Where to Stay in St Julians Malta

Nightlife, Sea Views And Quiet-But-Close Stays

Where to stay in St Julian’s, Malta, depends on the kind of holiday you are after. This lively seaside area is a top choice for visitors looking for hotels, apartments, nightlife, sea views, and easy transport.

St Julian’s is a great spot if you want plenty of restaurants, bars, buses, and taxis, plus a handy base close to Sliema and Valletta. It is not the quietest place in Malta, but it can be a good fit if you pick the right part of town.

This guide will help you figure out if St Julian’s is the right place for you, which area to stay in, and which hotel, apartment, or aparthotel might suit your trip best.

If you already know you want to compare places to stay in St Julian’s, you can skip ahead to the hotel map and accommodation search below.

Is St Julian’s A Good Place To Stay In Malta?

Yes, St Julian’s is a good place to stay if you want a lively, convenient base with plenty of restaurants, bars, hotels and transport options nearby. It is especially useful for couples, short breaks, visitors without a car and travellers who want to be close to both Sliema and Valletta.

The main thing to understand is that St Julian’s changes a lot from one area to another. Spinola Bay feels scenic and restaurant-focused, Balluta Bay is calmer and closer to Sliema, while Paceville and St George’s Bay are much better for nightlife and a busier atmosphere.

The Paceville And Noise Reality Check

The biggest mistake visitors make with St Julian’s is booking “near nightlife” without realising how close they are to Paceville. In practical visitor terms, Paceville is the main late-night entertainment area, especially around St George’s Bay, Bay Street and the surrounding bar streets.

If you want nightlife on your doorstep, this can be ideal. If you want to sleep more easily, choose Spinola Bay, Portomaso, Balluta Bay, the Dragonara side, or the quieter outer St George’s Bay seafront instead.

From our point of view, St Julian’s works best when you stay close enough to enjoy restaurants, bars and the promenade, but not directly above the busiest nightlife streets.

Best Area To Stay In St Julian’s

where-to-stay-in-st-julians-malta.webpMap of St Julian’s and Sliema Areas

Best Area To Stay In St Julian’s with Map Location Details

A colour-coded map showing the main areas between St Julian’s and Sliema, including Balluta Bay, Spinola Bay, Paceville, Portomaso and St George’s Bay.

  1. 🔴 Balluta Bay: Ideal for a peaceful seafront stay, promenade walks, and easy access to Sliema on one side and St Julian’s on the other.
  2. 🔵 Spinola Bay: Best for restaurants, views, evening walks, and a central yet more scenic St Julian’s stay.
  3. 🟣 Portomaso and Dragonara: Ideal for luxury hotels, marina views, resort-style stays, and nearby restaurants.
  4. 🟠 Paceville: Great for late nights, bars, and budget stays, but check noise before booking.
  5. 🟢 St George’s Bay: Best for nightlife, a small, popular sandy beach, shopping centres, and an active holiday base.

Quick Picks For Where To Stay In St Julian’s

Best Places To Stay In St Julian’s

Below are our main picks for St Julian’s hotels and apartments, chosen to help you compare different types of stays, from luxury resorts and sea-view hotels to budget-friendly and apartment-style options.

The price guide reflects each property’s overall standing in Sliema, considering factors such as location, room type, amenities, sea views, apartment size, and whether it appears more budget, mid-range, upscale, or luxury. Prices may fluctuate based on the season, room selection, sea-view category, cancellation policies, and booking lead time.

Therefore, view this as a general reference rather than a fixed nightly rate.

  • Price Guide: € = Budget
  • Price Guide: €€ = Good value / mid-range
  • Price Guide: €€€ = Upscale
  • Price Guide: €€€€ = Luxury

This is a general guide only. Prices can change depending on season, room type, sea views, availability and how early you book.

Hilton Malta – Best Overall Stay In St Julian’s

Area: Portomaso / St Julian’s Seafront
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families, sea views and resort facilities
Price guide: €€€€ – Luxury waterfront resort with premium facilities and views.

Hilton Malta is a top all-round choice in St Julian’s if you want comfort, sea or marina view rooms, pools, restaurants, and an easy waterfront location. It suits visitors who want the convenience of St Julian’s without staying in Paceville.

Key Facts: 5-star luxury hotel • Marina land sea-view room options • Pools and spa • Family room options • Strong all-round base.

