Where to Stay in Malta: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

You’ve planned to visit Malta and are wondering where to stay?

You’re at the right place!

Though the island is small, choosing the ideal accommodation can be quite difficult if you’re unfamiliar with Malta!

Since I know the island very well, I have prepared this guide to the best hotels to stay in Malta, based on what you would like to visit and your budget.

To make it easier, I have categorized the accommodations by city or geographical area and for each, I will provide you with the strong points and nearby tourist sites.

Whether you are looking for a hotel in Valletta, the North or the South of the island, and even on the other two Maltese islands, Gozo and Comino, you’ll find something perfect for you here!

And at the end of the article, I will also give you my selection of all-inclusive hotels and budget-friendly accommodations in Malta.

So, where is the best place to stay in Malta for your visit?

My Favorite Hotels in Malta

Here’s a brief summary of my favorite hotels in Malta, if you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

You just need to click on the hotel name to get more details and pricing:

• Where to stay in Malta for sightseeing: Tano’s Boutique Guesthouse in Valletta / 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa in Sliema / Cesca’s Boutique Hotel on Gozo Island
• Best hotel in Malta close to the beaches: Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa, near 4 of the most beautiful beaches
• The best 5-star hotel in Malta: Hotel Phoenicia Malta, located in Valletta
• Best budget-friendly hotel in Malta: Inhawi Boutique Hostel
• Where to stay in Malta with family: Ax The Saint John
• Where to stay in Malta for a romantic getaway: Embassy Valletta Hotel, with a heated rooftop pool and stunning views of Valletta!

Staying in Valletta – The Capital of Malta

During your trip to Malta, you might choose to stay in Valletta, the capital of the island.

It’s nothing like Paris, London or Madrid. Valletta is one of the smallest European capitals. Here you won’t find ceaseless traffic or high-rise buildings: Valletta is one of the most typical cities in Malta.

As you walk around, you can admire the traditional Maltese houses with their shutters and doors painted red, green, or blue and especially their enclosed balconies from where women (or men!) could observe everything happening outside without being seen!

Valletta is the ideal place to discover:

• The breathtaking gold-covered interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• The Grand Master’s Palace to visit the state rooms and the armory housing the weapons and armor of the Knights of the Order of Malta
• The amazing views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Fort St. Elmo
• The Three Cities

And if you want to learn more about the sights in Valletta, check out my article: Visiting Valletta.

Where to Stay in Valletta, Malta?

• Private Room : Located 300 meters from Fort St. Elmo and 700 meters from Upper Barrakka Gardens. Comfortable double room starting at 75€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent location, warm hospitality, and tranquility.
• Grand Harbour Hotel: Traditionally designed hotel in the heart of Valletta, just 100 meters from Upper Barrakka Gardens. Basic double room starting at 90€ per night or sea-view rooms overlooking the Three Cities for 110€, breakfast included. Strong points: ideal location, stunning view, rooftop terrace.
• Tano’s Boutique Guesthouse: Located in the center of Valletta, steps away from all the tourist spots. Spacious and bright double room starting at 115€ per night. Strong points: central location, peaceful atmosphere, rooftop terrace for breakfast. One of the best value for money hotels in Valletta.
• Grand Hotel Excelsior: 5-star hotel located by the sea, offering truly sublime views! Lovely rooms starting at 170€ per night. Strong points: swimming pool, jacuzzi, free parking, excellent breakfast, the view, service, and many other features that will make your stay exceptional! Our top favorite place to stay in Valletta.
• The Embassy Valletta Hotel: Magnificent hotel located in the heart of Valletta. Very spacious double rooms with superb design from €190, breakfast €16. The plus points: the heated rooftop swimming pool and its exceptional view over the whole city, the decoration, the friendliness of the staff.
• The Gomerino Hotel: Located next to the Palace of the Grand Masters. Beautiful rooms with elegant furnishings from €250, including breakfast. Benefits: indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, setting.
• Hotel Phoenicia Malta: Luxury hotel located at City Gate Square. Tastefully decorated spacious double room starting at 295€ per night, breakfast for an additional 17€. Strong points: infinity pool with harbor views, the enormous garden, the location, and free private parking. Simply the best luxury hotel to stay at in Valletta.

