AX The Palace
AX The Palace, more commonly known as “The Palace,” is a 5-star establishment from the AX Hotels chain, ideally located in the dynamic heart of Sliema. It’s a prestigious establishment that combines a high level of comfort, modern facilities, and warm service.
Gourmets in search of Asian and Eastern flavors will find their delight at TemptAsian, the gourmet restaurant of AX The Palace. It’s a must-visit venue offering a culinary journey that immerses guests in the heart of the Orient’s aromas.
The Barceló Fortina Malta is a 5-star hotel in Malta located on the seafront facing Valletta, very close to the Sliema ferry. The establishment has been completely renovated and has changed ownership, now part of the Spanish Barceló Hotel Group, which reopened it in November 2023 after significant renovation. The hotel now includes 183 rooms, of which 64 are luxury apartments.
It also features a private beach club, the Lido Beach Club, with its seafront pool. The hotel primarily targets an adult clientele, it is also particularly suited to a high-end business clientele with four meeting and conference rooms available for business travelers staying in Malta.
Corinthia Palace Malta
The Corinthia Palace Hotel, situated at the heart of the island, on the outskirts of Attard town, is the luxury hotel offering the greenest setting with lush landscaped gardens. A hotel that combines luxury and well-being in a soothing sanctuary, a peaceful haven inviting relaxation amidst the bustling island.
The Corinthia is an iconic hotel of the archipelago, offering spacious rooms, a world-renowned spa, and a gourmet restaurant, Villa Corinthia, led by chef Francesco Mazzei. It’s the ideal choice for those looking to unwind in an elegant setting while exploring the cultural riches of Malta.
Corinthia St George’s Bay
The Corinthia St George’s Bay hotel, the second luxury establishment of the Corinthia chain, is a prestigious hotel located in St. Julian’s, offering an exceptional view of the Mediterranean and St. George’s Bay.
Belonging to the “Resorts” category, the establishment is of imposing size. It offers 249 rooms and extensive facilities with a spa, jacuzzi, sauna, four pools including one for children, as well as conference rooms. The hotel also offers a range of activities that make it a popular destination, including water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, or canoeing.
Cugó Gran Macina
The Cugó Gran Macina is a luxury Maltese hotel located in the historic Macina fort in Senglea, one of the famous Three Cities of Malta. Cugó Gran Macina is an emblematic example of the transformation of historical buildings into modern luxury spaces. With its remarkable architecture, the establishment blends 16th-century original elements with contemporary design and the comfort of a 5-star luxury hotel.
Categorized under the Palace class, it’s a boutique hotel offering only 21 suites, some of which provide panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, the theater of the famous Great Siege of Malta. Cugó Gran Macina is an intimate hotel, featuring an infinity pool and a gourmet restaurant. It is also renowned for its personalized concierge service and custom luxury experiences.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta
The Grand Hotel Excelsior is one of Malta’s most renowned 5-star establishments, located at the gates of Valletta, at the foot of its imposing fortifications. Its unique position offers breathtaking views of the Marsamxett harbor and Manoel Island, as well as a strategic location for exploring the Maltese capital.
The resort is very imposing and falls under the “Resorts” category, with more than 433 rooms and suites spread over 10 floors, blending classic and contemporary styles. The hotel is also among the best equipped in the archipelago, offering a full spa, indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, hydrotherapy baths, a hair salon, a hammam, a sauna, as well as a fitness center. Its outdoor area, including pools and a restaurant (Tiki Bar), offers spectacular sea and harbor views. The hotel also has the distinction of having its own sandy beach and a private marina, unique in Valletta.
Hilton Malta
The Hilton Malta is a luxury 5-star resort hotel located in the prestigious Portomaso marina (St. Julian’s). The hotel offers 413 rooms and suites with a Mediterranean influence, featuring views over the large palm-tree landscaped gardens, the marina, or the Mediterranean Sea. Hilton Malta is a multi-service complex suited for families with children as well as all types of travelers. The hotel is also “Pet-friendly”.
The hotel’s facilities are impressive; they include a beach club (Merkanti Beach Club), a massive spa (Myoka Spa) with 10 thematic treatment rooms and over 80 services, tennis and squash courts, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and four seasonal outdoor pools. The establishment also offers a wide range of dining options to meet diverse demands, including the Blue Elephant, specializing in Thai cuisine, Oceana, specializing in seafood, and the Gazebo Restaurant specializing in Mediterranean dishes.
Hyatt Regency Malta
The Hyatt Regency is a 5-star hotel in Malta located in the heart of Saint Julian’s, just a few streets away from the famous Paceville nightlife district.
The hotel features 151 modern rooms and suites, including 12 luxurious suites. A modern establishment equipped with all the amenities expected of a 5-star hotel, including 2 pools, a spa and wellness center, as well as a fitness center.
Iniala Harbour House
The Iniala Harbour House is a prestigious 5-star hotel, a characterful palace nestled in the heart of the historic city of Valletta in Malta. The hotel is a small establishment, having only 21 rooms, all in suite format, thus offering very high-end and personalized service.