Why stay here: Choose this for a polished St Julian’s stay with strong facilities and easy access to restaurants.

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta – Best Family-Friendly Resort in St. Julian’s

Area: Dragonara Peninsula
Best for: Sea views, families, resort facilities, couples, pools and longer holidays
Price guide: €€€€ – Luxury sea-access resort with spacious rooms and lidos.

The Westin Dragonara Resort is one of the strongest family-friendly choices in St Julian’s, located on the Dragonara Peninsula. It offers spacious rooms, sea views, pools, and coastal surroundings. Recently renovated with private balconies and sea views, it provides more comfort and space than a typical city hotel.

Key Facts: Luxury resort • Private peninsula setting • Sea access • Pools and lidos • Good for longer stays.

Why stay here: It offers families a spacious, resort-style stay near St George’s Bay and central St Julian’s.

Hotel Juliani – Best Boutique-Style Stay In St Julian’s

Area: Spinola Bay
Best for: Couples, boutique stays, restaurants, bay views and a more personal feel
Price guide: €€€ – Upscale boutique hotel with Spinola Bay view options.

Hotel Juliani is a strong boutique option if you want something smaller, more characterful, and directly connected to the charm of Spinola Bay. Set in a renovated townhouse with a family-run feel, it is close to restaurants, bars, shops, and transport links. The rooftop pool and terrace overlook the bay, appealing to couples or travellers seeking a stylish, personal stay.

Key Facts: Boutique hotel • Spinola Bay location • Rooftop pool • Restaurant area • Good couples' choice.

Why stay here: Choose this if you want a stylish, central stay in one of St Julian’s nicest bay settings.

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa – Best Balluta Bay Stay In St Julian’s

Area: Balluta Bay / St Julian’s Promenade
Best for: Families, couples, spa stays, calmer seafront base
Price guide: €€€€ – Luxury seafront resort near Balluta Bay promenade.

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa is a good choice if you want to stay in St Julian’s but prefer Balluta Bay over Paceville. Close to Balluta Bay and the seafront promenade, it offers easy access to St Julian’s and Sliema. The hotel has a refined resort vibe with spa, premium rooms, restaurants, and a rooftop pool.

Key Facts: 5-star luxury resort • Balluta Bay location • Rooftop pool • Spa facilities • Good for promenade walks.

Why stay here: It is a great choice for a relaxed St Julian’s base near the sea, away from the loud nightlife.

Holiday Inn Express Malta – Best Budget Stay In St Julian’s

Area: St George’s Bay / Paceville
Best for: Budget travellers, short breaks, nightlife, younger travellers and no-car stays
Price guide: €€ / €€€ – Good-value modern hotel close to beach and nightlife.

Holiday Inn Express Malta is a practical budget-friendly option if you want to stay in the heart of St Julian’s without paying five-star prices. It is near St George’s Bay and Paceville, ideal for travellers wanting restaurants, bars, beach, and transport nearby. Includes breakfast and Wi-Fi for convenience.

Key Facts: Modern hotel • Central St Julian’s location • Near St George’s Bay • Breakfast included • Good value for short stays.

Why stay here: It is one of the most practical value options for travellers wanting a central St Julian’s base.

be.HOTEL – Best For St George’s Bay And Nightlife Access

Area: Bay Street / St George’s Bay / Paceville
Best for: Nightlife, younger travellers, groups, shopping, beach access and central convenience
Price guide: €€ | €€€ – Mid-range to upscale hotel, depending on season and room type.

be.HOTEL is a strong choice if you want to be right in the centre of St George’s Bay and Paceville. It is set within the Bay Street complex, near restaurants, shops, bars, and the beach. It features a rooftop pool with bay views, ideal for travellers seeking a lively, central base rather than a quiet resort.

Key Facts: 4-star hotel • Bay Street location • Rooftop pool • Close to St George’s Bay • Good for nightlife access.

Why stay here: It is one of the best choices if you want St Julian’s nightlife, shopping, restaurants and beach access right on your doorstep.

Onyx Hotel / Onyx Apartments – Best Apartment Stay In St Julian’s

Area: Portomaso / Spinola / Central St Julian’s
Best for: Families, friends, longer stays, and self-catering trips
Price guide: €€ / €€€ - Good-value hotel and apartment stay with central location.

