The best hotels in St. Julians
St. Julians has 4,000+ places to stay across its bays and marinas. Most miss what makes each part different. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our 10 Top Picks in St. Julians
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Hilton Malta
St Julians
$375/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hyatt Regency Malta
St Julians
$227/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Holiday Inn Express Malta by IHG
St Julians
$145/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
St Julians
$348/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Valentina
St Julians
$139/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hyatt Centric Malta
St Julians
$234/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
St Julians
$338/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Mistral St. Julian's, Affiliated by Meliá
St Julians
$129/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Mercure St. Julian's Malta
St Julians
$151/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Onyx Hotel Malta
St Julians
$103/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Hilton Malta
The rooftop pool and Balluta Bay sea views are genuinely impressive. At $375 you're paying for Hilton brand assurance and a guaranteed five-star experience in St Julian's. If you want zero surprises, this delivers. Just book a sea-view room or you're missing the point entirely.
Address:Hilton Malta, Vjal Portomaso, San Ġiljan STJ 4012, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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Hyatt Regency Malta
Best value five-star in St Julian's at $227. It's quieter than the Hilton and further from Paceville's noise, which you'll appreciate if you're not here to party. The spa and pools are top-notch. Easy walk to Spinola Bay's seafood restaurants. Fewer reviews than the Hilton but the scores match.
Address:Hyatt Regency Malta, 77 Triq Sqaq Lourdes, San Ġiljan STJ 3311, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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Holiday Inn Express Malta by IHG
A 4.7 from nearly 2,000 reviews is hard to argue with. It's no-frills but genuinely good value at $145. You're walking distance from Spinola Bay and a short bus ride to Valletta. Don't expect a pool or spa. Do expect clean, comfortable, and reliably consistent. IHG's budget brand does its job.
Address:Holiday Inn Express Malta by IHG, Saint Augustine Street, St Julian's STJ 3310, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
Sits on its own peninsula between St Julian's and Paceville, with sea on three sides. The private beach access is the real differentiator at $348. Slightly cheaper than the Hilton with a more resort feel. Pools, water sports, direct sea access. Worth it if you're staying more than two nights.
Address:The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta, Dragonara Road St. Julian's, STJ 3143, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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Hotel Valentina
Right in St Julian's centre, walking distance to Spinola Bay and the local bars. Stylish for a three-star, with a rooftop terrace that punches above its weight. At $139 you're getting design-hotel style without the five-star price. Rooms are smaller than you'd expect but the location compensates. Popular with younger crowds.
Address:Hotel Valentina, Dobbie, San Ġiljan, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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Hyatt Centric Malta
Only 362 reviews but that 4.7 holds up. It's the newest five-star in the area, which means fresher rooms and a staff that's still trying hard. At $234 it's the best-priced five-star option in St Julian's. Spinola Bay and the bus hub to Valletta are a short walk. Book it soon.
Address:Hyatt Centric Malta, Triq Santu Wistin, San Ġiljan SWQ3312, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
Balluta Bay location puts you steps from the water and walking distance to local restaurants. The spa is proper, not just a label. At $338 it's competitive with the Westin. Lowest five-star score here at 4.5 but still solid. Slightly dated decor in some rooms but service holds up well.
Address:Malta Marriott Resort & Spa, 39 Main Street Balluta Bay, St Julian's STJ 1017, Malta
Neighborhood:Il-Balluta
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Hotel Mistral St. Julian's, Affiliated by Meliá
Only 246 reviews but they're almost all positive. Meliá affiliation means brand standards are enforced. At $129 you're getting the cheapest Meliá property on the island. Small hotel feel, personal service. Walking distance to Sliema ferry and St Julian's restaurants. Limited facilities but that's the trade-off at this price.
Address:Hotel Mistral St. Julian's, Affiliated by Meliá, Luigi Apap c, L. Apap, w, Francis Zammit Street, St Julian's, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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Mercure St. Julian's Malta
Fills the gap between budget three-stars and luxury five-stars well. At $151 you get a pool, proper four-star amenities, and Accor's reliable standards. Paceville nightlife is nearby if you want it. Not flashy but consistently delivers. A solid call for couples or business travelers who don't need a full resort.
