Renowned hotel in the Mediterranean destination of Malta has been inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide®. Phoenicia Malta is the island’s oldest and most prestigious five-star hotel. It has been inducted into the official program that celebrates the finest historic hotels around the world.
As a member, The Phoenicia Malta joins an elite group of historic properties and treasures globally, each selected as members according to specific criteria. To qualify, the hotel or resort must be at least 75 years old; serve as a significant historic location; be within walking distance of a historic district, a significant landmark, city center or place of a historical event; be locally recognized by a heritage buildings organization or located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and showcase memorabilia, artwork, photography and other examples of its historic significance.
Opened in 1947 and set at the gateway to Valletta – Malta’s capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Phoenicia Malta more than fits these criteria. Within this five-star property, guests can retreat into The Phoenicia Spa & Wellness, and dine and swim at the Bastion Pool Bar. This is all set against a backdrop of one of the capital’s historic Bastion walls, built 450 years ago by the Knights of St. John. A pride of the hotel is the original collection of famed Maltese artist Edward Caruana Dingli. Additionally, the hotel is already a favorite with famous guests through the decades, from the late Queen Elizabeth II to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“Historic Hotels Worldwide® is honored to induct The Phoenicia Malta, the island’s first five-star hotel built in the 1930s and opened in 1947,” says Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We commend The Phoenicia Malta and its leadership team for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination. Within a few hundred steps, visitors can explore ancient temples, marvel at Baroque architecture and stroll through the narrow streets of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
“This is a very proud moment for all of us at The Phoenicia Malta,” says the hotel’s General Manager, Robyn Pratt. “Earning top-level recognition from Historic Hotels Worldwide not only celebrates our hotel’s rich heritage, unique location and storied past but also inspires us to strive for a future of continued excellence – something we are committed to doing daily.”
Michelle Buttigieg, North America Representative of the Malta Tourism Authority said “As the Malta Tourism luxury product continues to expand, we are especially proud that one of Malta’s own historic hotels, The Phoenicia Malta, has joined such a prestigious group as Historic Hotels Worldwide.”