Where to Stay in Sliema

Sliema is located close to Valletta. A small ferry crosses the harbor between the two in about 5 minutes.

This area, which encompasses not only Sliema but also St. Julian’s and Paceville, is one of the most touristy spots in Malta. It’s home to plenty of hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops.

There are also casinos and nightclubs.

As you might guess, Sliema is an excellent choice for lodging in Malta if you want to go out in the evening and enjoy the lively atmosphere! However, it may not be the quietest place for a restful night’s sleep. 😅

Things to do in and around Sliema:

• Shopping at the island’s largest mall: The Point Shopping Mall
• Enjoying a drink, or drinks, pints, pitchers!
• Dancing the night away
• Getting some fresh air along the seaside promenade

Accommodations in Sliema

• Sliema Marina Hotel: Positioned directly on Sliema’s seafront, a few meters from the Valletta ferry pier. Spacious and nicely decorated double room starting at 60€ per night, breakfast available for an additional 7€. Strong points: panoramic rooftop terrace, top-floor jacuzzi.
• Palazzo Violetta: Located in Sliema, about ten minutes’ walk from the sea. Equipped studio with kitchenette, modern, spacious and comfortable from 100€ per night, breakfast for an extra 10€. Strong points: the swimming pool, practical location, room comfort. The best value for money place to stay in Sliema!
• The Victoria Hotel: In Sliema, 5 minutes on foot from the seaside promenade. Comfortable and well-appointed double room starting at 130€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop pool with panoramic views, excellent breakfast, restaurant quality for dinner.
• 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa: Located 100 metres from the sea. Modern and comfortable double room from 150€, breakfast from 15€. Plus: indoor pool, sauna, hammam, superb infinity pool on the water’s edge with private beach, attentive staff.
• AX The Palace: 5-star hotel offering elegant rooms, some with balcony, from €200, breakfast €18. The plus points: the hotel’s high standing, the 2 magnificent indoor and outdoor swimming pools on the roof, the excellent breakfast, the quality of service.

Staying in the North of Malta

The North of the island is also an excellent choice for accommodation in Malta.

I would recommend choosing a hotel near Mellieha or St Paul’s Bay.

Mellieha is a small town, an ideal base not only for visiting the North of Malta but also to take the ferry to Gozo or spend a day on Comino.

Spanning the seaside and atop a hill, most hotels in Mellieha also offer a superb view of the bay. Not to mention, this is where you’ll find the most beautiful beaches in Malta!

In summary, the town is perfect for your stay in Malta:

• To explore the North of the island
• To enjoy Malta’s sandy beaches
• To take a day trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon
• To catch the boat to the neighboring island: Gozo

Not to miss near Mellieha:

• The splendid beaches of Gnejna Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha, which in my opinion, are the two most beautiful beaches in Malta. You can find more information in this article: The 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in Malta.
• The view of Popeye Village where the film with Robin Williams was shot
• Mellieha Beach, the largest on the island, where you can enjoy many water sports
• The Blue Lagoon of Comino with its incredibly turquoise and clear waters

My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Mellieha

• Pergola Hotel & Spa: Located in Mellieha, with views of the bay, church, village, Gozo, and Comino. Studios with an equipped kitchenette starting from €80, breakfast for €8. Strong points: the option to self-cater, the view, excellent service, three pools.
• Solana Hotel & Spa: Situated a 10-minute walk from the beach. Modern, air-conditioned double rooms starting from €90, breakfast for €7.95. Strong points: the rooftop pool terrace, the spa, and the very welcoming staff.
• LABRANDA Riviera Hotel & Spa: Seafront location in Marfa Bay. Spacious and bright double room with a balcony from €100, breakfast included. Strong points: two outdoor pools, the spa, the view, the tranquility. This is my favorite for its value for money.
• Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa: Located in the town of Mellieha, 1 km from a large sandy beach. Huge and elegant double rooms from €140 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: a rooftop pool on the 9th floor with panoramic views of the entire bay, heated pool and jacuzzi, varied and abundant buffet, close to bus stops for trips to Valletta or the beach. Definitely one of the best choices for accommodation in the north of Malta.
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands: Situated in Golden Bay, a 2-minute walk from a beautiful beach. Large double rooms with balcony and sea or countryside views from €150 per night, breakfast for €20. Strong points: beach access, the view, delicious breakfast, in summer the price includes sunbeds and umbrellas on the private beach. This is my luxury stay recommendation for Mellieha.