Address:Mercure St. Julian's Malta, Qaliet, San Ġiljan STJ 3257, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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Onyx Hotel Malta
Cheapest on this list at $103. Boutique feel for a three-star, so it's not a faceless budget chain. St Julian's location means bars and restaurants are walkable. The 4.5 from 539 reviews is honest. No pool, no spa. But you'll get a clean, stylish room at the best price in the area.
Address:Onyx Hotel Malta, Ross street, San Ġiljan STJ 3246, Malta
Neighborhood:Paceville
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in St. Julians.
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 | Hilton Malta | 4.7 | 7 253 | 5★ | $380/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Hyatt Regency Malta | 4.7 | 1 187 | 5★ | $230/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Holiday Inn Express Malta by IHG | 4.7 | 1 957 | 3★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 4 | The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta | 4.6 | 3 795 | 5★ | $350/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Hotel Valentina | 4.6 | 1 308 | 3★ | $140/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Hyatt Centric Malta | 4.7 | 362 | 5★ | $230/night | Book → | |
| 7 | Malta Marriott Resort & Spa | 4.5 | 1 996 | 5★ | $340/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Hotel Mistral St. Julian's, Affiliated by Meliá | 4.7 | 246 | 3★ | $130/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Mercure St. Julian's Malta | 4.5 | 1 513 | 4★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Onyx Hotel Malta | 4.5 | 539 | 3★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 11 | IVY Hotel | 4.6 | 287 | 3★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Balcony Hotel | 4.7 | 82 | 3★ | $120/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Verdi St. George's Bay Marina | 4.4 | 3 038 | 4★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Hotel Levante St. Julian's, Affiliated by Meliá | 4.8 | 50 | 3★ | $120/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Ddream Hotel Malta | 4.4 | 430 | 3★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 16 | Number 11, St. Julian's Malta - Handwritten Collection | 4.4 | 463 | 3★ | $140/night | Book → | |
| 17 | The District Hotel | 4.3 | 518 | 3★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 18 | be.Hotel, St Julian's, Malta. | 4.3 | 3 908 | 4★ | $180/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Prime Seaside Spot! St Julians Luxury Apartment | 4.4 | 61 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $220/night | Book → | |
| 20 | SOCITY HOTEL | 4.3 | 313 | 3★ | $120/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in St. Julians
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay: The Character Core
Balluta Bay is the most photogenic part of St. Julians, a small sandy cove with a Baroque chapel at one end and a string of cafes along the promenade. Le Meridien overlooks the bay from its palazzo building. Solana Hotel sits right on the water at budget prices. Morning swimmers here are locals, not tourists.
Spinola Bay connects to Balluta Bay on the north side. The fishing boats still park in the bay and the surrounding restaurants are generally better quality than the tourist strip further south. Hotel Valentina sits between the two bays, which is a practical mid-budget location.
Paceville: Nightlife Central (and What to Avoid)
Paceville is the main nightlife district in Malta, concentrated along St. George Road and the streets branching off it. Clubs, bars, and late-night restaurants run until 4am on weekends from June through September. The George Hotel is the boutique option in this area, genuinely well soundproofed.
If you are not here for nightlife, avoid Paceville hotels completely. The noise on summer weekends is significant and starts around 10pm. Hotels at Balluta Bay and Portomaso Marina are 5-10 minutes walk away but a world apart in atmosphere.
St. George Bay: Beach Hotels and Resort Stays
St. George Bay is where most of the big resort hotels sit: Radisson Blu, InterContinental, and Corinthia all face this bay directly. The beach here is small but usable and private lido facilities are good. Bus connections to the airport and Valletta are excellent from this area.
The InterContinental is the business traveler anchor, with conference facilities and reliable service. Corinthia is the family resort with multiple pools and bay access. Both are professionally run but can feel impersonal during peak season when guest numbers are high.
