The Embassy Valletta Hotel: Rooftop Pool, Central Valletta Review

For travellers planning a Valletta city break, finding a hotel that balances walkability, design, and rooftop relaxation makes all the difference. The Embassy Valletta Hotel, a 4-star property on Strait Street, offers a modern base with a heated rooftop pool and restaurant that draws both guests and locals. This review evaluates it specifically for sightseers, drawing on verified facts and guest feedback to help you decide if it fits your trip.

Last checked: 2026-06-24

Hotel Name: The Embassy Valletta Hotel · Location: 173 Strait Street, Valletta, Malta · Number of Rooms: 81 · Style: Modern Design

Hotel specifications

How far is The Embassy Valletta Hotel from city centre?

The hotel sits at 173 Strait Street, right in the historic core of Valletta. Booking.com reviews give it a location rating of 9.7/10, the highest sub‑score across all categories. From the front door you can reach Manoel Theatre, the University of Malta – Valletta Campus, and Upper Barrakka Gardens within a five‑ to ten‑minute walk.

For sightseers, the staircase down to the Grand Harbour ferry (which connects to the Three Cities) is about 800 m away – a pleasant downhill stroll. The compact, largely pedestrianised layout of Valletta means nearly every landmark is within 15 minutes on foot.

Does Embassy hotel Malta have a rooftop bar?

Yes – The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge sits on the top floor of The Embassy Valletta Hotel. It features an outdoor heated pool, a sun deck, and a bar‑restaurant with panoramic views over the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Valletta skyline.

The same rooftop venue is listed as a standalone restaurant on TripAdvisor, where it holds around 4.5–4.6 stars from more than 600 diner reviews. Compared to larger, resort‑style rooftops in Sliema (such as TemptAsian & 360 Lounge), this one is described as quieter and more date‑night‑oriented, with a focus on the historic cityscape rather than open sea.

The implication for sightseers is that you can enjoy a cocktail or dinner without leaving the hotel, saving time after a day of exploring. The rooftop is open to non‑guests too, so it can get busy on weekends.

What are the room options at The Embassy Valletta Hotel?

The hotel has 81 rooms, ranging from standard double/twin categories to suites. The Michelin Guide describes them as “sleek but not minimalist, decorated in a blend of monochromes and rich secondary colours, and outfitted with the latest luxury‑hotel comforts”.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, flat‑screen TV with cable channels, in‑room safe, seating area, private bathroom with shower, free toiletries, and hairdryer. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout, and the 24‑hour front desk can arrange concierge services, airport transfers (paid), and fitness centre access.

“The rooms are sleek but not minimalist, decorated in a blend of monochromes and rich secondary colors, and outfitted with the latest luxury-hotel comforts.”

— MICHELIN Guide hotel inspectors

For couples, the upper‑category rooms with city‑view windows offer extra natural light – a detail that several Booking.com reviews highlight. The trade‑off is that entry‑level rooms are compact, typical of a central Valletta hotel built into a converted building.

Which is the best hotel in Valletta?

“Best” depends on what you prioritise. For sightseers and couples who value walkability, a rooftop pool, and contemporary design, The Embassy Valletta Hotel makes a strong case. However, alternatives like The Gomerino Hotel Valletta (a boutique property on Merchants Street) offer heritage atmosphere and fewer rooms, while palazzo‑style hotels traded rooftop amenities for historic character.

The Embassy’s pros and cons, drawn from guest reviews on Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Kayak:

• Pros: central location, excellent rooftop bar and pool, friendly staff, modern rooms, good value for the category.
• Cons: street noise from nightlife, compact entry‑level rooms, no on‑site parking (Valletta is largely car‑free), breakfast is an extra charge.

Best for segments

• Sightseers: the location and rooftop make it an ideal base for exploring Valletta and the Three Cities.
• Couples: quiet rooftop evenings and modern design appeal to couples on a city break.
• Digital nomads: free Wi‑Fi and central cafes nearby, though no dedicated co‑working space.

Pricing band

Rates start from roughly £118 per night (Kayak) for a standard double in low season; peak summer averages can push higher. The hotel is mid‑upper range for Valletta, but the rooftop amenities add perceived value.

Our pick

A sample day in Valletta from The Embassy

To help you envision the stay, here’s a one‑day itinerary designed for sightseers:

• Morning: Walk to Upper Barrakka Gardens (5 min) for views of the Grand Harbour at opening. Take the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront and catch the ferry to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua). Spend an hour exploring the narrow streets and waterfront.
• Lunch: Return to Valletta and grab a traditional Maltese ftira or pastizzi at a local café (Café Jubilee on Archbishops Street is 7 min walk).
• Afternoon: Visit St John’s Co‑Cathedral (10 min walk) to see Caravaggio’s paintings. Then stroll along Republic Street for shopping and gelato.
• Evening: Head to the rooftop pool for a sunset dip, then have dinner at The Rooftop Restaurant – book ahead for the 19:30 sunset slot.

This itinerary uses only walking and the ferry, showing how the hotel’s location minimises transit time.

Related reading: Barceló Valencia Hotel: Modern Design, Rooftop Pool & Review ? Dean Court Hotel York: Boutique Stay with Minster Views

Frequently asked questions

Sources cited

• The Embassy Valletta Hotel official website
• Booking.com – The Embassy Valletta Hotel listing
• Booking.com – Guest reviews
• Expedia – Hotel information
• Kayak – Rates and summary
• Hotels.com – Listing and taxes
• MICHELIN Guide – Hotel entry
• TripAdvisor – The Rooftop Restaurant reviews
• YouTube – The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge at The Embassy (video)