A HOTEL with a personality, that’s how the Hotel Phoenicia is best described. This gorgeous 1920s-style hotel is set in seven acres of gardens, just outside the ancient city walls of Valetta, the capital of Malta, which is now recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The hotel offers 128 guest rooms and eight suites, which combine contemporary elegance while keeping alive a sense of history and charm. An idyllic sanctuary in Malta; if it weren’t for the noisy and busy Valletta Bus Station next door! However, its perfect positioning allows for breathtaking views of the Manoel Island or access to the city, with a charming waterfront and vibrant café culture.
The Phoenicia is one of the oldest hotels in Malta today. Its 1930s’ origins are evident in subdued colours, art deco styling and rich fabrics. Most guest rooms offer breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour, Valletta and its surrounding areas, while the rooms themselves are well-equipped with the latest facilities for both business and leisure including high speed internet access, cable TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and safe. The hotel is also a popular choice for celebrities with its location by the gates of Valletta, where film shoots regularly take place. Over the years the Phoenicia has welcomed star guests including the likes of Pierce Brosnan, Rachel Weisz and Rod Stewart.
There are three dining outlets within the property – the Pegasus Brasserie where guests are served contemporary Maltese and Italian fare, the signature Phoenix Restaurant, on the spectacular terrace overlooking the harbour, and the Palm Court for light lunch snacks or just a relaxing coffee or tea or evening cocktails. The hotel offers a heated outdoor pool overlooking the harbour as well as a gym and Jacuzzi and guests can take advantage of leisure activities such as scuba diving, golf and historic tours across Malta. The hotel truly offers a luxury stay with a personal touch giving you a home-away-from-home feel.
Malta is a growing tourist destination with plenty of nightlife, a good share of culture and architecture and a burgeoning theatre culture. Come summer, the island is abuzz with a range of activity from Malta Arts Festival (July 1 to 22) to the Delicata Wine Festival in August or The Malta Jazz Festival. The Isle of Malta, Malta’s biggest free open-air party also returns to the island every summer, with a great line-up of musicians and DJs. A crowd of more than 50,000 music fans is expected to congregate at the Floriana Granaries to catch the action live when it opens next month.
By Shalu Chandran