We have just got back from 4 days in Malta's fine capital, Valletta and have stayed in some great boutique hotels when visiting cities. The 66 Saint Paul's is another example. Each of the signature rooms has been thoughtfully and carefully curated. We stayed in the Penthouse suite for 4 nights and this offered a stunning view over the harbour to the 3 cities opposite, bathed in sunshine throughout the day and with our own sun deck. Each step on to it felt like walking into a postcard. My wife also enjoyed the shared pool area which was clean and well serviced. The building itself is about 400 years old so you instantly feel connected to the city. You soon notice almost all buildings on the Maltese islands are built of the signature local limestone. The splendid and centuries old Palazzo Santa Sofia rubs shoulders with the many baroque churches, centuries old dwellings, and also some surprising modern designs too, in a beautiful compliment across the skyline, much unlike the sometimes garish contrasts in capitals further north. Although the food was very good and all fresh, do note that like a lot of city hotels there is no dining option at the 66 St Paul’s after breakfast. However, location is everything and, once oriented to the harbour and the De Valette monument, you are literally a minute away from Merchants Street and Republic Street, the two main public thoroughfares linking the shops, sites and many eateries. The sloping alleyways linking these to St Paul Street come alive after sunset and are transformed into an array of bars and restaurants, with more lining the length of Merchants Street each night. I can't imagine eating in anywhere near half of them, but we found plenty of choice and good meals for less than 20 euros per head each night with recommendations available from the hotel too. The great location of the 66 Saint Paul's extends in every direction with easy access to the harbour (we caught a water taxi to the 3 cities for a look around, totally recommended), the various gardens, museums and also the must-see-and-hear Saluting Battery each day at noon. We were also able to link up easily with a very good walking tour and had to wait no more than a few minutes for our collections, taxis and Ubers. A trip to Mdina and the catacombs to learn more about Malta's fascinating history is also worth the time and effort. Our biggest thanks, along with the weather, are for the small team that kept things running for the 15 rooms. The housekeeping was reliable and thorough and each one of the staff that helped at reception and breakfast was, like everyone we met in Malta, friendly and polite. We really enjoyed our first visit to Malta, in part to the cheerful and generous nature of the people and the warm reception from the city of Valetta. I must totally recommend a visit.
Fabuloso
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