Planning a first trip to Malta and wondering where to base yourself? The waterfront in Sliema offers direct ferry access to Valletta, a lively promenade, and some of the island’s best hotels. In this comparison, we examine the 4-star Waterfront Hotel alongside top alternatives, using verified guest reviews and pricing data to help you decide.
Last checked: 2026-06-13
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Hotel Name: The Waterfront Hotel · Location: The Strand, Sliema, GZR 1028, Malta · Star Rating: 4 star · Key Feature: seafront promenade, harbour views of Valletta, rooftop bar · Nearby Attractions: Sliema promenade, Valletta ferry, Manoel Island · Price Indicator: mid-range to upper-mid-range
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-13.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, KAYAK, Booking.com, Jet2holidays, Hotels.com, Expedia, The Hotel Guru, Myboutiquehotel.com, Heritage Malta.
We did not perform an on-site inspection, interview staff, or independently verify historical celebrity-stay claims. Pricing data reflects summer 2026 season as reported by the travel agencies cited.
Snapshot: The Waterfront Hotel in four key facts
- 4‑star hotel (KAYAK)
- The Strand, Sliema GZR 1028 – seafront promenade facing Valletta (Booking.com)
- 8.9 overall on Booking.com; location scores 9.5 (Booking.com reviews)
- From 14:00 / by 11:00 (KAYAK)
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name | The Waterfront Hotel |
| Location | The Strand, Sliema, GZR 1028, Malta |
| Star Rating | 4 star |
| Key Feature | Seafront promenade, harbour views of Valletta, rooftop bar |
| Nearby Attractions | Sliema promenade, Valletta ferry, Manoel Island |
| Price Indicator | Mid‑range to upper‑mid‑range |
What are the best hotels in Sliema?
Sliema’s hotel scene mixes large seafront properties with boutique and luxury stays. The Waterfront Hotel, a 4‑star property on The Strand, is the anchor of this comparison. But two other options appear consistently in top lists: the 5‑star Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta and the heritage Villa Guardamangia, where Queen Elizabeth II once stayed. Below is a direct comparison based on star rating, key features, price range (per person, 7-night stay in June), and best‑fit traveller profile.
| Hotel | Star Rating | Key Feature | Price Range (per person, 7 nights, June) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Waterfront Hotel | 4 star | Seafront promenade, harbour views, rooftop bar | from €1,268 (Onthebeach) | First‑time visitors, couples, walkable base |
| Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta | 5 star | Floriana waterfront, large pool, spa | €1,500 – €2,000 (estimated from Expedia Sliema range) | Luxury seekers, dignitaries, business travellers |
| Villa Guardamangia | Heritage stay (no official star) | Historic villa, private garden, royal connection | Not regularly bookable; usually private | History enthusiasts, curiosity stays |
The trade‑off: The Waterfront Hotel offers the strongest location‑to‑value ratio for travellers who want a modern, full‑service hotel steps from the Valletta ferry. The Grand Hotel Excelsior provides more luxury but is farther from Sliema’s main promenade. Villa Guardamangia is a curiosity rather than a practical booking option.
The Waterfront Hotel
Located at The Strand, the hotel sits directly on the Sliema seafront promenade, with views across Marsamxett Harbour towards Valletta and Manoel Island (KAYAK). It has more than 200 rooms and suites, including harbour‑view categories with balconies. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant (Jet2holidays).
Guest ratings are consistently high. On Booking.com, the property scores 8.9 overall, with 9.5 for location, 9.4 for staff, and 9.3 for cleanliness (Booking.com). KAYAK aggregates a 9.3/10 from several thousand reviews, praising the “amazing” location and spacious rooms. A repeat guest in a Malta travel Facebook group wrote: “Love the hotel – we have stayed 6 times since 2022. The staff are great, the breakfast is amazing.”
“The rooms are spacious, the staff friendly, location of the hotel just across the strand is amazing.” — Anonymous guest, Booking.com
On the downside, some reviews mention street‑traffic noise in lower‑floor rooms and occasional issues with air‑conditioning. These appear in a minority of comments; sea‑view rooms on higher floors are usually quieter.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta
This 5‑star property sits on the Floriana waterfront, a short walk from Valletta’s entrance. It has a large outdoor pool, spa, and multiple restaurants. Expedia lists it among the top luxury options near Sliema (Expedia).
