Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Stunning location
Exceptional service
Cons:
High prices

Categories

Cleanliness
9.19
No specific issues mentioned; overall cleanliness is expected to be excellent for this hotel standard.
Service
9.66
The staff has been described as attentive and exceptionally helpful throughout the guest experience.
Location
9.7
The hotel's location in Mdina is highlighted as beautiful and contributes greatly to the overall experience.
Room Quality
9.15
Rooms are described as comfortable and well-furnished.
Amenities
9.18
Amenities include a roof terrace and hot tub, adding to the guest experience.
Value for Money
8.64
Some guests mention high pricing but feel the experience justifies it.
Food and Beverage
9.19
The hotel's Michelin star restaurant is recommended, along with high-quality food in the Trattoria.
Overall Experience
9.66
Overall, guests describe their experiences as delightful and recommend the hotel without reservation.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-10 11:58

Property Description

Luxurious 17th-Century Palace Boutique Hotel
Nestled in the medieval fortified city of Mdina, The Xara Palace Boutique Hotel offers a unique experience like no other.

Award-Winning Haute Cuisine and Luxury Accommodation
Indulge in exquisite haute cuisine and luxurious accommodations at this Relais & Châteaux property. Each of the seventeen rooms and suites is meticulously designed with antique furniture, Parisian fabrics, and king-size beds, offering stunning views of the surrounding baroque architecture.

Impeccable Attention to Detail for an Unforgettable Stay
Experience a serene and pampered stay with an unhurried pace of life at The Xara Palace Hotel. From the decor to the personalized service, every detail is carefully curated to ensure a truly unforgettable holiday in Malta.

Book now and treat yourself to an exquisite getaway at The Xara Palace Boutique Hotel.

Important information:

Please note that the property is located in a restricted traffic area. Guests are advised to contact the property before arrival for further instructions.

Please note that the property accepts small dogs but guests are required to contact the property in advance.In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: MLA

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 17 years old stay for € 95 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for € 95 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.3
Based on 576 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.19
Service: 9.66
Location: 9.7
Room Quality: 9.15
Amenities: 9.18
Value for Money: 8.64
Food and Beverage: 9.19
Overall Experience: 9.66
J
Julie • couple • fr
10
Magnifique batisse historique de la citadelle et vue execeptionnelle
Pros:

Beauté des lieux au cœur de la citadelle
Architecture époustouflante
Vue panoramique à couper le souffle , de la terrasse du petit déjeuner et de la chambre 🤩
À faire et à refaire !
Merci à Silvia et au Directeur pour la personnalisation du séjour

Cons:

Partir 😔

2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • solo_traveller • mt
10
Give it a try and you’ll be very pleasantly surprised.
Pros:

Perfect stay. Couldn’t be better!

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
V
Volkhardt • couple • de
10
Pros:

Wir sind eine Woche auf Malta und Gozo gewandert. Dabei haben wir eine Nacht im "The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux" übernachtet. Es war alles grandios, von der Begrüßung über den CheckIn, das Zimmer, die Aussicht, die Lage, das Ambiente, das Frühstück, die Freundlichkeit des Personals,... alles auf einem extrem hohen Level. Wer sich einmal eine besondere Übernachtung in einer alten Stadtmauer mit überwältigender Aussicht gönnen möchte, hat hier sein Geld gut angelegt. :-) Volle Empfehlung!

2026-04-06 • via Nuitee
9
978chaniceb • Family
10
Our Dream Post-Wedding Escape
Pros:

Our post-wedding night at The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux was nothing short of magical — the perfect way to begin our new chapter as husband and wife.

From the moment we arrived, everything felt incredibly special. Nestled within the timeless beauty of Mdina, the hotel’s charm, elegance, and tranquility created an atmosphere that was both intimate and unforgettable. After the whirlwind of our wedding day, stepping into such serenity felt like a dream.

Our room was absolutely stunning — luxurious, beautifully designed, and filled with thoughtful touches that made us feel truly celebrated. Waking up in the “Silent City” as newlyweds was an experience we’ll cherish forever.

The service was exceptional from start to finish. Every member of staff made us feel welcome and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. It wasn’t just hospitality — it was genuine care.

This wasn’t just a hotel stay; it was a memory we’ll carry with us for a lifetime. If you’re looking for a romantic, elegant, and truly unforgettable experience — especially for a special occasion — this is the place.

Thank you for giving us the most beautiful start to our forever 🤍

2026-04-03 • via Tripadvisor
P
peter • family_with_children • dk
10
2026-04-03 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • us
10
2026-03-30 • via Nuitee
M
michèle • family_with_children • fr
10
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • gb
10
The Xara Palace exceeds all expectations and we can’t wait to return.
Pros:

The hotel is in the most amazing location within the Mdina city walls. Although Mdina is busy during the day its is perfectly quiet at night - it’s not called ‘the silent city’ for nothing. If the wonderful in-house catering is not enough for you, a short stroll will take you to a number of great alternatives both within the city walls and just outside in the village of Rabat. The levels of service and customer care you will encounter throughout the Hotel are simply exceptional. Worthy of particular praise is Sara in reception who is simply first class. Professional, helpful, courteous and alway greats you with the warmest smile.

