InterContinental Malta

Housed in a long salmon-colored building with white balconies and a big white roof jutting out from above the doors, the Intercontinental is hard to miss. Although located in the heart of the party area in St Julian’s, the lobby has a serene, luxurious feel to it, with blond wood paneling throughout, two-story windows, and warm lighting. The space is large and airy, with stairs going up and down, and several distinct areas. Located along the floor-to-ceiling windows, the main seating area is stylish and contemporary, with minimalist armchairs and couches in black, white, purple and tan, and several striking vase-shaped lacquered tables with fresh flowers. The front desk is directly opposite the lounge area, and has a sleek feel, with warm LED lighting, wood paneling, and a gleaming black countertop. A long, multi-level hallway leads to the hotel’s restaurants, meeting rooms and guest rooms. 

Outside, and sheltered by the building from the busy neighborhood, is a serene multi-level garden featuring koi ponds, small streams with artificial waterfalls, trees, and tables. The gym, the meeting rooms and the pool can be accessed directly from the garden via several sets of stairs.

A rooftop infinity pool and seasonal restaurant and bar, added in 2017, are accessible to guests staying in the Club rooms and Highline Suites (other guests must pay a steep fee), along with an executive lounge.

The Intercontinental Malta is located on a busy street in Paceville, St Julian’s bustling nightlife area. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs nearby, including a shopping and entertainment center across the street home to the Hard Rock Cafe Malta. The Malta Casino is located right below the lobby. St George’s Bay, found just a couple of minutes down the street, is one of the few sandy beaches in the area. The hotel has loungers, umbrellas, and a restaurant with outdoor seating there. Although somewhat unreliable, buses are a good way to move around the island, and there is a bus stop a three-minute walk from the hotel. St Julian’s Terminus, the area’s main bus station, is a five-minute walk away. Valletta and the airport are each a 20-minute drive from the Intercontinental Malta. 

The hotel has 481 spacious rooms, all with large windows, furnished balconies, and Mediterranean accents such as clay amphoras on wrought iron pedestals. All units were renovated in 2015 and 2016, and have sleek dark floors and smart contemporary decor with a smoky gray and baby blue palette. The rooms’ simple wood furniture with black accents is a tad generic, but soft yellow lights make the space warm, and padded headboards in khaki hues, as well as silver mirror frames add some style. All units have flat-screen TVs, fully stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but typically only suites have electric kettles. Bathrooms are clean and spacious, with glass-enclosed showers and separate soaking tubs. Views are average from most units. Executive level guests get access to the private Club Lounge, which comes with a number of nice perks, including breakfast, drinks, and snacks throughout the day. 

The Intercontinental has one of the best hotel fitness centers in Malta, with dozens of cardio and strength-training machines, a movement studio, group classes, a spinning room, and two indoor squash courts. The spa is luxurious and relaxing, with soothing yellow lights, wood wall paneling, and handsome wooden floors. Body treatments, salon services, saunas, steam rooms, and a Turkish hammam are all available here. The hotel features three pools: an indoor one in the spa, a large lagoon-style one outdoors with expansive views and palm trees, and a rooftop infinity pool accessible to guests staying in upgraded rooms with an accompanying bar. Additionally, there are a couple dozen loungers and umbrellas for guests at the private area on the public beach located down the street.

Directly overlooking the beach is Paranga, serving fresh fish and seafood in a casual dining room with outdoor seating. In addition, the hotel has four other dining options, including an al fresco garden eatery (open during summer months), a poolside grill, and a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant. This business-friendly property also has 24 meeting rooms, and an unstaffed business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and valet and self-parking are available for an extra fee. The kids’ club offers daily activities for children during peak season. The Club Intercontinental Lounge, added in 2017, includes an exclusive meeting room.