Palazzo Ignazio: Honest Luxury Hotel Review

Valletta, with its baroque architecture, glistening coastal views and honeycomb limestone streets, is Malta’s shining capital city. Down every street is lively music, the aroma of freshly cooked seafood, hidden courtyards and historical landmarks. Walking these alleys is like living a postcard-perfect existence, and many charming hotels in Valletta will add comfort, luxury and peace to your holiday in Malta. One of the best Valletta hotels is Palazzo Ignazio, a four-star property that opened in the summer of 2022. With its 24 stylish bedrooms, rooftop bar, breakfast room and a personalised spa, this hotel in Valletta has everything a traveller needs to explore this bountiful city. 

Initial thoughts on Palazzo Ignazio in Valletta

This hotel wonderfully blends creature comforts with understated luxury and a dose of wellness. There are also many well-preserved historical artefacts, authentic Maltese designs, and a rooftop bar boasting panoramic city views. For these reasons, I’d highly recommend staying in Palazzo Ignazio, mainly since they cater to couples, groups, and families and are within walking distance of every key landmark in the city. The only downside is that Palazzo Ignazio doesn’t have a restaurant, but if you’re out all day exploring, then this shouldn’t be a problem. 

Rooms at Palazzo Ignazio

Palazzo Ignazio is a boutique sanctuary that blends historic charm with modern luxury. With just 24 exquisitely appointed bedrooms, ranging from the cosy Superior Rooms to the indulgent St. Angelo Jnr. Suite, this intimate city dwelling offers a personalised haven for discerning travellers. I stayed in a Superior Room, ideal for solo explorers or those with a packed itinerary. In the room, you’ll find air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a mini-bar, and a complimentary bottle of wine to welcome you. The spacious en-suite bathroom is a true delight, boasting rainfall showers and luxurious bath amenities, ensuring you start and end each day in absolute bliss.

For those seeking an extended stay in Valletta, the St. Paul’s Suite, Grand Harbour Suite, and St. Angelo Jnr. Suites offer an elevated experience. Beyond the modern amenities, these suites boast private balconies with inviting hot tubs. The suites also have a generous living space, deck chairs, sofas, armchairs, and desks, creating an indulgent home away from home.

The price for a standard room with breakfast starts from €180 per night, based on two adults sharing a room.

Food & Drink at Palazzo Ignazio

Palazzo Ignazio’s Rooftop Bar is the perfect place to get peace from the bustling city below. It boasts epic views of honey-coloured buildings and the glistening ocean and features comfortable lounge chairs. Plus, the bar serves snacks, cocktails, and wines, should you need sustenance or a beverage while resting.  

Breakfast at Palazzo Ignazio is served in The Café, next to the reception. Each morning, you’ll find a continental breakfast featuring cereals, bread, tomatoes, hams, cheese, fruits and the best pastries I had while in the city. My favourites were the croissants, pain au chocolate and muffins. The freshly squeezed orange juice is also a must-try!

Facilities at Palazzo Ignazio

One of the best things to do in Valletta is to use the full-service spa facilities at Palazzo Ignazio. The spa has a jacuzzi with pillows for those who only want to dip their legs into the water, an outdoor seating area and a sauna. Within the middle of the complex is a massage table, where you can let experienced hands pummel the jet lag out of you. The staff sometimes bring you muffins or leave chocolate, strawberries and sparkling wine in the spa if it’s a special occasion. 

Things to do in Valletta

The hotel’s historical authenticity is a great place to learn about the city’s storied past. Palazzio Ignazio’s building was previously a part of the Jesuit community (see Plague Outside). Within five minutes of walking, you’ll find The National Museum of Archaeology, which takes you through 7,000 years of Maltese prehistory. Look out for the 5,000-year-old ‘Sleeping Lady’ statue, found initially at the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. No one is quite sure what this figure represents; some think it’s a woman in a deep slumber. Others believe it means death or eternal sleep.

Nearby are the famed St John’s Cathedral, the Tritons Fountain (an excellent photography spot) and the Grandmaster’s Palace. Another few minutes of walking will bring you to the Lower and Upper Barrakka Garden, where you can grab a bite to eat while soaking up the sun and Meditteranean views. There are many more things to do in Valletta, so check out my two-day itinerary here.  

Should you Stay at Palazzo Ignazio?

This hotel is a very friendly, people-orientated establishment with super comfortable bedrooms. The most significant selling point is that the hotel is within the heart of Valletta, and the staff can’t do enough for you. So, if you want to feel appreciated, cared for and relaxed, then Palazzo Ignazio should be the place you stay during your Valletta holiday.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Mdina, check out my review of The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux.

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