10 Best Boutique Hotels in Malta: A Guide to Where to Stay
A guide to charming boutique hotels for a unique stay in Malta.
The island of Malta is an incredible holiday destination but the large number and variety of accommodation available can become overwhelming. I’ve put together this guide to the best boutique hotels in Malta to save you time spending hours trawling through websites and reviews. Included are ten of the best boutique hotels in Malta, all of which would make a great base for your travels.
There is plenty to enjoy on a Malta itinerary. Situated in the middle of the sunny Mediterranean, Malta is in a fabulous location and is home to the historic capital of Valletta, pre-historic temples, fascinating museums, incredible coastal hikes on the island of Gozo and of course, the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon on Comino island.
With so many wonderful attractions on offer, it’s not surprising that small boutique hotels in Malta book up fast. Use this guide to help you choose and book a boutique hotel in Malta that’s right for you then sit back, relax and enjoy an amazing trip.
Options in this guide include the best luxury five-star boutique hotels in Malta alongside boutique hotels for a range of budgets. It also features the best boutique hotel near the airport in Malta and the best boutique hotel with a swimming pool. I’ve spent plenty of time on Malta and am a frequent traveller, staying in hotels, so you can be assured of great choices for where to stay in Malta, whatever your requirements.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
Top 3 Picks for Best Boutique Hotels in Malta
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
Best Boutique Hotels in Malta
All the hotels in this guide are small enough to be considered boutique. They’re luxury hotels which offer an intimate experience and stylish design coupled with great locations.
Let’s jump into the full guide to the best boutique hotels in Malta. I’ve included hotels with a range of prices to help you quickly find the option that works for you, whether that’s high-end luxury rooms or boutique style at an affordable price.
1. 23 Boutique Hotel, Valletta
Address: 23 Triq Il-Kapuccini, FRN 1052 Il-Furjana
Rating: 9.4 | View on Booking.com
The 23 Boutique Hotel is one of the very best boutique hotels in the whole of Malta. It offers luxury rooms at a reasonable price. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in the fashionable duplex suite. The hotel is situated in a typical Maltese building, with the colourful balconies you find throughout Malta. This is one of the best places to stay in Malta for location. It’s on the edge of Valletta, in Floriana, just a short walk to bus stops, making it easy to get around Malta by public transport, yet away from the busy and noisy central streets.
This adults-only boutique hotel is absolutely gorgeous. All eight rooms come with stylish design features but if you want to go for that extra special stay, book a luxury duplex suite, with a huge bathroom. It’s like a home away from home – if only my actual home looked this good. Simply wonderful.
The beds are incredibly comfortable and the air-con works like a dream, which isn’t always the case in my experience in Malta. The duplex suite is on two levels with loads of space to relax and there’s a little table and chairs where you can sit in the indoor balcony and gaze out on the world.
Exceptional…We would definitely go back to Boutique 23!
– Valentina (read more reviews)
There’s a small dining area on the basement level of the hotel where you can take breakfast or have a drink after a long day of sightseeing. The staff here are helpful and kind, sharing tips on where to go in Malta if you need them. Rated 9.8 on Hotels.com and 9.4 on Booking.com book your place at 23 Boutique Hotel before they sell out.
2. The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Mdina
Address: Misrah Il-Kunsill, MDN 1050 Mdina
Rating: 9 | View on Booking.com
If staying in sumptuous luxury is what you’re looking for then the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux is for you. You can’t get much more deluxe than staying in an actual 17th-century palace. This five-star hotel is the place to come to celebrate a special occasion.
This boutique hotel is the only one located inside the walls of the fortified city of Mdina, so once the day trippers have retreated you’ll be able to take a quiet evening stroll or enjoy a sundowner whilst watching the gorgeous sunset from the terrace.
The 17 individually designed suites and rooms here offer all kinds of luxurious touches, such as a roll-top bath or a Jacuzzi, alongside antique furnishings and super comfortable king-size beds. Staff here are highly attentive, providing a high standard of personal service to guests. The Xara Palace clearly prides itself on attention to detail and an excellent guest experience, as you’d expect from a five-star hotel.
Beautiful building, excellent restaurant , gorgeous rooms & first class staff.
– Mark (read more reviews)
Whilst staying at the Xara Palace don’t miss out on taking breakfast on the sun terrace and dining at the hotel’s Michelin-star De Mondion restaurant. The views from here over the Maltese countryside are incredible. If you want to explore other areas of the island you can now take an Uber in Malta, making it easy to get around.
All this indulgence does come at a cost though so if the price tag is just too much to justify, take a look at the rest of this list for great alternatives.
