Where Do Celebrities Stay in Malta?

Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world!  Located off the southern coast of Italy, its 300 days of sunshine per year attract visitors year-round ~ with summer the most popular time to visit.  This small island is a popular filming destination: Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Troy, & The Da Vinci Code are just some of the movies/shows that have filmed here.  Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, & Jason Statham have all expressed love for this special island.  So the question is: where do celebrities stay in Malta?

Overview of Malta Hotels

• The Phoenicia Malta ($$$) = The Top Choice for Royalty in Malta:  This historic hotel opened in 1947, & has hosted Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip, Alec Guiness, Joaquin Phoenix, & many other high-profile Hollywood stars.  Impressive features include 7+ acres of gardens, two pools + Wellness Center, & several high-end restaurants.  And luckily: their prices aren’t as high as you might think!  Depending on the season, you may find rooms under $400/night.  Check prices here. 

A less expensive alternative that’s close to The Phoenicia (& closer to the ocean!): Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta ($115+).

• The Xara Palace ($$$) = Where Brad Pitt + Angelina Jolie Stay in Malta:  While The Phoenicia is located in Malta’s larger city of Valletta, Xara Palace is located in Mdina, Malta’s former capital.  Which is also known as the medieval “Silent City.”  Staying in this former palazzo is a more intimate experience, as it has just 17 rooms (compared to 100+ at The Phoenicia).  Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Pedro Pascal, Sharon Stone, & Orlando Bloom have all stayed or dined at this incredible hotel.  And if you can believe it: sometimes rooms only cost around $200/night!
• Iniala Valletta ($$$$) = Russell Crowe’s Top Hotel Choice in Malta:  Russell Crowe filmed Gladiator in Malta ~ & this is where he stayed, in a historic townhouses overlooking St. Barbara Bastion/the Grand Harbour.  Iniala offers privacy, butler service, use of their 44-foot yacht, & world-class spas + dining.  This is the only option that’s set right on the water, & prices are a little higher here than at other hotels. 

But you’ll be rolling with a very exclusive crowd here: including global jet-setters & billionaires.

Why Luxury Travelers Love Iniala Valletta: 

• Unforgettable Grand Harbour views
• A true design-meets-history experience with their historic townhomes
• World-class dining + wellness under one roof
• Personalized, bespoke experiences ~ like private visits to historic palaces + use of their yacht

   

Check availability for your dates at Iniala Valletta

 

 

Map of Malta Hotels

All three celeb-favorite Malta hotels are starred on the map below…

Photos of The Xara Palace in Mdina

Brad Pitt’s Top Hotel Choice in Malta

Why Travelers Love Xara Palace: 

• A peaceful escape from Malta’s busier tourist areas, tucked inside Mdina’s ancient walls.
• A truly one-of-a-kind setting: The hotel occupies a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo, with the atmospheric setting that feels far more exclusive than a conventional resort.
• Discreet, personalized luxury: With just 17 rooms & suites, Xara has an intimate feel with highly personalized service—ideal for high-profile travelers who value discretion.
• Exceptional dining with spectacular views: The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant combines fine dining with breathtaking panoramic views across Malta. 

Check availability for your dates at The Xara Palace

 

Need a Cheaper Alternative?

If you want to stay close to Xara Palace in less expensive digs, check out Palazzo Bifora Boutique Hotel, which has an incredible rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the island. Many guests have also witnessed filming in the streets around this hotel!

Goodbye…Malta!

I hope this article has answered your question about celebrity-sightings in Malta! 

It’s pretty easy to pair a trip to Malta with a jaunt over to Spain ~ as it’s a quick flight.  It also puts you close to incredible islands like Mallorca & Ibiza, if you feel like dancing ’til dawn before heading home…

 

xoxo Noelia

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