The Michelin Key is like the Michelin Star for hotels, judging properties on architecture, interior design, service, personality, value, and overall guest experience.Iniala Harbour House in Valletta has officially become the first hotel in the country to receive two Michelin Keys. The accolade comes in the debut year of the Michelin Key selection for Malta and recognises Iniala’s exceptional design, service, and guest experience.Other hotels that join the list of Michelin key holders include Rosselli – AX Privilege, Lure Hotel & Spa, The Phoenicia Malta, Xara Palace and Domus Zamitello.Iniala Harbour House:Iniala Harbour House and Residences in Valletta has become the first hotel in Malta to receive two Michelin Keys, recognising its exceptional design, service, and guest experience. The boutique hotel, a row of four restored antique townhouses, was transformed by Autoban, A-cero, and DAAA Haus into a modern, eclectic space with sweeping views of the Grand Harbour.The 23 rooms range from spacious to palatial, blending modern design with antique details. Guests also enjoy a lavish spa, a fully equipped gym, and ION Harbour by Simon Rogan on the rooftop, one of Valletta’s finest restaurants, which recently earned a second Michelin star.Mark Weingard, Founder of Iniala Group, said:“I want to congratulate my team, as well as my architects and designers, for helping us create a truly world-class hotel that has today been recognised with two Michelin Keys… Next year, we will be taking Iniala Harbour House and Residences to an even higher level with the opening of 19 new suites, two new dining concepts and the Iniala Club, which will include an expanded fitness studio, a longevity centre, and an open-air pool overlooking the Grand Harbour.”Rosselli – AX Privilege:With this latest recognition, Rosselli becomes the only property in Malta to hold three Michelin distinctions under one roof, the hotel’s Michelin Key, Under Grain’s Michelin Star, and Grain Street’s Bib Gourmand.Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century Baroque palazzo on Merchants Street, Rosselli perfectly blends heritage with high design, offering timeless elegance across its historic balconies, arches, and contemporary interiors. As the Michelin Guide put it, Rosselli “offers a much-needed dose of high design for Malta’s capital city… To put it simply: Rosselli is in a class by itself.”Claire Xuereb, Director of Hospitality and Care at AX Group, said the award reflects the “dedication and heart of every team member,” while Senior General Manager Kevin Callus added it’s “a true testament to our team’s dedication and the standard we’ve set at Rosselli.” With this triple Michelin triumph, Rosselli cements its place as a leader in Maltese luxury and hospitality excellence.Lure Hotel & Spa:Tucked away in the heart of Mellieħa, far from Valletta’s bustling boutique hotel scene, Lure Hotel & Spa is proving that luxury on the island doesn’t stop at the capital. This adults-only hideaway brings five-star sophistication to the north, combining Art Deco elegance with modernist design and the kind of tranquillity that’s hard to find anywhere else.Inside, every detail feels intentional, from the oversized four-poster beds to the sleek marble finishes and 35-square-metre rooms that expand into sprawling suites twice that size. It’s a space that’s both intimate and indulgent, made for those who crave style without the city’s constant hum.The spa and indoor pool are the hotel’s serene heart, offering a calming escape that perfectly matches Mellieħa’s laid-back charm. And when it comes to food, Lure’s own restaurant easily rivals the island’s best, serving beautifully crafted dishes that are just as refined as the setting itself. A true northside gem, Lure Hotel & Spa proves that Malta’s luxury scene shines just as brightly beyond Valletta’s walls.The Phoenicia Malta:For decades, The Phoenicia Malta has reigned as Valletta’s grand dame of luxury — but following a stunning top-to-bottom renovation, the iconic hotel is now more dazzling than ever. Blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication, the revamped Phoenicia delivers five-star comfort, impeccable service, and a refreshed design that honours its storied past while embracing a new era of Maltese hospitality.Perched at the edge of Valletta’s fortified city walls, the Phoenicia offers a prime location — just steps from the capital’s bustling heart, yet blissfully serene once you step inside. The interiors channel the golden age of British luxury, complete with restored architectural details, refined décor, and all the modern amenities you’d expect from one of Malta’s finest hotels.Guests can indulge at Contessa or Beefbar in the City, sip afternoon tea at the Palm Court Lounge, or unwind with cocktails at the Club Bar. But the crown jewel? The Bastion infinity pool, with panoramic views stretching across the Grand Harbour — a reminder that while The Phoenicia is nearly a century old, it’s still setting the standard for Maltese luxury today.Xara Palace:While most of Malta’s boutique luxury hotels are clustered around Valletta, The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux stands proudly apart, a jewel tucked within the ancient walls of Mdina, Malta’s medieval “Silent City.” Housed in a 17th-century palazzo, this hotel is a living tribute to aristocratic elegance, blending timeless grandeur with the refined touches of modern hospitality.Every corner of The Xara Palace whispers history, from its stately architecture to its sweeping views over the island, yet it’s been expertly refreshed to meet today’s five-star standards. The atmosphere remains authentically period, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience Malta’s noble past without sacrificing contemporary comfort.A stay here wouldn’t be complete without dining at De Mondion, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, celebrated for its fine cuisine and romantic terrace overlooking the island. For something more laid-back, Trattoria AD 1530 serves hearty Mediterranean fare in a charming courtyard setting, proving that in Mdina, history and haute cuisine go hand in hand. Domus Zamittello:Right in the heart of Valletta on Republic Street, Domus Zamittello stands as a shining example of Baroque luxury brought into the modern era. This beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo oozes elegance, with public spaces meticulously rebuilt to their original specifications, making it a perfect blend of history and contemporary comfort.The rooms strike the ideal balance between old-world grandeur and modern conveniences, featuring underfloor heating, double-glazed windows, and stylish furnishings that make every stay feel indulgent.Guests can soak in the city from the hotel’s terrace, which stretches from the gates of Valletta to the iconic Royal Opera House, while Mezzodi restaurant serves Italian classics and light bites throughout the day, proving that Domus Zamittello isn’t just a place to stay, but a true Valletta experience.Have you ever stayed at one of these hotels?•