Within this walled city lies one of the most precious properties in all of the Maltese islands. This 17th-century palazzo welcomes guests with a grace not offered at larger properties, and recent renovations have improved things even further. The reception area and lobby are elegant and comfortable, with plush seating and Oriental rugs in the lounge, giving way to a courtyard that looks up to the rooms. Old-world charm in public areas evokes a museumlike quality with well-maintained baroque furnishings that make even the most experienced traveler gasp in awe. The building's exterior actually forms part of the medieval city's bastion walls.
Antique pieces are well-placed throughout the hotel, re-creating the palace of years gone by. A sundeck looks out on the valley below, and the view in the early evening is breathtaking.
An a la carte restaurant, a trattoria and a cocktail bar make this quaint property efficient in serving guests without overdoing the fanfare. Guests awaken to lavish breakfast spreads that rival the finest bed-and-breakfast. The most formal dining room is furnished with wood-beamed ceilings, white linen-draped tables and an eclectically interesting menu of local specialties. Views of the surrounding area
from this rooftop perch are worth the high rates, and the offerings of executive chef Kevin Bonello win high regards.
A limited fitness center and sauna are on-site. A nearby sports club offers golf and tennis, and playing times can be arranged by the hotel. A courtesy coach is available for guests to discover the island's historical monuments.
Meeting space holds up to 30 and includes a boardroom for a dozen, and wireless high-speed Internet access is provided. Parking requires a permit, but most people take a cab from the airport.
Large concrete stairs give way to even larger halls that direct guests to the rooms, which are comfortable, feeling more like home than a hotel. Amenities include phones with voice mail and data ports, Internet access, TVs, CD players, trouser presses, minibars, safes and chintzy wall-mounted air-conditioning units. The eclectic decor ranges from frilly fabrics and framed mirrors to plain beds and antique art pieces. Cushy down duvets cover the firm mattresses. The four premium suites offer in-room whirlpools with a view (but need a good scrubbing). A few duplex units provide extra living space. The marble baths are elegantly appointed with heated towel rails, hair dryers, robes, slippers, ample toiletries and scales.
There are no special rooms for guests in wheelchairs or nonsmokers, and the same goes for those traveling with pets. Room service delivers meals from lunchtime until 11:30 pm. The staff is friendly and helpful. This is a no-frills place without the big-chain touches, but guests are pleased with the ambience. A few maintenance issues persist, and at these rates, they cannot be written off as historic allure. It is the only place to stay in Mdina and is possibly the best boutique choice in Malta.
