The best hotels in Sliema
Sliema has 3,000+ places to stay. Most are overpriced apartment conversions. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Sliema
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Valentina Guest House
Bisazza Street, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
Sliema Boutique Hostel
Tower Road, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Fortina Spa Resort
Tigné Point, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
The Palace Hotel
High Street, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel
The Strand, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
Bayview Hotel and Apartments
Qui-si-Sana, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Juliani
St. George's Bay, St. Julian's
Free cancellation & Pay later
Preluna Hotel and Spa
Tower Road, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
AX The Victoria Hotel
Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
Tigné Point Waterfront Residences by AX
Tigné Point, Sliema
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valentina Guest House | Bisazza Street, Sliema | $48–75/night | 7.6/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Sliema Boutique Hostel | Tower Road, Sliema | $62–90/night | 7.9/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Hotel Fortina Spa Resort | Tigné Point, Sliema | $110–175/night | 8.1/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | The Palace Hotel | High Street, Sliema | $130–200/night | 8.7/10 | Top Rated |
| 5 | Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel | The Strand, Sliema | $145–195/night | 8.4/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 6 | Bayview Hotel and Apartments | Qui-si-Sana, Sliema | $155–210/night | 8.2/10 | Family Friendly |
| 7 | Hotel Juliani | St. George's Bay, St. Julian's | $165–230/night | 8.8/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 8 | Preluna Hotel and Spa | Tower Road, Sliema | $185–245/night | 8.3/10 | Best Location |
| 9 | AX The Victoria Hotel | Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Sliema | $260–350/night | 9/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Tigné Point Waterfront Residences by AX | Tigné Point, Sliema | $310–480/night | 9.2/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Valentina Guest House
A straightforward guesthouse on a quiet side street off the main Bisazza shopping area. Rooms are small but tidy, with basic furnishings and decent air conditioning. The location puts you within a five-minute walk of the ferry to Valletta. Breakfast is not included but there are plenty of cafes nearby. Good choice if you just need a clean bed at a fair price.
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Sliema Boutique Hostel
Positioned on Tower Road with direct sea views from the upper-floor common area. Private rooms are compact but well-kept, and the shared bathrooms are cleaned regularly. The promenade is literally outside the front door, which makes early morning walks easy. Staff are helpful with bus routes and ferry schedules. Not glamorous, but delivers solid value for the area.
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Hotel Fortina Spa Resort
The Fortina sits right at Tigné Point, giving unobstructed views across the water to Valletta. The spa facilities are extensive and genuinely well-maintained, which sets this apart from similarly priced options. Rooms vary in size so it is worth requesting a sea-facing room at booking. The pool area fills up fast in summer. A reliable mid-range choice with real facilities behind it.
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The Palace Hotel
The Palace is a polished four-star property on High Street, central to everything Sliema has to offer. Rooms are stylishly finished with good soundproofing, which matters on this busy road. The rooftop pool is a genuine highlight with clear views over the rooftops toward Manoel Island. Service is consistently attentive without being intrusive. One of the better all-round hotels in the area.
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Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel
Pebbles occupies a converted townhouse steps from The Strand waterfront, offering apartment-style rooms with small kitchenettes. The interiors are tasteful with exposed stone walls and modern fixtures. It is a quieter option than the larger hotels on Tower Road. The Strand ferry terminal for Valletta is a short walk away. Ideal for longer stays where having your own space matters.
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Bayview Hotel and Apartments
Located in the Qui-si-Sana area at the quieter western end of the promenade, Bayview is a practical option for families. The apartment units come with full kitchens and separate living areas, which makes a real difference with young children. The rocky swimming area directly in front of the hotel is accessible and calm. Parking is limited so book a spot in advance. Friendly management who genuinely look after guests.
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Hotel Juliani
Hotel Juliani is a boutique property right on the St. Julian's waterfront, just over the boundary from Sliema. The rooms are individually styled and several have private terraces looking directly onto St. George's Bay. The Hugo's Terrace restaurant downstairs is one of the better dining spots in the area. It is a genuinely intimate hotel with only 43 rooms. Book the sea-view suite well in advance during summer.
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Preluna Hotel and Spa
The Preluna is one of the tallest buildings on Tower Road and the sea-facing rooms on the upper floors deliver exceptional views toward Valletta and the Grand Harbour. The lido and seawater pool at the base of the hotel give guests direct sea access without needing to travel. Rooms in the main tower are larger than the older wing so specify when booking. The spa is competent but not exceptional. A solid upper mid-range choice with a genuinely great position.
