The Mall, Valletta, Malta | (361) 233-8042
Excellent location at the Valletta city gates, near public transportation
Spacious, elegant rooms, some with views of the harbor
Gorgeous heated outdoor pool with harbor views
Free shuttle to the beach during summer months
Classic afternoon tea served daily in the Palm Court
Small fitness room with cardio machines and free weights
Miniature golf course on-site
Three restaurants with beautiful views and 24-hour room service
Ballroom, exhibit, and meeting facilities plus wedding services
Free parking and Wi-Fi throughout
No space for extra beds in guest rooms
Breakfast not included
Some rooms get noise from the nearby bus depot
Bastion Pool closed for renovations as of November 2015
No spa
The 136-room Hotel Phoenicia is a luxurious historic hotel at the entrance of Valletta's ancient city gates. Rooms are spacious, clean, and classic, with traditional white tile bathrooms.The 1920s-style Art Deco property is surrounded by large terraced
gardens that create an island of serenity at the doorstep of the Maltese capital.
It's ideal for both business travelers and tourists, with excellent
restaurants and bars, a stunning pool, and sensational harbor views. Most will find it a touch more elegant than the similarly priced Excelsior Grand Hotel, though it lacks the Excelsior's spa and indoor pool.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Art Deco palace, with gorgeous gardens, sophisticated bars, and a lengthy history
The Hotel Phoenicia -- the oldest luxury hotel
in Malta -- is a celebrity-worthy oasis with a long history. It was bombed during World War II and has hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Helen
Mirren, who played the Queen on stage. The Phoenicia has a 1920s Art Deco vibe throughout, from the striking wrought-iron garden gates shaped like peacocks to
the lobby’s high ceilings, elaborate millwork, velvety vintage-style furniture, and
grand piano. There is no piped-in muzak here; pianists play live throughout the
day. The lobby is vast and circular, with plenty of Maltese limestone, marble,
ironwork, sunlight, and tropical plants. The Phoenicia embraces its history,
and there is even a book available detailing the construction and evolution of
the building and grounds. Artwork includes permanent exhibition of the
world’s largest private collection of Edward Caruana Dingli paintings, mostly
vivid portraits of the life and people of Malta. Privacy is also a key selling point, and there are lots of gardens for wandering in along with a pool overlooking the harbor.
Location
At the entrance to Valletta, next door to the bus station, and surrounded by beautiful gardens
The Hotel Phoenicia is located at the
entrance to Malta’s capital city -- Valletta -- just outside the ancient city walls.
The area is busy, but the hotel’s huge gardens isolate guests from
the noise and crowds. The city’s financial center and high-end shopping
district are within walking distance, and the bus station and taxi stand are
right next door, which means guests don’t need cars to see the area sites.
Parking is free, however. The ferry to Sliema is a short
walk from the entrance, and there is a golf course within a 10-minute drive. The
airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel.
Rooms
Spacious, elegant, and simple rooms with Maltese touches, many with harbor views
Rooms at the Hotel Phoenicia are elegant and
spacious, although not as luxurious as the grounds and common areas. The decor is
simple and classic, with Maltese tile floors, modern furniture -- much of it
high-end wicker by Lloyd Loom -- and soothing earth tones. The walls feature ocean-themed prints and vintage black-and-white photographs of Malta. Amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have harbor views and/or balconies, with larger terraces on lower floors. Bathrooms
are tiled in white, and the sinks and fixtures have a 1920s feel. Executive Rooms offer
extras for business travelers, including large work surfaces and free
shoeshines. Suites are huge and more modern than the rooms, with stylish walk-in shower stalls, but no tubs. Classic Plus Rooms are more contemporary and stylish than the traditional Classic Rooms, which start at 20 square meters (215 square feet). Smoking and non-smoking rooms are available.
Features
Excellent restaurants, afternoon tea, sophisticated bars, and a spectacular pool
The Hotel Phoenicia features three
restaurants. The Phoenix serves modern French cuisine made with locally sourced
ingredients in a stunning dining room with panoramic harbor views that are especially
beautiful in the evenings. During the summer months, guests have the option to eat on the
terrace. One night per week, the Phoenix offers a popular Taste of Malta buffet
with local dishes and wines and live music. The Pegasus Brasserie is a more casual -- but
still sophisticated -- bistro with a handsome dining room hung with modern art. The
Palm Court Lounge is a great spot for business meetings over breakfast or
lunch, or afternoon tea. In the evenings, the Palm
Court serves cocktails to the accompaniment of live piano
or guitar music, and -- occasionally -- Argentine tango. The Club Bar takes its
inspiration from colonial Malta, with historical photographs on the walls.The Pool Deck is built into the 16th-century bastions that make up the city walls. The pool itself is large and ringed with lounge chairs and has plenty of space for taking in views of the
harbor and skyline, but will be temporarily closed for renovations as of November 2015. There is also an adjacent hot tub. Kids (and parents) can play miniature golf in the gardens (though the course is looking a little worse for wear). There is a jewelry store in the lobby for gifts for oneself
or friends and family back home. The Phoenicia also has a small fitness room with cardio machines and free weights and there's a free shuttle to a
nearby beach.
