AX the Saint John

The first thing you need to know about Valletta's 19 bedroom AX The St John is that it is a boutique property - don’t expect all the noise and action of your experience in the foyer of a large hotel - in fact there is no foyer. You book in at another AX property a few doors down where you also go for breakfast - but more on that later. The property is brilliantly located in the heart of the city - Merchant Street runs from the top to the bottom of Valletta. Set in a historic 17th-century building that was once a merchant’s residence and shop, the property has been expertly restored to retain its charm while providing the comforts and amenities we all expect. Breakfast is a real treat - no smorgasbord with dried out scrambled eggs here. Your order is taken by one of the extremely delightful waiters - and everything arrives straight from the kitchen. Not really enough tables in the main serving area when things get busy however - but there are additional tables in the entrance area. The rooms are big - we had a lovely view of Merchant Street with its never ending line of street restaurants and bars - the bed ok, the pillows a bit lumpy. In the morn there was plenty of hot water - but the shower head and hand held unit in our room were due for replacement. Great to see the bathroom goodies include a shaving kit and toothbrush - plenty of airport hotels don't do that these days - but why go to all that trouble and then put in pump shampoo and wash bottles? Hate that in a good hotel. I like soap - and a bottle of decent conditioner. Bit old fashioned I guess. You check in at the super five star Rosselli - AX Privilege at nearby 167 Merchant Street. The front of house gal was extremely helpful - she even brought a book on Malta up to our room to clarify a few of our questions. In fact, all the staff try really hard. Great to see also the power and USB plugs either side of the bed along with light controls. The aircon was noisy but luckily it was warm enough to turn it off. The wardrobe is a bit small - not that it matters these days - and there is a curious mix of stylish through to practical furniture in the room - but everything you need is there including a coffee machine and iron. Safe is at the right height as well. All in all we really enjoyed our stay. Do try the Cheeky Monkey Gastropub next door to the hotel - good value tasty food in a very clean environment. I was a bit wary of the street restaurants. Luciano's is another dining spot in Merchant Street we can recommend. And for a coffee - la Crema also in the main *****.

We have just stayed five nights at The Saint John Hotel in Valletta. The hotel is perfect and has everything you need. The staff are absolutely wonderful, very attentive and very friendly. On arrival we were offered a courtesy drink and nothing was too much trouble. We arrived early so were unable to check in. Check in is at Rosselli three doors down. You can also use Rosselli’s rooftop terrace and as the weather was so beautiful and hot, we used it most (late) afternoons after our day of sightseeing. We stayed on the third floor which was at the back of the hotel. It was very quiet. Housekeeping was fabulous and did a wonderful job each day. My only tiny annoyance was the lighting system. All touch button and a little frustrating at times. But no big issue and it wouldn’t put us off staying here again. It is in such a wonderful spot in the heart of beautiful Valletta, with amazingly kind and friendly staff - I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this hotel. In our five days we toured Valletta, queued for the ferry to Gozo (and it was sadly full), took a long two hour local bus to the north and then a short ferry to Camino and a boat to Gozo. The ferry back from Gozo to Valletta was 45 mins - highly recommended! We also took the short ferry taxi to Silema. A lovely five days away and we hope to come back soon . The Maltese people are some of the nicest people we have ever met.

Stayed recently and was a great stay from word go staff were superb glass of wine as soon as we got there another suggested some good places to go the beds were made every day and was clean and comfortable and nothing was to much trouble every one was friendly and a big thanks to all really, but just an extra thanks to all the staff serving the lovely breakfast in the mornings really attentive would not hesitate to stay next time in Malta not far to walk anywhere from this Hotel, left a small tip but not enough, well done to all.

The overall stay was very nice. Very convenient location in the heart of Valetta with very good restaurants in the surroundings. Beds were very comfortable and the room is very stylish. For those who love a buffet breakfast the hotel offers a la carte instead. Recommend.

From the moment we arrived until the day we left all at the hotel were amazing. Their kindness, thoughtfulness and all around professionalism was second to none. We managed to eat at the hotel’s wonderful fine dining restaurant, ‘under grain’ which was one of the best we’ve ever been too. If you are in Valletta then please think about staying here and if you are lucky the ‘manager’ might carry your bags because he did for Kim & I which shows you why all the staff are amazing as they are led from the ‘top’..,