Hotel Valentina

The Hotel Valentina is a sought-after fashionable option for couples who want easy access to Malta’s trendiest nightlife, including the hip lounges on-site. Black balcony railings pop against the stark white facade of the modern six-floor hotel that has a gay-friendly reputation. The lobby lounge has two floors of glass windows and silver framed white, orange, and yellow cushioned chairs. A wooden terrace -- with greenery bursting from planters -- offers additional chic seating for the 24-hour lobby bar. Much like the surrounding area, Hotel Valentina comes alive at night with colorful LED lights. Designed like a nightclub, hallways have striped black and white carpeting, velvety chaises in some, and illuminated floor and room numbers on walls. Overall it is a chic, somewhat sultry property that excels both in design and service. 

Paceville is known for its lively nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants that surround the hotel. The Portomaso Casino is less than 1,000 feet (300 meters) away. If travelers can’t find what they want here, more dining options are in Spinola Bay, also home to the Love Monument, a short eight-minute walk away. The Portomaso Marina, Dragonara Casino, and man-made St. George's Bay beach are all within 10 minutes from the hotel (in different directions). Hotel Valentina has free secured parking, and the Ross bus stop is five minutes away on foot. Sliema is 11 minutes by car, and from there a ferry goes to Valletta, with the St. John’s Co-Cathedral. It’s 30 minutes by car to the Golden Bay beach. Malta International Airport is an hour away by car.

Color-blocked designs -- in purple, gray, and white -- are paired with contemporary wall collages in rooms that have a trendy feel. Spaces are small, especially Comfort Single Rooms, the lowest category, but some rooms have balconies that face the city (though some have unattractive views of other buildings). Family Rooms -- which are an unusual perk in the area -- are convenient for travelers with kids. Superior Double and Twin Rooms have loveseats with funky wallpaper designs. Penthouse Suites, which are on the top floor with separate living areas, and Junior Executive Rooms have lounge chairs on terraces, plus bathrobes. (Hotel Valentina plans to add whirlpool tubs to these rooms in future.) Four accessible rooms are also available. Every room has ceiling fans, irons, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, safes, electric kettles, and flat-screen TVs. Modern bathrooms have fun LED lights, showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

At night when Paceville lights up, so does Hotel Valentina’s rooftop pool with lounge chairs on a wooden deck and a bar. The infinity pool is particularly striking with a glass edge that seems to drop off over the city's skyline. Unfortunately, the pool and bar are only open in the warmer months. As an alternative, the lobby’s Martini Bar offers cocktails 24 hours a day with an illuminated facade and a terrace and mod black and white lounge. The breakfast room looks down on the lobby from floor-to-ceiling windows in a stylish dining room. A free continental breakfast is served, though lunch and dinner service aren’t offered. But The Avenue restaurant, under the same management, is 160 feet (50 meters) away, and guests get a 10 percent discount. There’s also free parking in a two-floor garage. Meetings can be held in the modern Esther room with audiovisual equipment and coffee service on request. Two Apple computers are in a business center in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout.