The best hotels in St. Julians

Solana sits right on Balluta Bay, which is hard to beat for the price. Rooms are compact and simply furnished but kept clean and the beds are comfortable. The breakfast is basic but included, which helps keep costs down. Noise from the bay-side promenade can be an issue on weekends, so request a room facing away from the water if you're a light sleeper.

Hotel Valentina is a solid mid-budget option just a short walk from Spinola Bay and the Paceville nightlife strip. The rooms are modern with good air conditioning and decent-sized bathrooms. Staff are friendly and genuinely helpful with restaurant recommendations. The rooftop pool is small but a real bonus at this price point.

The Radisson Blu sits directly on St. George's Bay with its own private lido, which makes it genuinely convenient for a beach-focused stay. Rooms are large by Maltese standards and the sea-view options are worth the upgrade. The on-site restaurant is reliable though not exceptional. It is a large resort property so the service can feel impersonal during peak season.

The Westin occupies its own small peninsula at Dragonara Point, which gives it a sense of seclusion unusual for St. Julian's. The private rocky beach and multiple pools are the highlights and the sea views from the upper floors are genuinely impressive. Rooms are well-appointed with comfortable beds and good linens. The casino next door is convenient if that appeals to you.

The InterContinental is one of the larger full-service hotels in St. Julian's and sits directly on St. George's Bay near the main shopping and dining areas. Conference facilities are among the best in Malta, making it a common choice for business travelers. The rooms are spacious and consistently well-maintained. The buffet breakfast is extensive and worth the extra cost if it is not included in your rate.

Le Meridien has one of the best positions in St. Julian's, overlooking Balluta Bay from a historic palazzo building. The spa is genuinely good and the indoor pool is a useful option during cooler months. Rooms blend period architecture with modern comfort and the higher floors have sweeping bay views. It is worth paying the supplement for a sea-facing room rather than settling for a city view.

AX The Palace sits on the main coastal road between Sliema and St. Julian's, within easy walking distance of both. The service here is a step above most other hotels in the area and the attention to detail in the rooms is noticeable. The rooftop pool and bar area are among the best in the region. Dining at the on-site restaurant is consistently good and the breakfast is one of the better hotel spreads on the island.

The Corinthia St. George's Bay is a large resort complex with multiple pools and direct access to a sheltered bay, which makes it well suited for families. The rooms are generously sized and the family room configurations are practical. Entertainment and activity options on-site mean you rarely need to leave the property. It can feel busy during July and August but the sheer size of the complex means it rarely feels crowded.

The Hilton Malta is part of the Portomaso Marina complex and the marina views from the upper floors are genuinely spectacular at night. Rooms are large, modern and very well equipped, with the club floor offering a noticeably higher level of service and amenities. The pool terrace overlooking the marina is one of the most attractive hotel outdoor spaces in Malta. Fine dining at the Paranga restaurant on the marina is worth booking separately even if you are not staying here.

The George is a small boutique property on St. George's Road in Paceville that punches well above its size in terms of quality and style. There are only a handful of suites, all individually decorated with locally sourced art and high-end finishes. The private rooftop plunge pool for penthouse guests is exceptional. Given the Paceville location you expect noise but the soundproofing is genuinely effective and the area is walkable to everything.