It’s a bold claim, but no other hotel in Malta can match the history and prestige of The Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta. Since opening in 1933, this grand landmark has been the setting for everything from glittering state visits to star-studded stays, earning its place as one of the island’s defining hotels. Even the late Queen Elizabeth had a soft spot for it.
Steps from Valletta’s imposing city gates and the newly spruced-up Triton Fountain, from every angle, The Phoenicia Malta absolutely nails the fine line between old-world glamour and modern-day comfort – it certainly wears its history proudly, but nothing about this place feels stuffy.
Why stay at The Phoenicia Malta?
The hotel’s seven-acre gardens are a real showstopper, perfectly manicured and stretching all the way down to the Bastion infinity pool, surrounded by sepia-toned limestone fortifications that have stood watch over Valletta for centuries. Back inside the main building, the Mediterranean vibe will follow you all the way up to the rooms, with colourful bursts of fresh local flowers and hand-painted Maltese tiles.
From the moment you see the Phoenicia’s massive golden Art Deco revolving door, it’s pure big arrival energy. Red carpet rolled out, doorman ready, luggage in hand, and that instant feeling you’re somewhere special. Best bit? You’re just a few minutes’ walk from Valletta’s top attractions, from St John’s Cathedral to the city’s bustling waterfront.
What are the rooms like at The Phoenicia Malta?
Rooms range from cosy standard options to spacious two-bedroom luxury suites. I stayed in a Deluxe Harbour View Balcony room – it showed some structural signs of its age, but still felt pretty special, with whitewashed Mediterranean-style walls and bright pops of colour. The balcony gave me an open view of the Grand Harbour and the Granaries, and the room did a great job of keeping out the city noise since the bus terminal is just next door, which meant restful nights and chilled mornings.
A fluffy robe and slippers are provided, and each evening, the turndown service thoughtfully places them by the bed, complete with a chocolate on your pillow. The bathroom is a gorgeous space, decked out with Aqua di Parma toiletries. The shower-over-bath setup wasn’t ideal (and the bath mat felt a bit worn), but otherwise showering was a pretty blissful experience here. My favourite part was the room’s signature scent, which I carried all the way home – when I opened my suitcase, my clothes still smelled of the hotel’s fragrance.
What’s the food like at The Phoenicia Malta?
Contessa is the hotel’s main dining room, and seafood is the star of the show. The menu nods to Malta’s ocean bounty with scallop ceviche, prawn crudo, and whatever catch-of-the-day the chef has landed, all seasoned with Mediterranean herbs. The seafood platter is the whole shebang, think oysters, shrimp, and all the top-dollar shellfish you could want.
The staff know their local wines and are happy to point you toward boutique vineyards like Ta’ Betta, which are quickly gaining a reputation on the world stage, along with reliable international classics. Prefer cocktails? The in-house mixologist has you covered, with each drink named after a Maltese artist. Breakfast is back in the same dining room or alfresco on the adjoining terrace. It’s a real highlight, with both buffet and a la carte options.
What else is on offer at The Phoenicia Malta?
Once you’ve embraced those killer views from the Harbour View Balcony, explored the grounds and taken in the ongoing local art exhibitions near the entrance, it’s worth carving out some time for the spa. I booked a Himalayan Salt stone massage after a day exploring, and I felt like I’d been kneaded into a new person.
Then there’s the Bastion infinity pool outside, an eyebrow-raising architectural feat in its own right, that seems to hang daringly on the Valletta city walls. Here, time melts away while you’re just floating there and staring out to sea. The gym’s small, but it does the trick if you want to sneak in a quick workout before breakfast. There’s also a hair salon, a sunglasses shop, and a perfumery. There’s also plenty of experiences to book onto, like the catch-and-cook with the hotel’s head chef.
What’s the service like at The Phoenicia Malta?
The service here is top-notch without being overbearing. Housekeeping keeps everything fresh twice daily, and the concierge anticipates your needs without making a big deal of it, always there to help with transport or local tips, but never hovering. Make sure to say hello to Matteo at Contessa: he’s the restaurant manager who can read your mind. Give him a moment, and he’s already guessed your go-to drinks.
What’s the area like around The Phoenicia Malta?
Logistically, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the bus station, which looks completely different nowadays thanks to a multi-million euro regeneration project. This location is insanely convenient. You arrive, drop your bags, and you’re free to explore from the get-go. No need for a taxi here, though you can grab one to anywhere else on the island. You can also walk to the nearby Upper Barrakka Gardens lift to catch the water ferry over to the Three Cities. Staying here made getting around a breeze, with no stressful waits, just smooth, easy access to all the best spots.
Sitting right at the entrance to Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Phoenicia’s location couldn’t be better for shopping, sightseeing, and soaking up the island’s highlights. You’ll find golden Baroque facades, winding streets straight out of a period drama (yep, Napoleon was filmed here), and hidden monasteries like Mysterium Fidei, where time feels like it’s stood still.
Duck into artisan shops, leisurely lunch in sunny squares, and watch the city hum with life along Republic Street from morning till spritz-o’clock. Oh, and just to be clear, Valletta doesn’t have sandy beaches, so if that’s what you’re after, you’ll need to head further afield.
Why you should book a stay at The Phoenicia Malta
The Phoenicia Malta is quite simply like nothing else around, a true Grand Dame of Malta. It delivers knockout harbour views, a bastion-side infinity pool and five-star food from breakfast to dinner. The best part? The location is unbeatable – step outside, and Valletta is right there in all her glory.
DETAILS
Address: The Mall, Floriana, FRN 1478
Price per night: Starting from €400 per night
Closest transport: Malta International Airport is a 15-20 minute drive away.
Book now: Via Booking.com