where to stay in malta
Where to Stay in Malta: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Accommodation
Malta, the glittering gem of the Mediterranean, is a playground for history buffs, food lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Its compact size and intuitive public transport system mean you can hop from the winding alleys of Mdina to the sea‑side promenade of Mellieħa in no more than an hour. That said, choosing where to sleep each night is a crucial part of any Maltese experience. With a dizzying array of hotels, boutique guesthouses, apartments, hostels, and even villas, how do you decide? Here’s the definitive guide to help you pick the right place in Malta, no matter your budget, travel style, or itinerary.
1. The Lay of the Land: What to Expect in Malta’s Accommodation Landscape
| City/Town | Atmosphere | Key Attractions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valletta | Historic, gated | Parliament, St. Junius Co‑Crystal, Fort St. Elmo | History lovers, walking tours |
| Sliema | Trendy, cosmopolitan | Shopping malls, nightlife, sea‑front cafés | Couples, night owls |
| St. Julian’s | Party‑centric | Paceville, beach clubs | Millennials, party crowds |
| Bugibba | Family-friendly | Old Town, kid‑amenable beaches | Families, senior travellers |
| Mgarr | Quiet, cliffside | Blue Grotto, Cittadella | Peace seekers |
| Marsaskala | Secluded | Harbour, fishing town vibe | Romantic get‑aways |
| Mellieħa | Balmy, relaxed | Golden Bay, fishing villages | Sun‑seekers, seniors |
| Gozo | Rustic, peaceful | Agrigola, Xlendi | Solo travelers, nature lovers |
Malta’s geographic layout is compact – about 27 square kilometers – so accommodation choices tend to cluster around these core towns. Let’s dive into the specifics.
2. Accommodation Typology: Matching Your Needs With the Right Venue
| Type | What You Get | Good For | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3‑5 Star Hotels | Luxurious rooms, concierge, pool, design | Honeymooners, business travelers | 150–500 €/night |
| Boutique Hotels | Characterful, local design, smaller rooms | Couples, cultural explorers | 90–200 €/night |
| Guesthouses & Bed‑&‑Breakfast | Homely, local touch | Back‑packers, cultural seekers | 50–90 €/night |
| Hostels | Dorms & private rooms | Budget travelers, solo explorers | 15–50 €/night |
| Apartments / Airbnb | Self‑catering, local living | Families, long stays | 60–120 €/night |
| Villas & Holiday Rentals | Spacious, beach side, privacy | Groups, families | 120–400 €/night |
| Camping | Green, low cost | Adventure lovers, families with kids | 10–20 €/night |
3. Popular Destinations – Hotels & Alternatives in Detail
3.1 Valletta – The Historic Heart
| Hotel / Place | Highlights | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Phoenician | Museum‑style rooms, panoramic harbor view, Michelin‑star dining | 450–650 € |
| Grand Hotel Excelsior | Classic art deco, nearby cafes, possible sunrise views at Manoel Island | 200–350 € |
| Sovereign Malta | Boutique vibe & sea view rooms | 120–180 € |
| Be Live Hotel & Residence | Mixed rooms & apartments, free breakfast | 90–140 € |
| The City | Lofty apartments, near the Cathedral | 70–110 € |
Tip: Valletta’s narrow streets and ancient city walls mean some hotels come with stair‑only access. Book with a free lift or consider a 2‑night stay if two rooms are needed.
3.2 Sliema – The Trendy Waterfront
| Hotel / Place | Highlights | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Phoenician (Sliema branch) | Art‑inspired interior with pool & spa | 350–500 € |
| Sustain Sliema | ECO‑friendly ethos, vibrant lounge | 160–250 € |
| Radisson Blu Le Manoir | Designer rooms, rooftop terrace | 140–210 € |
| Mona Lisa Hotel | Budget with fountain view | 70–130 € |
| Stay in Sliema Apartments | Modern furnishings, central location | 60–100 € |
Pro Tip: Use the free water‑mover (short for “Sliema Water-Mover”) to reach the adjacent town of Gżira if you’re craving a fresher sea breeze.
