I stayed in Malta's first five-star hotel

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Right on the doorstep of the capital, Valletta, and the only world leading hotel In Malta, this 1920s hotel with an interesting history oozes luxury, allowing visitors to relax in its tranquil spa, seven acres of gardens and. grand infinity pool

Place

Just outside the main entrance to town, Phenicia is only a few minutes’ walk from all the main bars Restaurants in VallettaDespite this, as it is located within its own large gardens and next to the city’s fortification walls, the hotel is quiet at night and offers incredible panoramic views across Marsamuxet Harbour, It’s less than a 30-minute drive Malta International Airport And well located for exploring the rest of the island.

stretch

The Phenicia is only a few minutes' walk from all of Valletta's main bars and restaurants — The Phenicia is only a few minutes’ walk from all of Valletta’s main bars and restaurants ,sian alvin,

The Phenicia proudly bills itself as the island’s first five-star hotel, and the property’s decor reflects this in both its historic and opulent elements. Its construction began just before World War II, and its opening was delayed after damage caused by bombing. But its foundation stood and the hotel’s first visitor was eventually welcomed in 1947, followed by the then-newly married Princess Elizabeth in 1949.

Its art collection symbolizes its heritage, including the work of Maltese artist Edward Caruana Dingli. It also features a “Living Gallery”, which showcases a different local artist each month.

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Service

The friendly hotel staff could not have been more eager to help with any requests or queries, ensuring we were well looked after throughout our stay. The restaurant team is particularly helpful when taking dietary requirements into account and the spa team also makes every effort to ensure our comfort.

bed and bath

The tiled simplicity of the Mediterranean floors and decor felt serene ,sian alvin,

The hotel has 132 rooms, ranging from classic to deluxe. The rooms are simple and styled with Mediterranean floors in deep blue and cream and the decor feels serene and in keeping with 1940s architecture. The room and bathroom weren’t very large, but it created a cozy feel rather than a lot of unnecessary space that sometimes comes with larger hotels. The real star of the show is the balcony – if you have a room it includes one of the most stunning views of Malta and a small table and chairs to accommodate late-night drinks before bed.

Food and Drink

The catch of the day, Pagru, was crispy on the outside and perfectly flaky on the inside ,sian alvin,

Before my first visit to Malta, I had high expectations of lots of fish and seafood as part of its cuisine, and imagined everything to be super fresh. And an evening spent at Contessa, Phoenicia’s main restaurant, certainly didn’t disappoint – with a focus on seasonal dishes and local produce, I couldn’t resist going for the seafood. The red prawn crudo to start was deliciously drenched in olive oil, and the catch of the day, paguru, a type of sea bream usually served in Valletta, was crisp on the outside and perfectly flaky on the inside.

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As someone with celiac disease, it was refreshing to dine at a hotel that had a wide range of gluten-free options and the staff were confident in meeting my dietary needs. Buffet breakfasts are often a no-go for me, but I had fresh items from the kitchen and the eggs station cooked to order meant I couldn’t leave without breakfast. Service was often slow when bringing gluten-free dishes to me, but I’m always happy to wait, as it shows that the kitchen staff is working carefully to ensure my safety.

facilities

The outdoor infinity pool is an Instagram spot not to be missed ,sian alvin,

The main attraction of this property is the amenities offered here. Since we visited off-season when the weather was a little cooler, we made the most of the indoor areas. The hot pool and salty sauna were dimly lit, creating a tranquil atmosphere. I opted for the Phenicia Signature Massage, which was different from any massage I’d had before. It was almost ritualistic in nature, switching between using hot stones and bamboo to roll out my muscles. My masseuse checked that I was comfortable at every level, which really helped me relax. The outdoor area offers pristine gardens perfect for sipping in the sun and a charming infinity pool that’s so picture-perfect you almost won’t want to go inside and ruin the incredible views of the city.

simple use

Accessible twin rooms are available, and they have wet room floors, lower sinks, and high-level toilets.

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pet policy

Pets up to 12 kg are allowed, there are pet-friendly rooms and a garden for walking. They are also allowed at dinner.

check in check out

Check in is from 3pm and check out is at 12 noon. Early check in and late check out are also available subject to availability.

family friendly?

Children of any age are welcome and cots for children up to two years of age can be provided free of charge. There are no extra beds available and children aged 13 and over will be charged the same rate as adults.

at a glance

Best thing: Seafood-focused Contessa Restaurant

Perfect for: Those who want a convenient location to reach Valletta

The bathroom was not very big, but created a comfortable environment ,sian alvin,

Not suitable for: those with tight budgets

From Instagram: Expansive gardens and outdoor infinity pool

Address: The Mall, Floriana, FRN 1478, Malta

phone: +356 2122 5241

Website: phoeniciamalta.com

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