3. 116 Townhouse, Rabat
Address: 116 Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, RBT 9046 Rabat
Rating: 9.1 | View on Booking.com
With an affordable nightly price from £60, 116 Townhouse is a great option if you want the style of a boutique hotel but are on a limited budget.
Situated right next door to the enchanting walled city of Mdina (also known as Rabat), a stay at 116 Townhouse means you can be up and strolling the maze of historic streets before the hoards of day visitors arrive. Mdina is a very popular location so being this close to it is a great advantage.
As well as being on the doorstep of one of the best attractions on Malta, being based in Rabat means you’ll be on several bus routes so you can easily visit other nearby places in Malta, like the capital Valletta and the Mosta Dome, without having to spend precious funds on renting a car. Bus #201 will get you here from the airport in 45 minutes. There is a bus stop right outside the hotel so it’s super convenient for getting around Malta using public transport.
Fabulous, enormous breakfasts brought to our room each morning. Really helpful and kind staff. Good firm bed. Great to have a kitchen area (fridge to chill the wine!), and a lovely balcony to sit on.
– Charis (read more reviews)
The building is a traditional Maltese townhouse, which has been lovingly restored and retains original features such as beams and handmade Maltese tiles. The five rooms at 116 Townhouse are spacious, light and airy. They all come with a focus on minimalist design and contemporary furniture. Each room has a private bathroom, air-con and in-room Wi-Fi. Book a room with a balcony for an extra special experience.
At the end of each day, unwind on the rooftop terrace. The delicious and varied breakfast is consistently rated excellent by guests. This boutique hotel is a great find for your stay in Malta. It’s a good quality hotel, offering value for money at the lower end of the price scale. With an overall rating of 9.1 on Booking.com book 116 Townhouse, Rabat before it sells out for your dates.
Check out my article if you’re looking for the best hotels in Malta for adults only.
4. Amery House, Sliema
Address: 27 Amery House, Amery Street, SLM 1704 Sliema
Rating: 9.4 | View on Booking.com
The super cool Amery House oozes effortless style. The rooms here are everything you’d expect from a boutique hotel and then some. Scandi-style lines and clean minimalist interior decoration combine with a traditional Maltese exterior to make this one of the most highly rated boutique hotels in Malta on Booking.com.
Amery House is located in Sliema and only metres away from Fond Ghadir Beach, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a beach hotel in Malta. Sliema is a good base if you like shopping and restaurants, plan to take a boat trip from Sliema to the Blue Lagoon or visit Valletta (10 minutes by frequent ferry).
Everything was amazing!
– Ana (read more reviews)
Book one of the luxury terraced suites top floor rooms at Amery House for your own private terrace and Jacuzzi. A complimentary breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant, including vegan and vegetarian options. Combining a reasonable price with stylish design, this mid-range boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay in Malta.
Sliema is convenient for getting to some of the great places to swim in Malta and the capital, Valletta. However, it can feel a little built up with multiple high-rise buildings in the area. If you’re looking for somewhere more traditional I recommend the 23 Boutique Hotel in Valletta instead.
5. Casa Maria Tereza, Cospicua
Address: Casa Maria Tereza, Oratory Street, Cospicua
Rating: 9.3 | View on Booking.com
Enjoy iconic views across the Grand Harbour with a stay at Casa Maria Tereza in Cospicua. The roof terrace with pool is a great place to relax at the end of the day and offers wonderful views across the harbour.
With gold wallpaper in some of the rooms, spa-style robes and beautifully presented common spaces, this hotel offers affordable luxury and loads of character.
Casa Maria Tereza is located in Cospicua, one of the Three Cities, opposite Valletta and the Grand Harbour. Take a ferry to visit Valletta or better still, one of the Dgħajsa (a traditional wooden Maltese boat), it’s a lovely way to travel over to the capital. Cospicua is a residential area of Malta, with picturesque alleyways and winding streets to discover.
I can not fault this place, it’s 100% worth the stay.
– Georgia (read more reviews)
Whilst here, don’t miss out on a visit to the nearby Malta at War Museum, which is full of fascinating history and has a web of underground shelters to explore. Casa Maria Tereza is ideally located to enjoy authentic local atmosphere and is rated one of the best small hotels in Malta.
6. Cugo Gran Macina, Grand Harbour, Senglea
Address: Triq Marzu 31, Senglea, ISL 1040 Senglea
Rating: 9.1 | View on Booking.com
Blow the budget on a stay at the five-star Cugo Gran Macina, Senglea and you won’t be disappointed. This top-end luxury hotel is fabulous.