My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in St Paul’s Bay

Just a short drive from Mellieha, Saint Paul’s Bay offers the same benefits as its neighbour.

• Seaview Hotel – Adults Only 16 Plus: Located 50 metres from the sea. Spacious, well-equipped double room with sea view from €140. Plus: copious and varied breakfast, friendly staff, swimming pool.
• AX ODYCY Hotel: Located by the sea. Double room from €180. The pluses: 3 swimming pools, one of which is reserved for adults, children’s water play area, excellent breakfast buffet, friendly staff.
• Ushuaia Playa Xemxija Boutique Hotel: Located right on the water. Double room with contemporary decor and large windows overlooking the sea from €300. The plus points: the superb spa area with a pool in a grotto, the infinity pool, the top-of-the-range services, the view.

Where to Stay in the South of Malta

Choosing a hotel in the south of the island is practical at the end of your Malta itinerary as it’s the closest area to the airport. Staying near Marsaxlokk or Zurrieq, for example, puts you just a fifteen-minute drive away.

Staying in the south of Malta can also be great for discovering:

• The Sunday fish market in Marsaxlokk
• St. Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming pool popular for bathing
• The Blue Grotto which can be admired from the lookout near Zurrieq or through a boat trip
• The Dingli cliffs, the highest point on the island of Malta.

The Best Accommodations to Stay in the South of Malta

• Luxury Room in the South Malta: Bed and breakfast located in Zurrieq, 3 km from the airport. Large and modern homeowner’s double room from €60 per night. Strong points: spacious room, very accommodating family, location next to the airport and the Blue Grotto.
• Dun Gorg Guest House: Located in Marsaxlokk. Warm and modern double room with balcony and sea view from €65, breakfast included. Strong points: the terrace, room comfort, and location. This is my top pick for staying in the south of Malta!
• Port View Guesthouse: Guesthouse located in Marsaxlokk, a picturesque fishing village with a very touristy market on Sundays. Modern and comfortable double room from €70 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: seaside location, good breakfast, and perfect welcome.
• Harbour Lodge : Close to the fishing port. Quiet and comfortable double room from €85 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: tranquil location, free parking, complimentary airport shuttle.
• Talbot & Bons Bed & Breakfast: Located only 10 minutes walk from the airport in a typical old Maltese house which has been perfectly renovated. Double room with exposed stonework and all modern comforts. The plus points: the very pleasant pool area, the good breakfast, perfect before taking the plane in the morning.

Where to Stay on the Island of Gozo

During your tour of Malta, I highly recommend you take a trip to the neighboring island of Gozo.

This little sister of the island of Malta is more rural, quieter, and less urbanized. The landscapes are stunning, with very traditional villages, and there are plenty of small coves for swimming. It’s also the ideal place if you love walking along the seaside.

Just 20 minutes by ferry from the north of the island will get you there.

It’s best to plan to spend 1 or 2 nights on Gozo to have enough time to see everything.

To see and do in Gozo:

• The “capital” Victoria and its citadel
• The salt pans of Marsalforn
• The Dwejra area, the former site of the Azure Window
• Ta’Pinu Basilica
• Swimming at Ramla Bay, Gozo’s largest sandy beach, or the other coves
• Hiking along coastal paths.

For all the practical information about Gozo, you should read my dedicated article: The Complete Guide to Visiting Gozo.