Villa Guardamangia
Villa Guardamangia, set on the Sliema‑Msida border, is a private heritage home where Queen Elizabeth II lived in the 1950s. It is not a commercial hotel, but occasionally opens for tours or private stays. It appears in search results because of its royal connection (Heritage Malta).
Is Sliema a good area to stay in Malta?
For first‑time visitors, Sliema offers a balance of convenience, safety, and variety. The expedia guide calls it “a convenient base for excursions around Malta” (Expedia). The town has a lively seafront promenade, shopping streets, and a ferry to Valletta that runs every 15 minutes.
Location advantages
Sliema’s northeastern coast location places it within 20 minutes of Valletta by ferry and roughly 30 minutes from Malta International Airport by car. The Hotel Guru notes that Sliema was once a fishing village and is now a lively town with a vibrant seafront (The Hotel Guru). For a similar coastal comparison, see our guide to Marbella Hotels: Complete Area & Price Guide 2026.
Walkability and transport
The area is walkable: the promenade stretches several kilometres, and most hotels are within a 5‑minute walk of shops and restaurants. The ferry to Valletta departs from the Sliema Ferry Terminal, about 700 m from The Waterfront Hotel (Jet2holidays).
“Sliema, meaning ‘peace, comfort’, was once a sleepy fishing village and is now a lively town on the northeastern coast of Malta.” — The Hotel Guru
Why this matters: If you want to explore Malta without renting a car, Sliema’s ferry link and bus routes make it a strong base. The Waterfront Hotel puts you at the centre of that network.
How many rooms does the Waterfront Hotel Malta have?
The Waterfront Hotel offers more than 200 rooms and suites. Categories range from standard city‑view rooms to superior sea‑view rooms with private balconies. All include flat‑screen TVs, free Wi‑Fi, a safety deposit box, and tea/coffee making facilities in certain types (Jet2holidays).
Room types and amenities
Superior sea‑view rooms add bathrobes, slippers, and harbour views. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools (the outdoor pool is on the roof level), a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a rooftop bar (Hotels.com). Guests also get complimentary access to the nearby Aqualuna Lido for outdoor swimming (Jet2holidays).
The catch: Not every room has a sea view. If you are sensitive to noise, request a high‑floor, sea‑facing room at booking. Reviews suggest those rooms are quieter and offer the full harbour panorama.
Is there much to do in Sliema?
Yes, especially if you value coastal walks, dining, and quick access to Valletta. The promenade itself is a top activity: a paved walkway that runs from the Quayside shopping area all the way to St Julian’s. The Hotel Guru describes Sliema as having a “vibrant seafront promenade” (The Hotel Guru).
Top activities in Sliema
- Walk the promenade from Sliema to St Julian’s (about 3 km, passing restaurants and cafés).
- Take the Valletta ferry – a 10‑minute crossing with postcard views of the capital.
- Visit Manoel Island (visible from The Waterfront) and its historic fortifications.
- Boat tours and water‑sports are bookable through local operators like GetYourGuide.
Day trips from Sliema
Sliema’s central position makes day trips easy: Mdina (the silent city), the Blue Grotto, and the Three Cities are all reachable by bus or short ferry ride. The Waterfront’s concierge can arrange car hire or private tours.
The bottom line: Sliema is more of a base for island exploration than a resort with its own beaches. If you want a beach holiday, consider the north of Malta or Gozo. If you want a central hub with good nightlife and dining, Sliema – and The Waterfront – deliver.
Where do celebrities stay in Malta?
Malta’s history as a British naval base and film location means several hotels have hosted royalty and celebrities. Two properties stand out in Sliema’s context.
Historic royal stays
Villa Guardamangia, a private residence in Sliema, was home to Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip in 1949–1951. Heritage Malta recognises its historical significance (Heritage Malta).
Modern celebrity hotels
Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta, a 5‑star property near Valletta, regularly hosts dignitaries and film crews. The Waterfront Hotel itself has a reputation among returning guests but does not market itself as a celebrity destination.
