Pros

  • 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
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Cons

  • 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
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Bottom Line

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. 

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

The Phoenicia Malta

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.  

See More Scene

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.

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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.

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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.

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Things You Should Know About The Phoenicia Malta

Also Known As

  • Hotel Phoenicia

Address

The Mall, Valletta FRN 1478, Malta

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

The Phoenicia Malta

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.  

See More Scene

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.

See More Location

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.

See More Rooms

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.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

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.