Onyx has spacious apartment-style accommodations in central St Julian’s. Each apartment is ideal for longer stays, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and space for up to six guests. It is a good choice for families, friends, or travellers who want self-catering near Portomaso, Spinola Bay, restaurants, and nightlife.

Key facts: 3-star hotel, apartment-style options, two-bedroom apartments, full kitchens, and a central St Julian’s location.

Why stay here: You get more space and self-catering flexibility in central St Julian’s, without paying full resort-hotel prices.

Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St Julian’s – Best Sea-View Hotel In St Julian’s

Area: St George’s Bay / Northern edge of St Julian’s
Best for: Sea views, couples, quieter stays, families and resort-style holidays
Price guide: €€€ / €€€€ – Upscale seafront resort, with higher prices for sea-view rooms.

Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St Julian’s offers sea views and a quieter waterfront setting. The hotel is located on the seafront in the St George’s Bay area, but it sits slightly away from the main sandy beach and the busiest Paceville streets. This makes it a good choice for travellers who want to be close to St Julian’s but not in the centre of the nightlife.

Key facts: 5-star resort, seafront location, rooms with balconies, sea-view rooms and suites, and family room options.

Why stay here: Pick this hotel if you want wide sea views and a relaxed resort atmosphere, but still want to be near St Julian’s.

Should You Choose A Hotel, Apartment, or Aparthotel in St. Julian’s?

In St Julian’s, your choice of accommodation can significantly shape your holiday experience. Hotels offer convenience, while apartments provide more space and independence. We recommend considering the length of your stay and how close you want to be to the livelier areas.

Hotels

  • Best for: Short breaks, couples, sea views and an easier holiday setup.
  • Good to know: Hotels are usually the most straightforward option in St Julian’s. You get reception, cleaning, breakfast options and help if needed, which can be useful in a busy area like this.

Apartments

  • Best for: Families, longer stays, self-catering holidays and extra space.
  • Good to know: Apartments can work very well in St Julian’s, especially if you want a kitchen, washing machine or separate living area. Before booking, confirm the exact location, lift access, balcony, air-conditioning and recent reviews.

Aparthotels

  • Best for: Longer stays with a bit more comfort and flexibility.
  • Good to know: Aparthotels are a good middle ground. You get more space than a standard hotel room, but usually with a more organised setup than a private apartment. For many first-time visitors, this can feel like the safer option.

Hotels

Best for: Short breaks, couples, sea views and breakfast included.

Good to know: Easier if you want reception, cleaning and hotel services.

Apartments

Best for: Families, longer stays and self-catering holidays.

Good to know: Check lift access, balcony, air-conditioning and exact location.

Aparthotels

Best for: Longer stays with hotel-style convenience.

Good to know: A good middle ground between a hotel and an apartment.

Is St Julian’s Good Without A Car?

St Julian’s is a great place to stay in Malta if you don’t have a car. You’ll find bus and taxi services close by, along with plenty of restaurants and scenic coastal walks. If you want to visit Valletta, go to the beach, or take day trips, check out our guides on getting around Malta, public transport card, and airport transfers.

In our experience, renting a car is only useful if you plan to visit the more remote areas of Malta. Parking in St Julian’s is often difficult, especially in the busiest spots.

Beaches And Swimming In St. Julian’s

St Julian’s is a seaside resort, but it is not Malta’s quietest beach area. St George’s Bay has a small sandy beach, Balluta Bay has a swimming spot, and several rocky swimming places are along the coast, especially if you are comfortable entering the sea from rocks or ladders. We have swum in various spots around this area over the years.

We have had the pleasure of swimming in many beautiful spots in this area over the years, and they can be truly special if you know what to expect. Some hotels offer lidos or sea access. For larger sandy beaches, compare St Julian’s with Mellieħa BayGolden Bay, and other options in our best beaches in Malta and Gozo guide.

Getting Around From St Julian’s

It is easy to get around St Julian’s without a car, especially if you are staying near Spinola Bay, Balluta Bay, St George’s Bay, or close to the main bus routes. In our experience, renting a car only makes sense if you want to visit more remote parts of Malta, since parking in St Julian’s can be difficult.