3.3 St. Julian’s – For Those Who Like to Party
| Hotel / Place | Highlights | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Club Hotel & Lounge | Cloud‑kissed suites & unlimited pool | 120–200 € |
| The Atlantic Hotel | Dockside rooms, nightlife vibe | 90–140 € |
| Vapiano Hostel & Hotel | Mix of dorms, apartments & mini‑restaurant | 25–70 € |
| Crown Garden Suites | Spacious apartments with kitchenettes | 80–150 € |
Wiggle: Catch the airport shuttle if you’re arriving early or leaving late; it runs from the ferry terminal and stops at major hotel districts.
3.4 Bugibba & Mgarr – Ideal for Families
Bugibba & Mgarr offer a blend of family-friendly facilities and a seafront escape. Recreational guests favour Budget Amateurs:
| Hotel / Place | Highlights | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Grand Hotel | One‑of‑a‑kind luxury for senior travelers | 200–400 € |
| Alba Hotel & Suites | Boutique charm & infinity pools | 100–190 € |
| Caretta Guesthouse | Classic rooms for families | 70–120 € |
| Al Qasr Guesthouse | Spacious holiday apartments | 60–110 € |
Key note: Matha’s 30m Children’s Pool on the promenade is a highlight for families, so choose accommodation offering easy steps onto the beach.
3.5 Mellieħa – Sun‑Lantern City
Mellieħa enjoys a variety of hotels that cater to visitors seeking a low‑key beach holiday.
| Hotel / Place | Highlights | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon Hotel Pools | Beachside pools, lush gardens | 130–220 € |
| Ritz Phoenicia Malta | Prime beachfront, excited accent city | 200–350 € |
| St. George’s Hotel & Spa | Family-friendly, en‑suite rooms | 110–170 € |
| Mellieħa Holiday Apartments | Kitchenette & terrace ability | 70–135 € |
Pro Tip: Many hotels near Mellieħa’s Golden Bay offer sunrise beach walks for early birds. Look for “Wake‑Up Call” packages to showcase the new sunrise light.
3.6 Gozo – The Smaller Island (Part of the Archipelago)
A change of vibe entirely – Gozo’s amity among travelers thrives on local rustic vibes:
| Accommodation | Highlights | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Gozitan Hotel | Boutique, sea‑front view | 140–230 € |
| Arichuela Beach Resort | 8‑bedroom villas, very scenic | 120–210 € |
| Villa Di Luna | Family‑friendly life, infinity pool | 90–150 € |
| Arianna & Rich Guesthouse | Traditional, small and cozy | 50–90 € |
| Rent A Stay – Gozo | Apartments for longer stays | 70–120 € |
Micro‑travel hack: Rent a car if you have two or more group members or you love exploring hidden coves. Some flight and ferry cabins allow free car use for a single day.
4. Budget‑Friendly Options – For the Backpackers & Wanderers
| Accommodation | Type | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel Barbaro (Valletta) | Dorms | 20–30 € | First‑hand experience with hospitality, friendly chores. |
| Youth Hostel St. Julian’s | Dorms | 15–25 € | Near the beach club, meeting other travelers. |
| Sliema Apartments by Zoom | Private rooms or shared | 35–70 € | Better location than hostels – a short walk to cafés. |
| Bugibba Budget Guesthouse | Rooms | 40–55 € | A walk to the pier, ocean view. |
| Veteran Hostel (Sliema) | Dorm rooms | 18–30 € | Self‑service restrooms, easy to meet people. |
Small Tip: In the summer, hostels may work open‑late on weekends; always call ahead during peak season because they can fill up fast.