Room 15 includes a private roof top patio which has stunning views over the countryside to

2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • family_with_children • gb
9
Pros:

Lovely place with excellent service

2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
M
Maris • family_with_children • lv
10
2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
N
Nazlı • family_with_children • tr
10
Pros:

Everything

Cons:

Breakfast could be improved a bit but generally perfect hotel

2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • couple • gb
10
Comfortable five star stay in a perfect location for Mdina.
Pros:

Lovely room with great views from the windows. Needed to go up and down stairs to access the room so not god if limited mobility.
Very well appointed rooms with every amenity required. Good prompt housekeeping and also a turndown service. Air con was only switched to heating so difficult to keep a cool temperature in the room without opening windows and letting in insects.Good bathroom with excelling walk-in shower although floor a bit slippery when wet and soapy.
Good TV with multiple channels but not able to cast from my ipad because I think this had been disabled. did ask the concierge but he said he had been asked for this before and had never been able to make it work. Why has this been disabled???
Excellent breakfast in the second floor dining room. Good service but a bit slow. Not a buffet - better to have at table service but again slow service. Delicious food choices, though.

Cons:

Apart from slippery floor in the bathroom nothing to dislike. Pity the airconditioning was set to heating.

This is a very well run hotel which welcomes all it's guests.

2026-03-18 • via Nuitee
R
Robin • couple • gb
8
A very enjoyable stay in a glorious hotel but which sadly had a few shortcomings - as detailed.
Pros:

The building was beautifully restored and the room (no:7) was very attractive. All the staff were charming and efficient and the level of service and local information advice was excellent. The location in Mdina was great, secluded yet near the city gate with its taxis and buses.

Cons:

The lack of a bar was extremely unusual in a 5* and seriously limited the opportunity to socialise as one would wish on holiday - maybe one could be planned in the rather underused internal courtyard. The lack of available swimming pool in the Xara Palace or its sister property (as advertised) was disappointing. The way the breakfast options were organised was inflexible and made it extremely expensive if you just wanted a light cereal or maybe some toast or yoghurt. Very disappointing that the trattoria was closed for two of our days and the restaurant for two others in the context of few other good options available in Mdina. The cost of wines particularly the glass of champagne offered with the tasting menu was not transparent and was not reflected in the inclusive pairing prices. It was a pity that hire cars were not available with insurance for eighty year olds, because the distance of Mdina from Valetta and other centres required a lot of costly taxi journeys.

2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
A
Alastair • couple • nl
10
Just incredible.
Pros:

The staff were exceptional. Attentive, warm, and genuinely knowledgeable in a way that makes a hotel feel effortlessly well run. The location is gorgeous. The serenity which offers a sense of calm from the moment you arrive. What stood out most was how the staff shared their insight into the castle , helping you appreciate the beautiful character of the place and encouraging you to really make the most of it.

Our room had a jacuzzi overlooking the city, and the view was just as striking in the daytime as it was at night. If you’re staying in Malta, it’s hard to imagine a better place to stay. A big thank you to Silvia, Aurore, Sara and Dennis.

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
A
Anish • family_with_children • in
10
An experience to remember - at par with The Oberoi and Four Seasons
Pros:

One of the finest hotel experiences. Every staff member was exceptionally warm and friendly, yet totally professional

Cons:

Not a thing

2026-03-12 • via Nuitee
J
John • extended_group • mt
10
A Beautiful and Historic Building in a Medieval Setting
Pros:

Beautiful hotel in medieval Mdina. A welcomed change from the ubiquitous modern hotels. Decorated to high standards along with a very kind and accommodating staff. Would most certainly stay here again.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
K
KVella77 • couple • mt
10
For a few days every year we manage to live in a dream in this place
Pros:

We are regular customers and we have been coming here every year for the last five years. For us this is a special place and we have fond memories. It is very romantic. Staff and management always take extremely good care of us and now even remember us from year to year. Its quiet, relaxing and very comfortable. Waking up to one of the best views in Malta is exhilarating. Mdina is a, secluded, romantic small city with a rich history. In weekends it tends to be popular with tourists so it has lately become busier. But at Xara Palace its like time stands still.

Cons:

Never had any cause for complaints

2026-03-03 • via Nuitee
A
Annat • solo_traveller • il
10
A living museum and a luxury exeperience.
Pros:

perfectly fine breakffast, great (if slow) on location restaurants. rooms and building are beautifull, staff was almost entirely very nice and helpful

Cons:

one crew member, a bearded one, was not the best. breakfast could have been better. an prganized place to smoke with provided ashtrays would be welcome.

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
M
meganrH8652VY • Couples
2
Upgrade hell
Pros:

We stayed at Xara Palace for two days and both days we woke up to workmen digging up the pavement outside our room.

2026-02-26 • via Tripadvisor
M
megan • couple • gb
3
This isn’t a silent city!
Pros:

The staff were lovely.

Cons:

The workmen work us up at 7am outside our room.This isn’t a silent city!

2026-02-26 • via Nuitee