local favourites like crispy pastizzi (ricotta and pea pastries), herbed sausages (zalzett tal-Malti), and gbejna cheeses sitting proudly alongside the classics. Breakfast runs like a well-oiled machine here, so even with the hotel’s size, it never feels hectic. Arriving a little earlier definitely gives you first dibs on the flakiest pastries.
What else is on offer at Malta Marriot Resort & Spa?
There’s a giant 24/7 gym with personal trainers on hand, and the Myoka Lotus spa feels like a mini-escape to Thailand, complete with wooden bridges, cascading water, and soothing music. Prices are surprisingly reasonable. The spa menu highlights treatments with local ingredients such as face masks infused with Maltese prickly pear extract, Gozo salt scrubs, and body wraps enriched with local honey and carob.
For downtime with a view, the level 12 sundeck gives you a front-row seat to the sunset over Balluta Bay. In summer, the outdoor Cala Lido is an excellent way for families to spend the day. There’s also an entire floor dedicated to conference suites, meeting rooms, and working hubs. Street parking in the area can be a headache, so the hotel’s private car park is a welcome perk.
What’s the service like at Malta Marriott?
Service is the ‘yes, madam, let me take that bag for you’ kind, where nothing is too much trouble. M Club guests can make the most of an extra layer of luxury, with access to the club lounge, complimentary pre-dinner cocktails, drinks and snacks after 5pm, and a quieter breakfast away from the main dining area. M Club access comes with certain room types, including Club Rooms and suites. It’s definitely worth adding to your stay.
What’s the area like around Malta Marriot Resort & Spa?
The Malta Marriott Resort & Spa is in a prime spot on Balluta Bay, perfectly positioned between Sliema and St. Julian’s. Just below the hotel, there’s a small beach in the bay, and a handy lift takes you straight down to street level so you can skip the walk. The bay itself is overlooked by the striking neo-Gothic Balluta Church, one of the area’s landmarks, which adds to the character of the promenade.
Facing the sea, you’ll find St. Julian’s with its nightlife and restaurants to the left, while Sliema stretches out to the right. Sliema is one of Malta’s most popular coastal towns, known for its long promenade lined with cafés, shops, and swimming spots. From here, you can catch ferries across the harbour to Valletta, take a fast ferry to the sister island of Gozo, join a harbour cruise, or even a lively boat party if that’s more your style. It’s also home to The Point, one of Malta’s largest shopping malls, along with plenty of boutiques and seaside dining options.
Why should you book a stay at Malta Marriot Resort & Spa?
Finding the sweet spot between laid-back island vibes and the upscale feel of a big-name resort isn’t easy, but the Malta Marriott manages it, offering plenty for families while still keeping grown-up spaces for those after a more refined stay. Stay here if you want resort-style comforts without losing the buzz (and views) of being right on Malta’s lively coastline.
DETAILS
Address: 39 Main Street, Balluta Bay, St. Julian's, STJ 1017, Malta
Price per night: From €180 per night on a bed & breakfast basis.
Closest transport: Malta International Airport is a 20-25-minute drive away.
Book now: Via Booking.com