5. Elevated Comfort – Luxury & Boutique
| Property | Room Types | Highlights | Price per Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Phoenician (Valletta) | Suites, Penthouse | Design, rooftop sangria, Michelin‑star cuisine | 450–600 € |
| Yola Hotel (Sliema) | Ultra‑luxurious suites | Mediterranean pool, high guest‑service | 350–500 € |
| American Tower Hotel & Villas (St. Julian’s) | Villas, heritage rooms | Private pool, world heritage views | 250–400 € |
| Silver Palm St. Julian’s | Suites, Villas | Private laundry, concierge | 120–260 € |
| Saffron Apartments (Gozo) | Luxury studio, sea‑front | Sustainable design, local intangible | 150–220 € |
A Quick Breakdown: When You Should Splurge
- Milestones: Weddings, honeymoons, birthdays
- Business: Pro‑presentation, off‑site meetings
- Experience: Sunset spa day or exclusive tours
6. Apartments & Airbnb – Hide‑and‑Seek in Local Life
Accommodations on Airbnb or local direct rental sites provide a more authentic stay and good value if you want to explore like a local.
| Area | Example | Approx. Price/night | Tidbit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valletta | Two‑bedroom loft near Strait | 55–85 € | London‑vibes, plus the city’s historic charm |
| Sliema | Ocean view room | 80–120 € | Wake up to waterfront, easy commute to LGT |
| Mgarr | Gastty apartment for 4 | 40–70 € | Alone with a balcony and GŻIRA views |
| Gozo | Traditional farmhouse | 50–90 € | Experience local foods, small garden |
Resort‑ shoppers: Look for verified hosts and read the “cleaning fee” carefully. Many hosts provide free laundry kits for longer stays.
7. Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Place
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Airports & Transportation | Will your stay create a hassle traveling to/from flights? | Look for free shuttle, close proximity to ferry, or public transport station. |
| Duration of Stay | Less common? Keep it flexible | Hotels/hostels have flexible dates; some Airbnb requires longer stays. |
| Season | The high season (Jun‑Aug) has higher demand | Book early; consider early‑bird or off‑peak for lower rates. |
| Allergy / Dietary | Maltese cuisine uses many sea‑food / dairy | Ask for “no seafood” or “vegan” options. |
| Accessibility | For people who require an elevator or wheelchair access | Contact reception ahead of time. |
| Local Experiences | Will you practice cultural immersion? | Apartments or B&Bs share more local vibes. |
8. Quick Check‑List for Smart Booking
- Set Priorities – location, price, amenities, API key.
- Use Multi‑Source Comparisons – Google, Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda.
- Read Recent Reviews – Step into the vibe; be wary of reserved or very clean hotels as they can oversell.
- Check for Cancellation Policies – Look for “free cancellation by 24 h before arrival.”
- Confirm Parking or Public Transport Fees – Valletta’s parking might cost extra; Sliema might have a free ferry walk.
- Ask for Complimentary Items – Many hotels provide free mineral water or Wi‑Fi; these benefits can save small amounts.
9. Putting It All Together: 3‑Day Recommendation for the Budget Traveler
- Day 1 – Arrival & Settling – Stay at Hostel Barbaro (Valletta) (Dorm or private room). Walk along the Fort’s walls and capture golden sunset photos.
- Day 2 – Exploring History & Sliema – Exchange to Sliema Apartments (private room) near the beach promenade for lunch & a stroll to Manġħan. Watch the tradesPass across the water.
- Day 3 – St. Julian’s Nightlife & Departure – Check out to Vapiano Hostel & Hotel (10‑nightself‑check‑in) for free breakfast and minimal fee. After deep sea experiencing the clubbing in Paceville, take the pre-booked ferry back to Malta or go to Malta International Airport.
10. Final Word: Maltese Splendor Awaits
Malta’s hospitality is as vibrant as its past – from the soaring chancel of St. John’s Co‑Cathedral to the heart‑warmingly grand Yet simple B&Bs pitched by adrenaline-driven youth hostels. Finding the perfect nest is an adventure of its own:
- Budget: Hostel, shared apartment, or basic guesthouse.
- Mid‑Range: Boutique hotel, city center B&B, or chalet‑style apartment.
- Luxury: A heritage hotel, private villa, or peacoat’s personal lodge on the sunny pier of Valletta.
Harness this guide to make your own journey, and let the Mediterranean breeze drape through your years of travel as if stalking a dream. Safe travels, and enjoy your stay!
