The Phoenicia Malta was elated with our recent success in the Condé Nast Traveler 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Our hotel proudly secured the title of the 3rd best hotel in the South-Central region. What’s even more astonishing, however, is that our score of 96.57 catapulted us to the 11th position among the category – Rest of Europe’s top hotels.

At The Phoenicia Malta we deeply appreciate any recognition our hotel receives, but this honour holds a special place. That’s because it was voted by our many valued guests who have experienced our brand of hospitality first-hand, some returning for several stays with us.

From the countless reviews and feedback we receive, here are the top five reasons why our guests love The Phoenicia Malta, paving the way for us to be celebrated as one of the finest hotels in the world.

1 – Timeless architectural beauty

The Phoenicia Malta’s architectural beauty is undeniable, and has captured the essence of post-war Art Deco elegance since its opening in 1947. Its picture-perfect limestone façade, framed by an arched portico shaded by ancient Ficus microcarpa trees, offers an inviting embrace on every visit.

Today, this architectural charm remains intact, seamlessly blending its early 20th-century influences with a contemporary touch. Lush plants and greenery adorn both the interior and the meticulously landscaped gardens, creating an oasis of tranquillity throughout. Whether you find yourself in the leather-clad Club Bar or the ornate grandeur of the Palm Court Lounge, The Phoenicia Malta exudes a timeless Old-World glamour, beautifully fused with the warmth of modern Maltese charm. No wonder that the hotel was the preferred choice of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their recurrent visits to Malta.

2 – Proximity to Valletta’s many charms

The Phoenicia Malta positions you right at the doorstep of Valletta, Malta’s capital, within touching distance of the city’s historic bastioned walls. Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, Valletta is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage that offers a veritable treasure trove of cultural richness and heritage.

A leisurely stroll from the hotel leads you to magnificent churches, cathedrals, opulent palazzos, fascinating museums, inspiring art galleries, and the serene Upper Barrakka Gardens with its stunning views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Within moments, you’ll also discover a wealth of shopping, entertainment, and dining options, ensuring your days are filled with exploration and delights. With your hotel close by, you can effortlessly enjoy a packed itinerary, returning to your stylish Phoenicia room to relax and recharge before venturing out again.

What’s more, Valletta also serves as a gateway to an array of island adventures, with easy access to ferries bound for Sliema, the Three Cities, and Gozo. Plus, as the central bus hub connecting routes across the island, you’ll find convenient transport options to explore every corner of Malta.

3 – Luxurious facilities

Naturally, guests wishing to unwind and relax at The Phoenicia Malta will find a wealth of luxurious facilities to choose from. The infinity pool stands out as one of the most breath-taking features. Enjoy a peaceful soak as you admire the panoramic views across Marsamxett harbour. Sink into a comfy lounger and savour cocktails and refreshments from the poolside bar, offering a delightful fusion of Asian and Mediterranean flavours.

The recently revamped Phoenicia Spa & Wellness centre is a haven of serenity. Soothe your worries away with a sauna, salt room, steam room, invigorating multi-jet showers, and an exquisite indoor pool. Pamper yourself with rejuvenating massages and beauty treatments, skilfully administered by an expert team. The Phoenix terrace, which is adorned with plants, colourful blooms, and a charming kitchen garden, leads to a pretty picnic area, the perfect spot to while away an afternoon basking in the sunshine.

4 – Culinary excellence

A memorable hotel stay and exquisite dining experiences go hand in hand, and at The Phoenicia Malta, guests are treated to a variety of bars and restaurants to cater to your every culinary desire. The Phoenix Restaurant boasts an expansive terrace offering panoramic garden views. Its revolving menu features fresh seafood, vibrant salads, hearty pasta dishes and risottos, delectable meat options, and a taste of Maltese cuisine.

For those seeking a sophisticated atmosphere, Beefbar awaits. Indulge in premium beef cuts, the freshest catches, and creative preparations like teppanyaki, barbecue, tempura, wok delights, all complemented by an exceptional wine selection.

The Palm Court Lounge provides a warm and welcoming setting for all-day refreshments. Take your pick from coffee and freshly baked pastries, signature cocktails, or a classic English afternoon tea experience, featuring a selection of 14 blends of loose-leaf JING tea.

5 – Heartfelt hospitality by the Phoenicia Malta staff

Above all else, what truly sets The Phoenicia Malta apart, according to our cherished guests, is our exceptional team of dedicated professionals. They are the heartbeat of our hotel, a diverse, multi-national group, united in their mission to provide world-class hospitality in Malta.

The numerous reviews and feedback we’ve received are a testament to the warmth and attentiveness of our staff. Guests frequently commend their helpfulness and welcoming nature, that they are always ready to assist with a genuine smile. No request is too small for our team. They are happy to go above and beyond to ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.

We view our team as the Phoenicia family, and it’s this familial dedication that we believe has secured our position as one of the top hotels in Europe, as recognised by the discerning readers of Conde Nast Traveler. We look forward to upholding and even surpassing this reputation as we move forward.

Ready to experience our award-winning Maltese hospitality for yourself? Explore our collection of rooms and suites, and make your reservation today. 

Floriana, Oct. 3, 2023 – Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Phoenicia Malta recognised as one of the Top 3 Hotels in Central and Southern Europe and Top 12 Hotels in the rest of Europe.

More than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.

“We are deeply honoured to be included on this prestigious list, especially as it reflects the votes and feedback of our guests. At The Phoenicia Malta, we take great pride in providing warm, personalised hospitality, and it’s truly a source of pride to see valued guests returning year after year. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional team, whose unwavering dedication ensures that we consistently fulfil The Phoenicia promise. I also want to extend my thanks to all our guests who continue to choose us as their preferred hotel in Malta. We look forward to welcoming you to The Phoenicia Malta soon,” said Mark Shaw, Owner of The Phoenicia Malta.

The Phoenicia Malta is a prestigious 5-star hotel set on the doorstep of Malta’s capital city Valletta, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set amidst seven acres of landscaped gardens, the property is a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World and offers 132 rooms and suites, an enchanting infinity pool, and the Phoenicia Spa & Wellness. Culinary delights abound with multiple dining options. The hotel also features an array of unique venues, perfect for hosting corporate and special occasion gatherings of all sizes. Whether travelling on business or leisure, The Phoenicia Malta stands as an unparalleled choice.

The 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.