The Best Hotels to Stay at in Gozo

• Guesthouse Bambina: Located in Xaghra, a 10-minute walk from the beach. Double rooms with modern and zen decor from €75. Strong points: beautiful house with a pool and a magnificent view of Gozo, warm welcome, walking distance to the beach, and an almost unbeatable price. Our choice for its excellent value for money!
• Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse: A charming hotel located in Victoria, the main town of Gozo. Fully renovated double rooms combining traditional and modern decor from €90, breakfast included. Strong points: location in Victoria with access to all buses, homemade breakfast, and the staff’s friendliness and valuable advice.
• The Duke Boutique Hostel: Situated in the center of Victoria. Huge and comfortable double rooms from €100 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, super bedding, the view from the rooftop terrace, varied and abundant breakfast, staff availability, some rooms with jacuzzi on the terrace.
• Cesca’s Boutique Hotel: Located in Xlendi. Tastefully decorated double room in typical Maltese stone, from €140, breakfast €15. Plus points: comfortable beds, friendly staff, swimming pool.
• Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel: Located not far from Xlendi, in the heart of the countryside. Modern and beautifully decorated double room with balcony, from 145€. Benefits: swimming pool and jacuzzi, peaceful location, free drink on arrival, very warm welcome.
• Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz : A luxury hotel located in San Lawrenz near the Inland Sea and Ta’Pinu Basilica. Spacious and modern double rooms with balconies from €170 per night, breakfast at an additional €25. Strong points: the stunning view, huge pools, indoor pool, free parking, exceptional breakfast, the spa. Quite simply the best hotel in Gozo.

And if you prefer staying in an apartment during your visit to Gozo, I recommend The Holiday Hub Gozo.

Situated on the top floor (penthouse) of a typical Maltese stone building with a beautiful patio, this modern and fully equipped accommodation has 3 large bedrooms + 2 bathrooms.

Able to accommodate up to 6 people, it’s perfect for a family trip or a holiday with friends!

It also features 2 lovely terraces (75m²), ideal for enjoying your breakfast in the sun or an evening aperitif.

And the highlight: access to a 150m² rooftop with an above-ground pool, a jacuzzi, and a barbecue.

A perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing!

Strong points: the quietness, ideal location for visiting Gozo, the furnished roof-terrace with its superb view + the owners are very nice and speak French!

Our favorite pick in Gozo, make sure to book well in advance!

To book your stay at The Holiday Hub, click on the button below:

Where to Stay in Comino

Malta has a third island: Comino.

This tiny island is famous for its Blue Lagoon, an expanse of clear turquoise waters that will make you want to dive right in!

To get to Comino easily, you can either stay in the north of Malta or choose to sleep in Gozo. There are regular ferry shuttles going back and forth from Comino to these two areas for about ten euros.

Comino is a protected area, so there aren’t many buildings on the island, and the only hotel there has now closed.

All-Inclusive Hotels in Malta

On the island, you will also find some “all-inclusive” hotels where to stay in Malta. They’re convenient if you’re mostly looking to enjoy the beach and pool during your Malta holiday.

The Top 5 All-Inclusive Hotels to Stay at in Malta

• Db San Antonio Hotel & Spa 4*: Located in St. Paul’s Bay, a bit before Mellieha and 30 minutes from Valletta. Modern and spacious rooms, pleasant and well-equipped. Strong points: the 2 outdoor pools, beach access, musical evenings, the all-inclusive package with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even afternoon snacks.
• Top Clubs Cocoon Salini Resort 4*: Located in the town of Bugibba, this all-inclusive hotel in Malta is by the seaside. Designer rooms with spacious balconies. Strong points: the pools, some for activities and others for adults, convenient location for day trips.
• Db Seabank Resort & Spa 4*: Located in Mellieha, in front of the beach and close to the ferry to Gozo. The all-inclusive package includes a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day. Strong points: the mini club, playground, it’s an ideal all-inclusive hotel for families in Malta.
• Solana Hotel & Spa 4*: as I mentioned in the section about where to stay in the north of Malta, Solana Hotel also offers all-inclusive stays.
• Labranda Riviera Premium Resort & Spa 4*: the same goes for Labranda, which I’ve already mentioned. You can also choose the all-inclusive option.

Where to Stay in Malta on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here is a selection of affordable accommodation in Malta, categorized by the cities or areas mentioned above.

Affordable Stays Near Valletta (Sliema)

• Inhawi Boutique Hostel : A youth hostel located a 10-minute walk from the ferry to Valletta. Dormitory beds from 30€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the price, central and quiet location, the pool, the facilities. A great choice for budget-friendly accommodation in Malta.
• Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel : Near the ferry to Valletta. Modern and bright double rooms from 65€ per night. Strong points: close to all shops and restaurants, very friendly staff, rooftop jacuzzi, breakfast buffet. Book as early as possible, they sell out fast!

