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 10 Top Picks in Sliema
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Verdi Gzira Promenade
Sliema
$193/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Courtyard by Marriott Sliema
Sliema
$303/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Ta' Tereża in Manwel Dimech
Sliema
$161/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Land's End Boutique Hotel
Sliema
$195/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
AX The Palace Malta
Sliema
$192/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Two Pillows Boutique Hostel
Sliema
$104/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
AX The Victoria Hotel
Sliema
$160/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
Sliema
$337/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Palazzo Violetta
Sliema
$152/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa, Sliema Malta
Sliema
$258/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Verdi Gzira Promenade
You're on the Gzira promenade, which means the Valletta ferry is a 5-minute walk. At $193 for a 4.8-rated property, this is one of the best value plays in the area. Sea-facing rooms are worth the slight premium. Book direct if you can. Hard to find this combination of location, quality, and price anywhere nearby.
Address:Verdi Gzira Promenade, The Strand, 113, Gżira GZR 1028, Malta
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Courtyard by Marriott Sliema
$303 is steep for a Courtyard, but the 4.8 rating across 382 guests backs it up. You're in central Sliema, close to Tower Road and a short bus ride to St. Julian's. The rooftop pool is the real sell in summer. Just know you're paying Marriott premium prices for what is technically a mid-tier brand.
Address:Courtyard by Marriott Sliema, WG74+JCW, L. Graham, Tas-Sliema SLM1712, Malta
Neighborhood:Tigné
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Ta' Tereża in Manwel Dimech
No star rating, but 826 guests gave it 4.7. That's more honest than a badge. At $161, you're on Manwel Dimech Street in the quieter residential part of Sliema, about a 10-minute walk from the waterfront. Don't expect hotel amenities. Do expect a clean, well-run spot that consistently earns its praise.
Address:Ta' Tereża in Manwel Dimech, 113 Triq Manwel Dimech Tas-Sliema, SLM 1053, Malta
Neighborhood:Sliema Center
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Land's End Boutique Hotel
One of the highest-rated boutiques in Sliema. The name fits: you're at the quiet tip of the peninsula, away from the ferry crowds near Qui-Si-Sana promenade. Pricing varies by season, so check directly before assuming the rate. But the 4.8 across nearly 400 reviews suggests it earns whatever they charge. Sea views are the main event.
Address:Land's End Boutique Hotel, 42 Tigné Seafront, Tas-Sliema SLM 3011, Malta
Neighborhood:Tigné
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AX The Palace Malta
A 5-star at $192 is a steal for Malta. AX is a solid local brand, not an international chain, which means service tends to be warmer. You're on Sliema's main Tower Road and a direct bus to Valletta takes under 15 minutes. The pool complex is proper. Expect comfortable, well-maintained rooms rather than cutting-edge design.
Address:AX The Palace Malta, Triq Il - Kbira, Tas-Sliema SLM 1542, Malta
Neighborhood:Tigné
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Two Pillows Boutique Hostel
The best budget pick on this list. $104 a night for a 4.7-rated spot in central Sliema is hard to argue with. It's technically a hostel, so don't expect palatial rooms. But you're close to the Sliema Ferries terminal, Valletta's a 10-minute crossing, and the vibe works well for both solo travelers and couples.
Address:Two Pillows Boutique Hostel, 49-50, Triq San Piju V Sliema SLM, Malta
Neighborhood:Tigné
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AX The Victoria Hotel
The Victoria sits at $160 and punches above its weight. Over 2,000 reviews at 4.6 means this isn't luck. It's AX's classic Sliema property, positioned well for the promenade restaurants along The Strand. Rooms are comfortable but not flashy. If you want a reliable 4-star without surprises or inflated pricing, this is your pick.
Address:AX The Victoria Hotel, Gorg Borg Olivier Street Sliema, SLM 1807, Malta
Neighborhood:Tigné
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Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
The most expensive option here and the most resort-like. At $337 you're getting the full package: proper spa, multiple pools, the works. It sits in Balluta Bay, between Sliema and St. Julian's, with restaurants and bars right outside. Worth it if you want to stay put and be pampered. Not worth it if you plan to explore.
Address:Malta Marriott Resort & Spa, 39 Main Street Balluta Bay, St Julian's STJ 1017, Malta
Neighborhood:Il-Balluta
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Palazzo Violetta
A converted palazzo tucked into Sliema's quieter residential streets, away from the tourist-heavy waterfront. At $152, you get character over convenience. The period details are the draw. But if you need a pool or gym, look elsewhere. Balluta Bay is a 10-minute walk, and buses to Valletta stop close by.
Address:Palazzo Violetta, 70 Triq Tonna, Tas-Sliema, Malta
Neighborhood:Sliema Center
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1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa, Sliema Malta
$258 for a 4.4 rating puts this at the upper edge of what Sliema justifies. The spa is the clear selling point. You're on the waterfront promenade, great for evening walks. But for $60 less you can get a higher-rated property on the same strip. Know exactly what you're paying for before you commit.
Address:1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa, Sliema Malta, Thornton, Tas-Sliema SLM 3143, Malta
Neighborhood:Tigné
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Sliema.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verdi Gzira Promenade | 4.8 | 769 | 4★ | $190/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Courtyard by Marriott Sliema | 4.8 | 382 | 4★ | $300/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Ta' Tereża in Manwel Dimech | 4.7 | 826 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $160/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Land's End Boutique Hotel | 4.8 | 394 | 4★ | $200/night | Book → | |
| 5 | AX The Palace Malta | 4.6 | 2 937 | 5★ | $190/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Two Pillows Boutique Hostel | 4.7 | 642 | 3★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 7 | AX The Victoria Hotel | 4.6 | 2 116 | 4★ | $160/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Malta Marriott Resort & Spa | 4.5 | 1 996 | 5★ | $340/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Palazzo Violetta | 4.5 | 437 | 4★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 10 | 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa, Sliema Malta | 4.4 | 1 696 | 4★ | $260/night | Book → | |
| 11 | The Waterfront Hotel | 4.4 | 2 590 | 4★ | $230/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Marea Boutique Hotels | 4.7 | 103 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $140/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Barceló Fortina Malta | 4.4 | 505 | 5★ | $290/night | Book → | |
| 14 | The Londoner Hotel Sliema | 4.4 | 279 | 3★ | $200/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Strand Suites | 4.4 | 238 | 3★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 16 | The Sliema Suites | 4.5 | 95 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $130/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel | 4.4 | 626 | 3★ | $140/night | Book → | |
| 18 | Azur Hotel by ST Hotels | 4.3 | 2 250 | 3★ | $140/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Eleven by Warren Collection | 4.4 | 100 | 3★ | $130/night | Book → | |
| 20 | Privilege Suit SLiema - Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View | 5.0 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $140/night | Book → |
Where 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 hotel regions
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.
Browse all Tower Road hotels → 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.
Browse all Tigné Point hotels → 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.
Browse all Qui-si-Sana hotels → 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.
Browse all The Strand hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
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.
We reviewed 3,000+ Sliema listings. Focus: waterfront access, proximity to the Valletta ferry, and honest value versus the tourist tax many Tower Road hotels charge.
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.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Sliema
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
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
Smart booking strategies for 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
Straight answers from our team.
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.
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