OVERVIEW \ design B&B with rooms starting at $100
Valletta Vintage is a seriously stylish collection of five studio apartments spread across three historic buildings in Valletta and Birgu, adorned with an eclectic mix of mainly vintage finds, complemented by bespoke and contemporary pieces. Owner-architect Chris Briffa’s passion for art and design comes across in each themed apartment. The Atelier (formerly Chris’s architect studio), The Gallery and The Library Room are housed in a restored 18th century limestone building by Fort St Elmo. Each features a unique charm, but we loved our Library Room, with its traditional Maltese balcony, hammock, architect’s steel desk, Philippe Starck lighting and potted plants. Lovers of all things vintage will appreciate the hip Retro Pad, a one-bedroom maisonette with beautifully restored furniture and designer pieces.
NOTEWORTHY
All three studios on 179 Republic Street feature a kitchenette with a fridge and an Illy coffee machine, plus there’s a fully-equipped communal kitchen and dining room on the fourth floor. There are two terraces – the rooftop terrace has striking 360 views of Valletta and beyond. We loved the abstract art and minimalist photography along the staircase of the building.
Complimentary wireless is available throughout the properties.
LOCATION
Atelier, Gallery, The Retro Pad and Library studios are located in the heart of Valetta, just a 17 minute drive from Malta International Airport and two blocks from Fort St Elmo. The Hideout is located in Birgu, just across the harbour from Valletta.
RATES
Studios from $80 in low season and from $105 in high season.
Need to know
There’s a policy of two nights’ minimum stay.
Under 13s are not allowed to stay in the properties. Teenagers can stay in the same room as their parents.
A car is not necessary for getting around Valletta itself, but if you’re planning on exploring the rest of Malta, we’d recommend hiring a car at the airport.
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD...
There are endless sites to see in the historic, walled city of Valletta!
Restaurants: Guze Bistro, The Harbour Club, Rubino, Trabuxu Bistro
Historical sites: St John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Master’s Palace, Fort St Elmo, National Museum of Archeology
CONTACT \ BOOKING
Visit their website for more info and booking.
*Reviewed by contributor Clemmy Manzo, images courtesy of Valletta Vintage