  • 🚌 By bus: This is really helpful if you are exploring Valletta, Sliema, Bugibba, Mellieħa, or other popular spots in the area!
  • ⛴️ By ferry: There is no direct St Julian’s to Valletta ferry, but you can walk, take a bus or taxi to Sliema Ferries.
  • 🚕 By taxi: Handy for airport transfers, late nights and short trips around the harbour area.
  • 🚗 By car: A car is not essential here, and parking can be difficult in the busiest areas.
  • 🚶 On foot: The promenade walk towards Balluta, Sliema and Gżira is one of the area’s greatest advantages.

If Our Top Picks Are Sold Out

St Julian’s has a wide range of places to stay, so it is worth checking a few extra options if your first choice is unavailable or prices are high. Some options are in St Julian’s itself, while others may be nearby and still work well as a convenient base.

Before booking, always check the property’s exact location, latest facilities, recent guest reviews and official booking details to make sure it suits your trip.

Apartments & Aparthotels

Sea View Hotels

Budget Stays

  • Alexandra Hotel: A simple hotel in central Paceville. Check noise comments to get a good idea of what to expect.
  • Spinola Hotel: Small central stay close to Spinola Bay and bus routes.

Boutique & Couples Stays

Good Overall Alternatives

  • Hotel Argento: Central St Julian’s hotel near Spinola Bay, restaurants and the promenade.
  • Ivy Hotel: Child-free central hotel, useful for couples wanting a modern base near nightlife.
  • OK Mercure: Modern, affordable alternative just a short walk from Spinola Bay.

Before you make your booking, be sure to double-check the property’s exact location, the most recent facilities, recent guest reviews, and official booking information. This way, you can feel confident that it will be the perfect fit for your trip.

Find Your St Julian’s Hotel Or Apartment With The Map Below

Use the map below to compare available hotels, apartments and aparthotels in St Julian’s. Pay close attention to the exact location, as staying closer to Spinola Bay, Balluta Bay, St George’s Bay, Paceville, or the promenade can completely change the feel of your trip.

If you want nightlife, look closer to St George’s Bay, Bay Street and Paceville. If you want to be close but not in the busiest nightlife area, consider Spinola Bay, Portomaso, Balluta Bay, Dragonara and the quieter outer St George’s Bay seafront.

FAQ About Staying in St. Julian’s

Is St Julian’s a good place to stay in Malta?

Yes, St Julian’s is a great choice if you want plenty of restaurants, nightlife, easy transport, sea views, and a lively spot close to Sliema and Valletta.

Which part of St Julian’s is best to stay in?

Spinola Bay and Portomaso are good all-round areas. If you want a quieter stay, try Balluta Bay. For nightlife, St George’s Bay and Paceville are the best options.

Where should I stay in St Julian’s if I want nightlife but less noise?

Try looking for places to stay near Spinola Bay, Portomaso, Balluta Bay, Dragonara, or the quieter end of St George’s Bay. These areas keep you close to restaurants and nightlife, but away from the busiest Paceville streets.

Is St Julian’s good without a car?

Yes, you don’t need a car in St Julian’s since buses, taxis, restaurants, shops, and the promenade are all nearby.

Does St Julian’s have sandy beaches?

St George’s Bay has a small sandy beach, but St Julian’s is not the top spot in Malta if you want a quiet sandy beach holiday.

Is St Julian’s better than Sliema?

St Julian’s is better if you want nightlife, restaurants, and a livelier atmosphere. Sliema is usually better for ferries, shopping, promenade walks, and is a bit more practical overall.

Is St Julian’s good for families?

Yes, St Julian’s can be good for families, especially if you pick a resort-style hotel or apartment away from the busiest Paceville streets.

Should I book a hotel or an apartment in St Julian’s?

Pick a hotel for short stays and easy services. Go for an apartment or aparthotel if you want more space, self-catering, or plan to stay longer.

Is St Julian’s expensive?

St Julian’s can get pricey in summer, especially for sea-view or luxury hotels. You will find more budget and good-value options outside the busiest times.

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Albert and Benjamin Magro, local Malta travel writers

We're Albert and Benjamin Magro, two Malta locals sharing the island through the eyes of people who live here and still love exploring it like visitors. We spend our time discovering beaches, restaurants, hidden corners, and practical tips to help you plan a better trip to Malta. You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, where we share more of Malta through our photos and videos.