Imperial Hotel

Established in 1865, the Imperial is one of the oldest hotels in Malta. The grand 18th-century villa housing it was originally the private residence of a Maltese noble, and was later used by the British governors as their hunting lodge. The hotel looks a little run-down from the outside, with a simple neon light on one side of the building, and a weathered facade. However, its arched windows and lovely stone balustrades are traces of the building’s grand past. 

Designed in the traditional Victorian style popular in that period, the building still retains most of its original architectural elements, both in common spaces and rooms. The lobby is stately and elegant, with arched doorways, antique-style furniture, delicate crystal chandeliers, marble finishes, and two grand staircases. High ceilings, heavy drapes, painted tiles, and ornate golden mirror frames add to the historic feel in hallways and lounges. Some areas are looking a little worn or dated, but some will feel that this only adds to the hotel's character.

The hotel is built around a charming central courtyard full of plants and flowers, and several decks offer lots of space to sunbathe and relax. The centerpiece of the courtyard is the pool, separated from the bar area by a set of lovely limestone arches. 

The hotel is located right in the heart of Sliema, offering easy walking access to dining and drinking along the lively promenade, and to ferries to Valletta. The building sits on the corner of two streets that get foot and vehicle traffic during the day, but the area is one of the quietest in Sliema at night. The walk to the promenade takes about 10 minutes, but the hotel is on a slope, and those with mobility issues may want to take the bus or a cab instead. St. Julian’s nightlife area is a 10-minute drive away, and Valletta can be reached in about 15 minutes. The airport and the historic towns of Rabat and Mdina are all a 25-minute drive from the hotel. It’s a 40-minute drive to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, where ferries to Gozo Island dock. 

The hotel has 95 spacious, clean rooms, all featuring simple traditional decor with wrought-iron headboards, thin bedspreads, and basic wooden furniture showing some wear and tear. All rooms have charming historic elements such as high ceilings and huge double wooden doors, but the style could use an update. In-room amenities are also basic, with just small tube TVs, electric kettles, air-conditioning, and a couple of soap bars. Wi-Fi is free and fast, but there are extra fees for safes and mini-fridges. A few adaptors are available for a deposit at front desk. Bathrooms are clean and overall nice, with either showers or shower/tub combos, and cute painted tiles in some. A few rooms have spacious terraces overlooking the pool and the courtyard. Light sleepers may want to request a room at the end of the hallway, as noise from the common spaces can carry.

Set in the hotel’s charming courtyard amid plants and limestone arches, the pool has a serene atmosphere that feels a world away from the bustling city center. There are a couple dozen loungers around the pool, and additional ones on a deck above the courtyard. Towels can be borrowed for a deposit, and bar service is available during the warmer months. Windsor Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a spacious dining room with wooden floors, orange walls, ceiling moldings and arched niches displaying classic statues. At night, the lobby bar is a popular spot for a drink. The hotel also offers meeting space, including an auditorium for up to 250 guests, and there are a few parking spots available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.