The hotel provides all the comforts of a 5-star, including a sumptuous infinity pool offering a spectacular view of the “Grand Harbour”, a luxury spa named “l’Essensi” and a private fitness club. Culinary delights are also a highlight, the hotel’s restaurant, “ION Harbour”, led by Simon Rogan, is credited with a Michelin star. A consecration for a cuisine of great finesse, local and seasonal, with menus that are perpetually renewed.
Intercontinental Malta
The InterContinental Malta, a 5-star hotel located in the heart of St. Julian’s at the foot of the lively nightlife district of Paceville and a few meters from St. Georges beach. The InterContinental is a contemporary and modern resort-style hotel, very popular among business travelers and conference attendees. The hotel has 24 separate meeting rooms and a 6,000 m² conference space capable of accommodating up to 1,700 people.
It offers high-quality service with 481 rooms spread over 19 floors. Guests also have access to many facilities, including two pools, one of them located on the roof overlooking the bay, a spa, and a wellness center. The hotel also has a full fitness club, Cynergi, accessible from the hotel. One of the largest fitness rooms in Malta. It should be noted, however, that the gym is also open to non-hotel guest users.
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz (Gozo)
The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is one of the two 5-star hotels located in the heart of the secondary island of Gozo. The hotel is a luxurious haven away from the bustling main island; it offers 137 rooms overlooking 30,000 m² of semi-tropical gardens.
The luxury hotel is also internationally renowned and multiple award-winning for its spa, a sanctuary with an indoor hydrotherapy circuit, a Turkish hammam, and one of the largest Ayurvedic centers in Europe. Visitors can also enjoy two tennis courts and three outdoor pools, one for adults, one for families, and another dedicated to children, as well as a free shuttle bus service to the city of Victoria and Ramla beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Malta.
In summary, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is a true Mediterranean escape, a hotel that offers a luxurious and relaxing experience surrounded by nature on the secondary island of Gozo. The ideal accommodation solution for travelers who wish to rest and rejuvenate above all.
Marriott Hotel & Spa
The Marriott Hotel & Spa in Malta is located opposite Balluta Bay and its artificial beach. The 5-star establishment offers a high-end experience with 301 luxurious rooms and suites.
The hotel offers experiences for all ages, including families, with a wide range of activities for children. For adults, among its many facilities, the Marriott has a large, ultra-modern gym club as well as an internationally renowned spa: the “Myoka Lotus Spa”. The spa includes an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and cold bath, as well as an extensive range of wellness and relaxation treatments.
The hotel also features over 14 flexible meeting rooms, equipped with the latest technology to accommodate seminars and business travelers.
Radisson Blu Resort – St. Julian’s
The Radisson Blu Resort of St. Julian’s is an impressive 5-star hotel complex, located at the tip of Saint Julian’s on the edge of Pembroke. With its 252 modern rooms, it offers high-end accommodation for all types of travelers and vacationers.
In addition to a gym, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, and two tennis courts, the Radisson Blu Resort of St. Julian’s in Malta also houses a spa and wellness center. The hotel also offers facilities for those interested in learning scuba diving.
Radisson Blu Resort – Golden Sands
The Radisson Blu Resort Golden Sands is a vast 5-star hotel complex. Located on the northwest coast of the island (Mellieħa), overlooking the beautiful Golden Bay beach. The hotel’s environment is unique and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean, ideal for travelers seeking a change of scenery, surrounded by nature and access to one of the most beautiful beaches in Malta. For vacationers looking for an urban environment, this will not be the ideal option, as the hotel is quite remote and secluded.
The resort’s 337 elegantly appointed rooms and suites offer first-class accommodation for travelers seeking comfort and refinement. It also offers a comprehensive range of facilities, services, and activities. Facilities include several outdoor pools, a spa, tennis courts, numerous refined dining options, and a varied activity program to entertain visitors of all ages. A luxury hotel primarily recommended for family vacations, but also suitable for a romantic getaway or a relaxing stay.
Rosselli – AX Privilege
The Rosselli AX Privilege is a five-star establishment located in the heart of Valletta. A small luxury hotel, on a human scale, blending the features of a palace and those of a boutique hotel with only 25 unique rooms and suites.
Due to its size, Rosselli is the 5-star hotel in Malta with the fewest facilities. The hotel offers only a small outdoor rooftop pool offering panoramic views of the Maltese capital and a massage institute.
The experience is elsewhere: tailor-made services and personalized welcome, as well as a gastronomic restaurant “Under Grain”, awarded a star by the Michelin guide.
Ta’ Cenc & Spa
The Ta’ Cenc & Spa is a 5-star hotel located on Gozo, the secondary island of Malta. The hotel is nestled just a hundred meters from the famous Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs, which rise over 150 meters and offer an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Ta’ Cenc & Spa hotel is a luxurious haven that offers original accommodations in the form of small luxury huts in the traditional Maltese style. The hotel has all the amenities expected of a 5-star, including 3 pools, a spa, a fitness center, and a games room. The strength of the hotel also lies in its location, a magical and still preserved setting that will delight nature lovers and walkers, for a relaxing and exotic stay.
The Phoenicia Malta
The Phoenicia Malta is the first 5-star hotel to have opened its doors in Malta, with its inauguration taking place on November 3, 1947. This iconic establishment in the archipelago is renowned for being Malta’s most famous luxury hotel.
Located at the gates of Valletta, The Phoenicia is surrounded by seven acres of gardens that lead to the magnificent infinity pool of the Bastion, offering a panoramic view of the Marsamxett harbour.
A prestigious hotel, of the palace type, offering 132 rooms and suites and numerous facilities including a spa area with an indoor pool, a Himalayan salt room, a sauna, a steam room, and multi-jet showers, as well as a fitness center.
The hotel is intended for adult travelers seeking an experience that combines luxury, tradition, and authenticity. It may not be suitable for families with children, as some facilities may not be accessible to minors or only at restricted hours.
The Westin Dragonara Resort
The Westin Dragonara (Marriott Group) is probably the most iconic 5-star hotel in Malta, located on the Dragonara Peninsula with its unmistakable “pink” exterior walls. The hotel is ideally located, just steps from the famous Dragonara Casino and near the lively center of Saint Julian’s. The luxury complex also offers direct access to the sea and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
Falling under the “Resorts” category, with its 340 elegant rooms and suites, it offers premium accommodation for discerning travelers. The hotel features a spa, vast outdoor swimming pools, including an infinity pool, as well as two private beaches, one of which is sandy, perfect for sunbathing.
The Westin Dragonara Resort offers a luxury experience suitable for all types of travelers. It is also a popular venue for weddings and corporate events, with its large, modern, and well-equipped meeting and reception rooms.
The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux
The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, nestled within the medieval walls of the fortified city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital, is a 17th-century palace converted into a luxury 5-star hotel. This jewel of Baroque architecture and historical heritage offers stunning views over the heart of the archipelago.
The Xara Palace is a small luxury hotel, akin to a boutique hotel, that offers an individualized experience, but with fewer rooms and facilities compared to other hotels of the same standard. The hotel has only a seasonal outdoor pool and a small fitness room.
The establishment also features a restaurant, “De Mondion”, awarded a Michelin star. This intimate restaurant, located on the top floor, offers gourmet menus highlighting the best products from the island and Mediterranean dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5-Star Hotels in Malta (FAQ)
How many 5-star hotels are there in Malta?
There are officially 20 5-star hotels in Malta, the archipelago’s most luxurious hotels. 18 are located on the main island and two are situated on the secondary island of Gozo.
- AX The Palace
- Barceló Fortina
- Corinthia Palace
- Corinthia St George’s Bay
- Cugó Gran Macina
- Grand Hotel Excelsior
- Hilton Malta
- Hyatt Regency
- Iniala Harbour House
- Intercontinental Malta
- Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz (Gozo)
- Marriott Hotel & Spa
- The Westin Dragonara Resort
- Radisson Blu Resort – St. Julian’s
- Radisson Blu Resort – Golden Sands
- Rosselli – AX Privilege
- Ta’ Cenc & Spa (Gozo)
- The Phoenicia Malta
- The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux
Which 5-star hotels are located in Valletta?
There are 2 5-star hotels located in Valletta: Rosselli – AX Privilege and Iniala Harbour House. Two other 5-star hotels are also located at the foot of Valletta in the city of Floriana: The Phoenicia Malta and the Grand Hotel Excelsior.
Which 5-star hotels are located in Gozo?
There are only two 5-star hotels located on the island of Gozo: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz and Ta’ Cenc & Spa.
Which 5-star hotels are in Saint Julian’s?
There are 7 5-star hotels in Saint Julian’s (San Ġiljan): Corinthia St George’s Bay, Hilton Malta, Hyatt Regency Malta, Intercontinental Malta, Marriott, The Westin Dragonara Resort, and Radisson Blu Resort – St. Julian’s.
Which is the most expensive 5-star hotel in Malta?
The price of luxury hotels can vary significantly depending on the season and room standard. However, generally speaking, the Hotel Phoenicia and the Iniala Harbour House are usually the two 5-star hotels with the highest prices in Malta.
Which luxury hotels in Malta have a Michelin-starred restaurant?
There are three luxury hotels in Malta with a Michelin-starred restaurant according to the Michelin Guide: The Xara Palace with its “De Mondion” restaurant (1 Michelin star), Iniala Harbour House with its ION Harbour restaurant (1 Michelin star), and Rosselli (AX Privilege) with its Under Grain restaurant (1 Michelin star).
Which 5-star hotels in Malta accept pets?
There are only 7 luxury hotels in Malta (or luxury hotels) that accept pets (pet friendly): Corinthia Palace, Hilton, Cugó Gran Macina, The Phoenicia Malta, Iniala Harbour House, Intercontinental (limited to 22 kg), The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux (limited to 10 kg).
The 19 establishments listed in alphabetical order below represent all the 5-star hotels in Malta, the most prestigious luxury hotels of the archipelago. They are divided into two categories: prestige hotels of the “Palace” type and luxury hotel resorts of the “Resort” type. The “Palace” category includes luxury hotels, marked by a traditional, authentic, and intimate style. While the “Resort” category gathers modern luxury hotels, imposing by their size and offering a multitude of services.