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AX The Victoria Hotel
The Victoria is one of Sliema's most refined hotels, housed in a restored Edwardian building on Gorg Borg Olivier Street. The interiors balance period detailing with genuinely luxurious modern fittings. The pool terrace is elegant and never feels overcrowded. Restaurant Victoria on the ground floor is worth a dinner reservation even if you are not staying here. Service is formal but warm, which is a difficult balance to strike.
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Tigné Point Waterfront Residences by AX
These luxury serviced residences sit at the tip of Tigné Point, offering some of the most dramatic views of Valletta's fortifications available anywhere in Malta. The apartments are spacious, fully equipped and finished to a genuinely high standard. The surrounding Tigné Point development has good restaurants and a shopping mall within the complex. Privacy is a real strength here compared to standard hotels. A premium option that justifies the price for the right traveler.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Sliema
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Tower Road: The Promenade Strip
Tower Road is the spine of Sliema. The 2-kilometer seafront walk connects the Strand ferry terminal to Balluta Bay with a string of hotels, cafes, and swimming spots along it. Most mid-range hotels sit here. Rooms above the 5th floor on the sea-facing side deliver uninterrupted views toward Valletta and the Three Cities across the harbour.
The stretch between Chalet and The Strand is the most commercially dense. Morning swimmers enter the water at the stone slipways around 7am before the sun gets serious. By noon it is crowded with day-trippers. Late evening is when locals walk it, which is the best time to see Sliema as it actually functions.
Tigné Point: The Upscale End
Tigné Point is a purpose-built peninsula at the northern tip of Sliema with luxury apartments, a shopping mall, and a handful of high-end hotels. The AX Victoria Hotel and the Waterfront Residences occupy the prime spots here. Prices reflect the exclusivity.
It is quieter than Tower Road and further from the ferry. The Tigné Point shopping complex has all the practical amenities. Views from the tip of the peninsula are genuinely spectacular toward Valletta and take in the full stretch of the Grand Harbour.
The Strand to Qui-si-Sana: The Quieter West
The Strand waterfront connects Sliema to Gzira and runs along Marsamxett Harbour facing Manoel Island. The ferry to Valletta departs from here every 30 minutes. This end of Sliema is less tourist-heavy than Tower Road and the restaurants are priced for locals.
Qui-si-Sana sits at the far western end where the promenade curves toward Balluta Bay. The rocky sea access here is calm and the atmosphere is more neighbourhood than resort strip. The Bayview Hotel is the main accommodation anchor in this area.
Getting Around Sliema
Sliema is walkable end to end in 30 minutes. Bus routes from The Strand connect to Valletta, the airport, and most of the island. The X4 airport express takes 35 minutes and costs €1.50. The ferry to Valletta is the fastest option for reaching the capital and runs approximately 7am to midnight.
Taxis in Malta use metered pricing. Rides within Sliema cost €5-8. A car is unnecessary for most stays unless you plan day trips to Mdina, Marsaxlokk, or Gozo. Car hire from the airport runs €20-35 per day in shoulder season.
Where to Eat in Sliema
The best honest value is on Bisazza Street and the streets running inland from Tower Road. Seafood restaurants at Qui-si-Sana charge fair prices and the freshness is consistent. Avoid the tourist menus directly on the promenade where a grilled fish dish runs €25-35 versus €15 two streets back.
For coffee and pastries, the independent cafe scene on St. Louis Street and around Pjazza Tigné is where locals go. Breakfast at a cafe near the Strand is €4-6 versus €10-15 at hotel breakfast buffets.
Day Trips from Sliema
Mdina, the old walled capital, is 30 minutes by bus from The Strand and worth a half day. The Blue Grotto sea caves are a 45-minute drive south. Gozo requires a 20-minute ferry from Cirkewwa, about 40 minutes from Sliema by bus or taxi.
The Three Cities across the Grand Harbour from Sliema are undervisited and genuinely interesting. The Vittoriosa water taxi from Sliema Strand takes 15 minutes. Most tourists skip them entirely, which means you will often have the narrow streets largely to yourself.
Sliema's best neighborhoods
Sliema runs along a peninsula with distinct areas: the bustling Tower Road promenade, upscale Tigné Point, quieter Qui-si-Sana to the west, and the Strand waterfront. Each has its own character and price range.
Tower Road 4 vetted hotels Sea views, promenade access, ferry within walking distance
Sea views, promenade access, ferry within walking distance
The most hotel-dense strip in Sliema, running along the eastern coast with views toward the open sea and St. Julians. Preluna Hotel and Sliema Boutique Hostel both sit here. The promenade makes early morning walks automatic.