Situated away from the crowds in Senglea, but close enough to be in Valletta in ten minutes, the Cugo Gran Macina is a great choice. The waterfront location means that the views from the rooftop pool are stunning. Set in the shadows of the old fortified walls, feel the history of Malta all around you.
Amazing converted historical bastions, blending the modern hotel concept while maintaining the original character. rooms are amazing and staff couldn’t do more for you.
– Daniel (read more reviews)
The 21 luxury rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, with common areas offering more classic designer chic. Bespoke Italian sofas, marble and Maltese stone abound. To wake up to views across the harbour, book the corner room with a sea view.
As you’d expect with a five-star hotel, there’s a wonderful à la carte breakfast, which is usually included when booking the Cugo Gran Macina via Booking.com. This really is one of the best luxury hotels in Malta for that wow factor.
7. Corinthia Palace, Attard
Address: De Paule Avenue, BZN 9023 Attard
Rating: 9 | View on Booking.com
For those who love to relax in the hotel pool whilst on holiday, the five-star Corinthia Palace is an ideal choice for you. This impressive hotel does off-the-scale luxury really well. The gorgeous turquoise water of the outdoor pool is set in a garden of tranquillity, surrounded by lush green vegetation (not common in usually arid Malta). This is the place to come to recharge, rejuvenate and gain a sense of peace and tranquillity.
This luxury boutique hotel is situated opposite the beautiful San Anton Palace and Gardens and is only ten minutes by car or Uber Malta from Valletta (hotel shuttle available) and the iconic Mosta Dome (20 – 30 minutes by bus).
The Corinthia Palace is one of the best hotels in Malta for couples. Along with the fabulous outdoor pool, the hotel has five-star wellness facilities available at its Athenaeum Spa, gym and indoor pool. So there’s plenty for you to enjoy as you relax and unwind together.
This hotel is probably the best place on Malta, definitely if you want a 5* experience. The staff were incredible.
– Mariya (read more reviews)
Rooms are stylish and spacious. Each comes with a plentiful private balcony, WiFi and air-con as standard. A fabulous breakfast is served at the villa. If luxury and pampering is what you need, then look no further than the Corinthia Palace, one of the best hotels in Malta.
This hotel is larger than some others in this guide, with 162 rooms, so if you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, check out the five-star Cugo Gran Macina instead (which has a wonderful rooftop pool overlooking the harbour).
8. La Falconeria, Valletta
Address: 62 Melita street, VLT 1122 Valletta
Rating: 9 | View on Booking.com
If you’ve got limited time in Malta or just want to be right in the centre of the capital, Valletta, then La Falconeria is a great boutique hotel for you. Although it’s located in the centre of town guests still rate this as a quiet option and it’s one of the top hotels in Malta for it’s convenient location.
The hotel has great amenities, with a bar and fitness centre for guests to use. Another highlight is the refreshing indoor cave pool. Rooms feature modern furniture in an elegant design. Set yourself up for a wonderful day with the hearty à la carte breakfast. Pick a room with a Maltese balcony or terrace for great views.
Excellent place to stay, ideally located in Valletta. Lovely staff, who go that extra mile to ensure you stay is special.
– Nigel (read more reviews)
La Falconeria is one of those Malta hotels where the main attractions in Valletta are just a stone’s throw away. You can walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Lascaris War Rooms, St John’s Co-Cathedral and plenty more.
Don’t miss taking a wander through the quaint (but hilly) Valletta streets and dining at one of the many pavement restaurants or exploring some of the many things to do in Malta. This really is one of the best boutique hotels in Malta if you’re seeking a central location.
9. Talbot & Bons Bed & Breakfast, Il-Gudja
Address: Triq il-Kbira Gudja, GDJ 1207 Gudja
Rating: 9 | View on Booking.com
Depending on your travel times, you might find yourself wanting to stay at a hotel at the airport in Malta, for example if you’re heading off to spend time exploring the beautiful beaches on Malta’s sister island of Gozo.
This place makes for a great overnight stopover.When I arrived on a late-night flight I was delighted to have booked the beautiful Talbot & Bons Bed & Breakfast to stay at as it’s one of the best small hotels in Malta.
This restored farmhouse is so convenient for the airport that you can walk here in 10 minutes. To get here, on leaving the airport head round to the ‘car rental park east’ and use the pedestrian crossing to get across the main road and over to Triq Iż-Å»ebbuÄ¡a. From there follow the directions on Google Maps for about five minutes to arrive at Talbot & Bons Bed & Breakfast.