Portomaso Marina: Luxury and Quiet
Portomaso Marina is a private marina complex at the northeastern end of St. Julians, anchored by the Hilton Malta. The superyacht setting is genuine and the marina views from upper floors are among the best in the country. The Paranga restaurant on the waterfront is worth a special dinner.
The marina complex includes a casino, shops, and dining. It is quieter than any other part of St. Julians, which is the main reason to pay the premium. A 5-minute walk gets you to St. George Bay and the Paceville area if you want action.
Dragonara Point: Peninsula Seclusion
Dragonara Point is a small peninsula about 10 minutes walk north of Paceville with the Westin Dragonara occupying most of it. The private rocky beach and multiple pools make it feel like a separate small resort rather than a hotel on the main strip.
The Dragonara Casino is adjacent, which is convenient for some and irrelevant for others. The upper floors of the Westin have exceptional sea views in three directions. For a stay that feels removed from the main tourist flow, this is the best option in St. Julians.
Getting Around from St. Julians
The main bus stop near Balluta Bay connects to Valletta (routes 12 and X1), the airport (X1 direct), and Sliema (bus 13). The X1 airport route takes about 45 minutes and costs €1.50. The Sliema-Valletta ferry is a 10-minute walk and is faster than any bus for reaching Valletta.
Taxis within St. Julians cost €5-8. eCabs is the reliable app for fixed-price metered rides across Malta. Driving within St. Julians is genuinely difficult due to narrow streets and limited parking. Most guests do not need a car for the duration of their stay.
St. Julians's best hotel regions
St. Julians divides into distinct areas: Balluta Bay for seafront character, Spinola Bay for restaurants, Paceville for nightlife, Dragonara Point for seclusion, and Portomaso Marina for luxury. Each area has a different character and price range.
Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay 3 vetted hotels Best character, Baroque chapel, fishing boats, walkable to everywhere
Best character, Baroque chapel, fishing boats, walkable to everywhere
This is the most genuinely pleasant area of St. Julians. Balluta Bay has a small sandy beach and the surrounding streets are full of cafes and restaurants that locals actually use. Solana Hotel from $55 gives direct bay access. Le Meridien in the palazzo building is the romantic pick.
Spinola Bay connects on the north side. The fishing boats parked in the bay give it a working harbour feel that the rest of St. Julians has largely lost. Hotel Valentina sits between the two bays at honest mid-budget prices.
Browse all Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay hotels → Paceville 1 vetted hotel Nightlife, boutique luxury, no sleep on weekends
Nightlife, boutique luxury, no sleep on weekends
Paceville is Maltas main nightlife hub. The George Hotel is the only boutique option here and it is genuinely well soundproofed, which is the only reason to stay in this area without a nightlife agenda.
Clubs run until 4am on summer weekends. Restaurants on St. George Road are open late. Everything else you need is within 10 minutes walk.
Browse all Paceville hotels → St. George Bay 3 vetted hotels Resort hotels, beach access, family facilities
Resort hotels, beach access, family facilities
Three major resort hotels line St. George Bay: Radisson Blu, InterContinental, and Corinthia. The Corinthia is the family resort anchor with its multiple pools and childrens facilities. The InterContinental draws business travelers with its conference infrastructure.
The bay has a small beach and private lidos. Bus connections to the airport and Valletta are excellent from here. The area is professional but can feel impersonal at high season.
Browse all St. George Bay hotels → Portomaso Marina and Dragonara 3 vetted hotels Luxury, marina views, seclusion from the main tourist strip
Luxury, marina views, seclusion from the main tourist strip
Portomaso Marina with the Hilton Malta and Dragonara Point with the Westin represent the quietest and most luxurious end of St. Julians. Both have exceptional sea views and well-maintained private beach and pool facilities.
Neither area is particularly convenient for getting around on foot but both are 5-10 minutes walk or taxi from Paceville and St. George Bay. Worth the premium for guests who value quiet over central location.
