The Embassy Valetta Hotel Malta: Discover A Luxurious Sunny Spot In The Historic City Of Valetta.

Anna Smith stays at The Embassy Valetta Hotel in the centre of Valletta for the Mediterrane Film Festival

A luxury hotel in the centre of old town Valetta, with a rooftop restaurant with a pool and panoramic views… The Embassy Hotel ticks a lot of boxes on a hot summer weekend in Malta.

I’m attending the third Mediterrane Film Festival, and The Embassy Valetta Hotel is perfectly located for both sightseeing and the festival itself, whether I’m walking the red carpet at events in ancient forts, or watching films in the boutique cinema downstairs.

We stay in room 101, a spacious, comfortable deluxe double with a little Juliette balcony overlooking the street – you can also book a room with harbour views and/or an outdoor hot tub. There are stylish furnishings, a sizable bathroom, good wardrobe space, and a fridge with complimentary water, which you can easily top up via the station outside.

I pop out for water at one point and end up witnessing a wedding in the function room opposite: by chance, it’s the part when the couple are declared husband and wife, and everyone is cheering. It’s a fun moment, though I don’t go as far as to actually gatecrash.

Step out of The Embassy Valetta Hotel and you’re right in the heart of the historic capital of Valletta. It’s very pleasant to stroll around the markets near the Grand Master’s Palace, walk down to the port or wander the side streets to pick a bar or restaurant for dinner. It’s also handy for a visit to the legendary The Pub, where actor Oliver Reed had his last ever pint during the filming of Gladiator in 1999. There are many film locations accessible from here:

The Mediterrane Film Festival is celebrating 100 years of filming on the island of Malta, and a boat trip takes us to the sites of films including The Count of Monte Cristo, By the Sea, Troy and the recent Jurassic World: Rebirth.

The jewel in The Embassy Valetta Hotel’s crown is undoubtedly the rooftop on the seventh floor. While visitors can book tables in the restaurant, hotel guests have exclusive use of the sun loungers and tables around the pool, which has spectacular views of historic buildings: the dome of St John’s Co-Cathedral looms majestically over the pool. It feels like you’re simultaneously sunbathing and sightseeing in the city.

This is also where breakfast is served: get there early for a prime spot and a first go at the expansive hot and cold buffet, with tasty local treats such as Maltese cheese and pastries. They also have bubbly, if you want to start your day in a decadent style.

While there’s a Japanese restaurant, AKI, attached to the hotel, we opt to stay on the roof, where food is served throughout the day – if you want to eat inside the restaurant, I would recommend booking. The burger sliders prove to be an excellent choice to line our stomachs before the festival’s closing night, which involve fireworks, live performances and a surprise appearance from Gladiator actor Russell Crowe.

Wether or not you’re mingling with the A listers, a weekend at The Embassy Hotel should make you feel like a star.

featured Image (C) Joel-Gueller-Photography.