What this means for your stay: If you value historical cachet, Villa Guardamangia is a sightseeing stop, not a bookable hotel. The Waterfront and other Sliema hotels focus on service and views rather than star‑spotting.
Best for segments
- Couples: The Waterfront’s rooftop bar, harbour views, and romantic promenade walks suit couples looking for a romantic base.
- Families: Sliema is safe and walkable; the hotel’s indoor pool and lido access keep children entertained.
- First‑time visitors to Malta: Sliema’s ferry and bus connections make it an ideal base for island exploration.
- History enthusiasts: Villa Guardamangia (viewing only) and the nearby fortifications on Manoel Island appeal to history buffs.
Pricing band: what to expect
Based on KAYAK’s Sliema‑wide data, average hotel rates in the area are lowest in November (around $93 per night) and highest in July (around $235 per night). Thursday stays tend to be cheaper than Tuesday stays (KAYAK Sliema overview). The Waterfront Hotel’s example nightly rates for a standard room fall around £67–£83, placing it within the competitive 4‑star band.
Location and getting there
The Waterfront Hotel is at The Strand, Sliema GZR 1028, Malta. Malta International Airport (Luqa) is about 3.7 miles (6 km) away. A taxi takes 20–30 minutes; public buses (route X2) run from the airport to Sliema seafront. The hotel offers free parking if you rent a car.
Alternatives in set
If The Waterfront is fully booked or you prefer a different style, consider these Sliema options:
- AX The Victoria Hotel – boutique 4‑star, central Sliema, less water view but stylish.
- AX The Palace – 5‑star luxury with spa, near Sliema’s commercial centre.
- 1926 Les Bains Private Spa Suites – 5‑star spa‑focused suites for a splurge.
- Boutique hotels (Land’s End, Amery House) – smaller, design‑driven stays for travellers who prefer intimacy over resort facilities.
For a broader look at luxury stays, check our Best Hotels in the Cotswolds: Luxury, Boutique & Family Stays guide.
Our pick recommendation
For first‑time visitors to Malta, couples seeking a romantic base, and travellers who want walkable access to Valletta, The Waterfront Hotel is the top choice. Its 4‑star rating, strong guest satisfaction, direct promenade location, and inclusive breakfast options offer the best balance of value and experience.
Sample one‑day itinerary from The Waterfront
- 08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel (buffet included in many rates).
- 09:00 – Walk to the Sliema ferry terminal (5‑minute walk). Take the ferry to Valletta (€1.50 each way).
- 09:30 – Explore Valletta: St John’s Co‑Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens.
- 13:00 – Lunch at a Valletta restaurant (e.g., Legligin or a harbourside café).
- 14:30 – Return ferry to Sliema. Afternoon swim at Aqualuna Lido (free access for Waterfront guests).
- 18:00 – Rooftop bar for sunset drinks and harbour view.
- 20:00 – Dinner at one of the promenade restaurants (Italian, Maltese, or seafood).
For those considering other options in the area, the Sliema Marina Hotel review offers a different take on waterfront accommodation in Sliema.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Waterfront Hotel’s star rating?
The Waterfront Hotel is a 4-star property, confirmed by KAYAK and other booking platforms.
Does the Waterfront Hotel serve breakfast?
Yes. A breakfast buffet is included in many room rates; à la carte options are also available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at the Waterfront Hotel?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00, as reported on KAYAK.
How far is the Waterfront Hotel from Malta International Airport?
It is approximately 3.7 miles (6 km) from the airport, about a 20–30 minute taxi ride.
Does the Waterfront Hotel have a pool?
Yes, the hotel features both an indoor pool and an outdoor rooftop pool.
Sources cited
- KAYAK – The Waterfront Hotel page
- Booking.com – Sliema city page
- Booking.com – The Waterfront Hotel reviews
- Jet2holidays – Waterfront Hotel description
- Hotels.com – Waterfront Hotel overview
- Expedia – Sliema hotel guide
- The Hotel Guru – Sliema best hotels
- KAYAK – Sliema hotel overview
- Myboutiquehotel.com – Sliema boutique hotels
- Heritage Malta – Villa Guardamangia