Browse all Portomaso Marina and Dragonara hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Romantic
Le Meridien at Balluta Bay in its palazzo building is the top romantic pick. The bay view from upper floors at sunset is genuinely special. Portomaso Marina is the luxury romantic choice for marina evenings. Avoid Paceville for romance entirely.
Culture
Balluta Bay area gives walkable access to Sliema and then the Valletta ferry in 30 minutes total. The Three Cities and the National Museum are day trips. Spinola Bay has local restaurants where Maltese residents actually eat.
Family
Corinthia Hotel at St. George Bay is the clear family choice: multiple pools, supervised childrens areas, and bay access. The resort is self-contained enough that kids are genuinely entertained. InterContinental works for families with older children who want structure.
Budget
Solana Hotel on Balluta Bay from $55 with actual sea-facing position. Hotel Valentina near Spinola Bay from $80 with a rooftop pool. Both are better value than anything you will find on generic booking searches at these prices.
Beach
St. George Bay beach is small but the best swimming spot directly in St. Julians. Radisson Blu and InterContinental lidos are the best private beach facilities. For proper sandy beaches, bus 222 to Golden Bay takes 40 minutes.
Foodie
Spinola Bay restaurant row is the honest choice: Beachside and the surrounding spots serve genuinely good Maltese fish dishes at €15-22 for a main. Paranga at Portomaso Marina for a special dinner. Avoid the tourist menus near the casino entrance.
We reviewed 4,000+ listings across St. Julians. Focus: bay access, distance from Paceville noise, and honest value in a city where waterfront premiums run 40-60% above inland rates.
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 St. Julians
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Spring (Mar-May)
May is ideal. Sea temperature reaches 20C and is swimmable. Paceville is quiet enough to ignore. Balluta Bay restaurants are open and uncrowded. Prices are 35-45% below peak. Book at least 3 weeks ahead for Balluta Bay properties in May.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
July and August are maximum prices and crowds. Paceville is full every weekend. The bay hotel lidos are excellent but fill up fast. If you are here for nightlife, August is the peak. For everything else, it is the worst month for value.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
September is the locals choice. Sea stays at 25C well into October. Prices drop sharply after the first week of September and availability opens up. October evenings are warm enough for outdoor dining. Strong choice for couples.
Winter (Nov-Feb)
Paceville goes quiet. Some beach facilities close. The Valletta cultural season picks up from November. Hotel rates drop to their lowest and the Portomaso and Dragonara luxury hotels become relatively accessible. Good for sightseeing, not swimming.
Booking Tips for St. Julians
Smart booking strategies for St. Julians.
Paceville or quiet: choose before you book
The 10-minute distance between Paceville and Balluta Bay is the most important variable in St. Julians. If nightlife is your reason for being here, stay in Paceville. If you want character and quiet, Balluta Bay. Do not try to compromise on location.
Request a sea view at booking, not at check-in
Large resort hotels at St. George Bay assign rooms at check-in unless you request a view category in advance. Call after booking and confirm you want a sea-facing room. Upper floors at Radisson Blu, InterContinental, and Corinthia have genuinely different experiences than the inland-facing rooms.
Use the bus X1 for airport transfers
Bus X1 runs from Malta International Airport directly to St. Julians and Sliema for €1.50, taking about 45 minutes. A licensed taxi costs €20-28. The bus is reliable and runs every 20 minutes from early morning. Buy your Tallinja card at the airport to save per-journey.
Eat at Spinola Bay, not the tourist strip
The restaurants around Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay serve Maltese food at local prices. A grilled fish main costs €14-20. The tourist restaurant row near the Paceville entrance and St. George Road charges €25-35 for the same dish. Walk 5 minutes further and save 40%.
Book Portomaso Marina hotels far ahead
The Hilton Malta is consistently one of the top-rated hotels in Malta and books out months ahead for summer. For a July stay, book by April at the latest. For May and October, 3-4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient. The penthouse-category suites fill first.