Noise from Tower Road traffic is real. Upper-floor rooms on sea-facing sides reduce it significantly. The Strand ferry terminal for Valletta is a 10-minute walk south along the waterfront.
Tigné Point 2 vetted hotels Luxury peninsula, 180-degree harbour views, resort-level quiet
Luxury peninsula, 180-degree harbour views, resort-level quiet
Tigné Point is the premium end of Sliema. The AX Victoria Hotel and Waterfront Residences sit on this purpose-built peninsula with commanding views of Valletta fortifications across the water. It is further from the main action but noticeably calmer.
The Tigné shopping mall is inside the complex. Parking is available underground. The ferry is a 15-minute walk away along The Strand.
Qui-si-Sana 2 vetted hotels Family-friendly, quieter sea access, local neighbourhood feel
Family-friendly, quieter sea access, local neighbourhood feel
The western end of the Sliema promenade where the pace drops noticeably. The Bayview Hotel and Apartments sits here, favored by families for its direct rocky sea access and calm water. Bus connections to the rest of Malta are good from the nearby Sliema Ferries stop.
Restaurants and shops are a 10-minute walk toward Tower Road. The atmosphere is significantly more residential and less tourist-heavy than the main promenade stretch.
The Strand 2 vetted hotels Valletta ferry access, harbour views, boutique stays
Valletta ferry access, harbour views, boutique stays
The Strand runs along Marsamxett Harbour facing Manoel Island. This is where the Valletta ferry departs. Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel sits here in a converted townhouse steps from the ferry terminal. The view across to Manoel Island is pleasant without being the dramatic open-sea vista that Tower Road offers.
Walking distance to the main commercial areas of Sliema. Less tourist-saturated than Tower Road, with local restaurants and a genuine neighbourhood feel on the back streets.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Sliema.
Romantic
Hotel Juliani at the St. Julians border and Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel on The Strand are the best picks for couples. Evening promenade walks as the Valletta lights reflect on the water are genuinely special.
Culture
Sliema is the gateway to Valletta, 8 minutes by ferry. The National Museum of Archaeology, St. Johns Co-Cathedral, and the Three Cities are all within easy reach. Stay on The Strand for the fastest access.
Family
Qui-si-Sana is the family end of Sliema. Bayview Hotel has direct rocky sea access with calm shallow entry, full kitchen apartments, and supervised swimming. The bus network covers the whole island from nearby stops.
Budget
Valentina Guest House on Bisazza Street from $48 is the best honest budget option. Sliema Boutique Hostel on Tower Road adds a sea view from the common area at $62. Both are a short walk to the Valletta ferry.
Beach
Sliema has rocky sea access, not sand. The Preluna Hotel lido and the Fortina pool give the nearest beach-like experience. For real sand, bus to Golden Bay (45 min) or walk 20 minutes to Balluta Bay in St. Julians.
Foodie
The best food is off Tower Road. Seafood at Qui-si-Sana restaurants runs €12-18 for a main. The covered market behind Bisazza Street has good fresh produce. Cafe culture on St. Louis Street is solid for breakfast.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Sliema
When to visit Sliema and what to pay.
Spring (Mar-May)
May is the sweet spot. The sea is warming up, restaurants are open, and prices are 30-40% below peak. Easter week (late March or April) brings crowds from mainland Europe, so book 6 weeks ahead if visiting then. Late April and May are nearly perfect.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
July and August are full tourist season. Tower Road is busy all day. Prices are at maximum and rooms on the waterfront book months ahead. The sea is warm for swimming. If you must come in summer, book Qui-si-Sana end for quieter sea access.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
September and October are often the most pleasant months. The sea stays warm well into October and prices drop significantly after the first week of September. October evenings are ideal for promenade walks. Most restaurants and attractions stay fully open.
Winter (Nov-Feb)
Malta is mild in winter by European standards but some beach facilities close. Hotels drop to their lowest rates. Valletta cultural events pick up from November onward. Wind off the sea can be cold. Good for sightseeing, not for swimming.
Booking Tips for Sliema
Insider tips for booking hotels in Sliema.
Book ferry-access rooms over beach views
Sliema has no sandy beach. A Tower Road sea view is impressive but you will use the Valletta ferry more than any swimming spot. Properties near The Strand give better practical access to the island. Ferry runs every 30 minutes, costs €1.50.
Request upper-floor sea-facing rooms explicitly
Most Tower Road hotels have lower floors facing car parks or busy roads. Call ahead after booking to confirm a sea view. Upper floors at Preluna Hotel (floor 8+) and the AX Victoria have genuinely different experiences than ground level.
