Palazzo Ignazio is probably the best place to stay in Malta’s ancient town of Valletta.
With its architectural beauties, glistening coastal views and lively narrow streets brimming with music, laughter and the aroma of freshly cooked fish, Valletta is a city that sparks the imagination, captures the heart, and ignites wanderlust.
To explore this bountiful land, there is no other option than staying at Palazzo Ignazio. Officially opened in the summer of 2022, Palazzo Ignazio delightfully embraces modern creature comforts and blends them with an understated luxury, a necessary dose of wellness and many well-preserved touches of historical artefacts and authentic designs. Don’t miss the Rooftop Bar for intoxicating cocktails and endless views of the city encircled by the Mediterranean Sea.
The hotel’s remembrance of the past set guests up for a voyage around Malta’s ancient walled capital, as the hotel’s building previously played an integral role in the city’s Jesuits Community. St John’s Cathedral, the Tritons Fountain, and the Grandmaster’s Palace are just steps away. Likewise, the National Museum of Archaeology is a stone’s throw away, passing some delicious ice cream parlours. It takes you back thousands of years to prehistory, and you can thank Palazzo Ignazio for your easy access to the wealth of experiences you’ll have at the museum.
Who for?
This four-star hotel is ideal for all types of travellers; couples will enjoy the suites with a jacuzzi and the wellness centre, as will parents looking for a quiet moment. Some suites fit four to five persons, perfect for families. The standard rooms (featuring twin or double beds) are kitted with the essential amenities to prepare go-getters for an easy day’s exploration. Staff are exceptionally friendly and attentive, and there is night-time security (a 24-hour front desk) which is likewise excellent, so solo travellers will feel comfortable staying a few nights here.
Accommodation
Palazzo Ignazio is an intimate space typical of a city dwelling, with only 24 bedrooms ranging from the Superior Room to St. Angelo Jnr. Suite. All rooms are designed with convenience, comfort, and character so that guests can feel like they’re staying in an ancient abode while getting the quality of a luxury hotel.
The Superior Rooms are ideal for those travelling alone or on a short break; they’re set within the heart of the property for peace and quiet and include staple amenities like air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini-bar, a bottle of wine, and ironing facilities. Beyond this, the room and en-suite bathroom are spacious, featuring the most delightful rainfall shower and bath products.
For travellers staying longer in Valletta, the St. Paul’s Suite, Grand Harbour Suite, and St. Angelo Jnr. Suite are even better. Of course, they have modern amenities like air-conditioning, a TV, a mini-bar, etc., but, they also boast a hot tub on a balcony overlooking the warm, limestone buildings that Malta has become known for. The hot tubs also overlook the rooms’ namesakes – St Paul’s Church, the harbour, and St Angelo’s bastioned fort. These views are worth the extra cost, as are the extra space with deck chairs, a sofa or armchair, and a desk. The Junior Suite has the additional furnishing, like a sofa, a desk, etc., although it has no hot tub. But the city views more than make up for this!
Food and Drink
For those looking for a quiet morning or afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Palazzo Ignazio’s Rooftop Bar is a phenomenal place to sit and read. It has epic views of the ocean and honey-coloured buildings and boasts many comfortable chairs. Despite being open-air and surrounded by the city, this bar is a tranquil haven, so make sure to bring sunscreen because it’s easy to drift into a heavenly nap here. Plus, if you get hungry, you barely have to lift a finger, because the bar serves snacks, wines, and cocktails – can you think of a better way to spend the day?
Each morning, The Café – next to reception – serves a continental breakfast, meaning you take as little or as much as you’d like. But knowing how delicious the repast is, I’ll bet you’ll be at breakfast for quite some time. On offer are multiple cereals, breads, hams, tomatoes, cheeses, fruits, freshly squeezed orange juices, and the best pastries I had while in the city; think croissants, pain au chocolate, and muffins of many flavours! You’ll go back for seconds or maybe even thirds; the pastries are that good!
Facilities at Palazzo Ignazio
For those staying longer, book yourself into Palazzo Ignazio’s full-service spa, which can be found at the back of the property, just off reception. You can bring your own drinks here, and I’m told the staff sometimes bring you muffins or leave you sparkling wine, strawberries, and chocolate if it’s a special occasion.
Within the spa, is a jacuzzi with pillows for those who only want to dip their legs in, a sauna, an outdoor seating area that looks like a little peaceful oasis within the middle of a city, and a single massage table. Let experienced hands pummel the jet lag, travelling anxiety and weary feet into relaxed oblivion. It’ll be one of the highlights of your trip to Valletta! For a reasonable price, you can hire the spa for exclusive use!
How Much
The price for the standard room with breakfast starts from €180 per night, based on two adults sharing.
What’s nearby?
Palazzo Ignazio is ideally situated to explore this ancient city. Within five minutes of walking from the hotel, you’ll come across my favourite ice cream parlour – Amorino. They make ice cream look like flower petals! Adjacent to this is the National Museum of Archaeology – make sure to look out for ‘The Sleeping Lady’ statue created in the Neolithic period. She is a beauty!
Another five minutes of walking brings you to the Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens (the latter has a wonderful café), and both have fantastic coastal views. The gardens centre around statues, a fountain, and colonnaded terraces. The Saluting Battery can be seen from here, and the Valletta City Gates are nearby – these are imposing, impressive and picture worthy.
VERDICT: Palazzo Ignazio is a fantastically friendly, people-orientated hotel within the heart of Valletta. The staff are a big selling point here – they can’t do enough for you – and their enthusiasm for Valletta is infectious. It’s just as well the bedrooms are super comfortable because you’ll want to lie down after a full day’s exploration.
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