Dragonara Point is the best quiet luxury option
The Westin Dragonara occupies its own small peninsula and has a genuine sense of seclusion not available anywhere else in St. Julians. Private rocky beach, multiple pools, and casino adjacent. For a quiet luxury stay within easy reach of St. George Bay, this beats Portomaso for atmosphere.
Hotels in St. Julians, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What is the best area to stay in St. Julians?
Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay for couples and cultural visitors. Paceville if you plan on nightlife and do not mind noise. Portomaso Marina for luxury and quiet. Dragonara Point for seclusion with a casino attached. Avoid generic streets inland from St. George Road unless price is the only factor.
Is St. Julians noisy at night?
Paceville, the main nightlife district around St. George Road, runs loud until 3am from June through September. Balluta Bay is quieter, a 5-minute walk from the clubs but with noticeably less noise. Hotels at Portomaso Marina and Dragonara Point are the quietest. Budget room in Paceville equals no sleep on weekends.
How far is St. Julians from Valletta?
Bus routes X1 and 12 take about 30 minutes and cost €1.50. The Sliema-Valletta ferry is a 10-minute walk from the Balluta Bay end of St. Julians and is faster than the bus. Taxis cost €10-15 depending on pickup location. No direct ferry from St. Julians itself.
What beaches are in St. Julians?
St. George Bay has a small sandy beach and is the most central. The Radisson Blu and InterContinental both have private lidos here. Balluta Bay has a small rocky inlet. For bigger sandy beaches, bus to Golden Bay (40 min) or St. George Bay beach just north of Paceville.
When is the best time to visit St. Julians?
May and October are best. June-August has peak crowds, hotel rates 50-70% higher, and Paceville operating at full volume. May is warm (20-24C), sea is swimmable, rates are moderate. October stays warm enough for outdoor evenings with much quieter streets and prices dropping 40% from August.
Is Portomaso Marina worth the premium?
For luxury stays of 3+ nights, yes. The Hilton Malta at Portomaso has genuinely spectacular marina views and the on-site dining and facilities are among the best in Malta. For 1-2 nights, the premium over Balluta Bay hotels is hard to justify unless views matter greatly to you.
Is St. Julians good for families?
Corinthia Hotel at St. George Bay is the best family option, with multiple pools and direct bay access in a self-contained resort. Dragonara Point hotels work well for families who want a pool and quieter atmosphere. Paceville is not suitable for families. Bus connections to the rest of Malta are excellent from Balluta Bay.
What restaurants are worth visiting in St. Julians?
Spinola Bay has the best restaurant concentration, with Beachside and Num restaurants consistently rated well. Hugos Terrace at Hotel Juliani is one of the better dining spots in the area. Paranga at Portomaso Marina is worth a special dinner reservation. Avoid the tourist menus on St. George Road near the Paceville clubs.
How do I get to St. Julians from the airport?
Bus X1 runs from Malta International Airport to St. Julians in about 45 minutes and costs €1.50. A licensed taxi takes 25-30 minutes and costs €18-25. There is no direct shuttle. The eCabs app gives fixed pricing for airport transfers.
What should I skip in St. Julians?
Skip the overpriced tourist restaurants on St. George Road and around the Paceville entrance. Skip the casual boat tour operators on Balluta Bay, better boat trips depart from Sliema at a fraction of the cost. Do not book a Paceville hotel if you prioritize sleep.
Can I walk from St. Julians to Sliema?
Yes. The coastal path from Balluta Bay to Sliema Tower Road takes 20 minutes and is flat and scenic. It is one of the best walks on the island. St. George Bay to Tower Road takes slightly longer, about 25 minutes. The path is well lit at night.
Are there budget options in St. Julians?
Solana Hotel on Balluta Bay from $55/night is the best honest budget option with a real sea-facing position. Hotel Valentina near Spinola Bay from $80 is solid mid-budget. Below $55 in St. Julians generally means poor location, shared bathrooms, or both.
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