Budget Accommodation in the North of Malta

• Cosy Home: Located in the heart of Mellieha. Modern double rooms from 45€, breakfast at 6€. Strong points: the hosts’ kindness, the terrace, excellent value for money.
• Paradise Bay Hotel : Right next to the ferry to Gozo. Large, bright double rooms with sea views from 70€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the 3 pools including one heated indoor pool, the varied breakfast.

Where to Stay in the South of Malta on a Budget

• Xrobb L-Ghajin Hostel : A youth hostel located near Marsaxlokk, right by the sea. Dormitory beds from 18€. Strong points: the extraordinary view, the kitchen facilities, the comfortable beds.
• Large Apartment – Malta International Airport : Only 1 km from the airport. Spacious double rooms from 40€ per night. Strong points: ideal for early flights, the tranquility, the welcoming hosts. There’s only one, so book quickly!

Affordable Places to Stay in Gozo

• Downtown Hotel : Located in the heart of Victoria, the main town of Gozo. Double rooms from 55€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the central location, a good breakfast, spacious rooms. A good place for budget accommodation in Malta.
• Murella Living: Situated in Marsalforn. Double rooms with careful decoration and a balcony from 60€, breakfast at 6.50€. Strong points: a nice breakfast, the decor, good bedding.
• Il-Plajja Hotel: Located in Marsalforn Bay. Spacious and very clean double rooms from 61€, breakfast included. Strong points: the panoramic terrace with sea views, pleasant staff.

Where to Stay in Malta: A Recap Table of the Best Hotels

To give you a better idea of where to stay in Malta, I have created a table that summarizes all the hotels discussed in this article. You can sort them by price or location!

Hotel	Ville / Zone géographique	Price
Private Room	Valletta	75€
Grand Harbour Hotel	Valletta	110€
Tano's Boutique Guesthouse	Valletta	115€
Grand Hotel Excelsior	Valletta	170€
The Embassy	Valletta	190€
The Gomerino	Valletta	250€
Hotel Phoenicia Malta	Valletta	295€
Sliema Marina Hotel	Sliema	60€
Palazzo Violetta	Sliema	100€
The Victoria Hotel	Sliema	130€
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa	Sliema	150€
AX The Palace	Sliema	200€
Pergola Hotel & Spa	North of Malta	80€
Solana Hotel & Spa	North of Malta	90€
Labranda Riviera Hotel & Spa	North of Malta	100€
Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa	North of Malta	140€
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa	North of Malta	150€
Seaview Hotel	North of Malta	140€
AX ODYCY	North of Malta	180€
Ushuaia Playa	North of Malta	300€
Luxury Room in the South Malta	South of Malta	60€
Dun Gorg Guest House	South of Malta	65€
Port View Guesthouse	South of Malta	70€
Harbour Lodge	South of Malta	85€
Talbot & Bons	South of Malta	90€
Guesthouse Bambina	Gozo	75€
Casa Gemelli Bboutique Guesthouse	Gozo	90€
The Duke Boutique Hostel	Gozo	100€
Cesca's Boutique Hotel	Gozo	140€
Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel	Gozo	145€
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz	Gozo	170€
Hotel Db San Antonio & Spa	All inclusive
Hotel Salini Resort	All inclusive
Hotel Db Seabank Resort & Spa	All inclusive
Hotel Solana & Spa	All inclusive
Hotel Labranda Riviera Premium	All inclusive
Inhawi Boutique Hostel	Cheap Hotel	30€
Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel	Cheap Hotel	65€
Cosy Home	Cheap Hotel	45€
Paradise Bay Hotel	Cheap Hotel	70€
Xrobb L Ghajin Hostel	Cheap Hotel	18€
Large Apartment - Malta International Airport	Cheap Hotel	40€
Downtown Hotel	Cheap Hotel	55€
Murella Living	Cheap Hotel	60€
Il Plajja Hotel	Cheap Hotel	61€

Malta travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling in Malta? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Malta: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Malta are listed there.

• Itinerary: 2-3 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 4-5 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 1 Week in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 10 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!

• Gozo: The 10 must-see attractions of the island
• Valletta: The 10 best things to do

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