Il-Gduja is a small, quiet village with a central church square which is worth taking a walk around if you can fit it in around your flights.
What an amazing spot with clever decor and details! We wish we had checked in sooner!
– Rhonda (read more reviews)
Not only is this place incredibly convenient for the airport but it’s also a lovely boutique hotel. The rooms are cool and stylish. The deluxe room bathrooms are huge and the robes provide a nice touch.
Enjoy a plentiful breakfast in the peaceful courtyard, with a great selection available and there’s a small plunge pool to cool off in. In other words, this place is heaven when you’ve just got off a cramped flight. A really special Maltese hotel.
10. Backstage Boutique Townhouse, Sliema
Address: 331 Manwel Dimech Street, SLM 1058 Sliema
Rating: 8.2 | View on Booking.com
The Backstage Boutique Townhouse in Sliema is the best place to stay in Malta for the music lovers out there. Each room is themed around a particular musical icon, from Daft Punk to Louis Armstrong, so pick your favourite. The townhouse is situated in Sliema and is only a ten-minute ferry ride from Valletta.
Along with the musical-themed rooms, there’s a spacious terrace to take a drink on and a bonus touch of complimentary croissants. All rooms have Wi-Fi, a private bathroom (some are external to the room, so check before booking if that’s a deal breaker), bathrobes and slippers.
So clean and the rooms were super fun! Loved the kitchenette and the rooftop which I had mostly to myself!
– Rosemary (read more reviews)
Given the price of the Backstage Boutique Townhouse, it’s a great option not only for music fans but also for anyone looking to book a cheap but good-quality boutique place to stay in Malta.
[powerkit_posts title=”Travel Guides You Might Like” count=”1″ offset=”0″ image_size=”pk-thumbnail” category=”” tag=”” ids=”9691″ template=”list”]
Map of Boutique Hotels in Malta
I’ve created a map that shows all the hotels listed in this guide to the best boutique hotels in Malta. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the name of each Malta hotel.
FAQs: Boutique Hotels in Malta
Where Should I Stay in Malta for the First Time?
If you’re visiting Malta for the first time, stay a few nights in the capital, Valletta, then spend some time on Malta’s sister island of Gozo, where the pace of life is slower and there’s miles of Gozo beaches and countryside to explore.
Where is the Lively Area of Malta?
Malta’s busiest area for bars and clubs is the Paceville area of St. Julian’s, on the east coast of Malta. It’s about 30 minutes by bus or 15 minutes by car from Malta airport.
Is 5 Days in Malta Too Much?
Malta has plenty to see and do in a 5 day Malta itinerary. There are historical buildings, loads of gorgeous places to swim in Malta and of course you could spend a whole day at the Blue Lagoon or checking out the beaches on Malta’s sister island, Gozo.
How Many Days in Malta is Enough?
With so much to do in Malta, and the two other whole islands of Gozo and Comino to explore, you could easily spend two or three weeks in Malta without getting bored. Visit the azure waters of the Blue Grotto, swim in St. Peter’s Pool, discover the history of charming Valletta, visit ancient temples and hike the Victoria Lines in one of the sunniest places in Europe.
Can You Explore Malta Without a Car?
You can absolutely explore Malta without a car. Buses will take you all over the islands of Malta and Gozo and there are plenty of hiking routes to enjoy. You can even take an Uber in Malta now, so there really are plenty of ways of getting around Malta without a car.
Boutique Hotels in Malta: Summary
A trip to Malta is a great choice for a wonderful holiday. There’s so much to do on Malta, from crystal clear waters to swim in, to megalithic temples to uncover and plenty in between. With so many things to do and sights to see, you’ll be glad you have a gorgeous boutique hotel in Malta to come back to in the evening at the end of each busy day.
Whether you pick a five-star luxury hotel with a pool, one with a spa or one of the stylish but more affordable boutique places to stay in Malta, you can look forward to having a great time on this incredible Mediterranean island.
More Malta Resources
15 Best Beaches on Gozo and How to Get to Them
15 Best Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trips
Ferry to Gozo, Malta: Cheap & Fast Ways to Get to Gozo
Getting Around Malta by Public Transport
Gozo Hiking: Take the Slow Lane
Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site and the Blue Hole (Malta)
Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay on Gozo: A Complete Guide
How to Get to Blue Lagoon Malta and Best Things to Do
Malta is in What Country? Where is Malta Located on the Map & Other Facts
Places to Go in Malta & Gozo: 5 Best Swimming Spots
Ramla Bay Gozo: Explore an Iconic Red Sand Beach