Use the Strand Ferries transport hub
The Sliema Ferries bus terminus near The Strand is the main hub for buses to the airport, Valletta, Mdina, and the rest of Malta. Routes X4 (airport, 35 min), 13 (Valletta via the bypass), and 62 (Mdina) all depart from here.
Eat inland from Tower Road to halve your bill
The promenade restaurants charge tourist rates. Two blocks inland on Bisazza Street and the surrounding area, prices drop 30-40% for the same quality. Ask your hotel for honest restaurant recommendations rather than the tourist strip obvious choices.
Avoid renting a car if staying in Sliema
Parking in Sliema is genuinely difficult. The main Tower Road has no street parking. Tigné Point has a paid underground car park at €6-8/day. A car is only worth it for day trips to Gozo or Marsaxlokk. Otherwise bus and ferry cover everything.
Book Tigné Point hotels for a longer stay
Tigné Point Waterfront Residences and AX Victoria work well for stays of 4 nights or more. The self-catering facilities reduce daily costs and the quieter environment is better for sleep. For 1-2 night stays, Tower Road hotels give more immediate atmosphere.
Hotels in Sliema — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Sliema.
What is the best area to stay in Sliema?
Tower Road for sea views and easy Valletta ferry access. The promenade stretches 2 kilometers and most mid-range hotels sit along it. Tigné Point is quieter and more residential, better for longer stays. Avoid the inland streets near Bisazza if sea access matters to you.
How far is Sliema from Valletta?
The Sliema-Valletta ferry takes 8 minutes and departs from The Strand every 30 minutes. Cost is about €1.50 each way. Walking via the ferry is faster than driving and parking is painful in both cities. Ferries run roughly 7am to midnight.
Is Sliema good for families?
Yes, especially the Qui-si-Sana end of the promenade. The rocky sea access is calm enough for children and the Bayview Hotel area has shallow entry points. The main Tower Road has heavy traffic so cross carefully with kids. Most supermarkets and pharmacies are within 5 minutes walk.
What is the best time to visit Sliema?
May and October. Summer heat (30-35C in July-August) is manageable but hotels charge peak rates and the promenade gets crowded. May gives warm evenings and significantly cheaper rates, often 40% less than July. October is ideal for walking the promenade without sweating through your shirt.
Are there beaches in Sliema?
Sliema has rocky sea access rather than sandy beaches. The promenade has several entry points with stone steps into calm Mediterranean water. Sandy beaches are a 20-minute bus ride to Golden Bay or a 10-minute walk to Balluta Bay in St. Julians. Most hotels have private lido areas.
How do I get from Sliema to the airport?
Bus route X4 runs directly from Sliema to Malta International Airport in about 35 minutes and costs €1.50. A taxi takes 20 minutes and runs €15-20 depending on traffic. Uber does not operate in Malta. Book a licensed taxi through the eCabs app for fixed pricing.
What is there to do in Sliema at night?
The Tower Road promenade is pleasant for an evening walk. Restaurants cluster around Qui-si-Sana and The Strand. For nightlife, St. Julians is a 10-minute walk north, with Paceville having the main clubs and bars. Sliema itself is calmer and quieter after 10pm.
Is Sliema expensive compared to Valletta?
Hotel prices in Sliema run roughly €120-350 per night versus €80-280 in Valletta. Restaurants are slightly cheaper along Tower Road than in Valletta city center. Beer costs around €3-4 at most promenade bars. Overall Sliema is slightly pricier but the waterfront access justifies it for most guests.
What should I avoid in Sliema?
Avoid rooms facing inland on busy residential roads like Bisazza Street if noise matters. Skip the inflated tour operators near the ferry terminal, the same boat trips leave from the Strand at half the price. Restaurants directly on the promenade markup food 30-40% for the view.
Can I walk from Sliema to St. Julians?
Yes. The coastal walk from Tower Road along the promenade to Balluta Bay takes about 20 minutes at a normal pace. The route passes St. Georges Bay and is flat and well lit at night. It is one of the best evening walks in Malta.
Which Sliema hotels have the best sea views?
Preluna Hotel on Tower Road has exceptional upper-floor views toward Valletta. Tigné Point Waterfront Residences at the tip of the peninsula offer 180-degree harbour views. Hotel Fortina at Tigné Point has good Valletta skyline views from upper rooms. Request sea-facing rooms at booking.
Is parking easy in Sliema?
No. Sliema has limited street parking and the main Tower Road has none. The Tigné Point underground car park is the most reliable option at around €6-8 per day. Most Tower Road hotels do not have their own parking. If you rent a car, budget for paid parking or stay at Qui-si-Sana where street parking exists.