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The Xara Palace

Valletta, Malta • Mdina • SPLURGE

avg. $333 / night

Includes $18 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Relais & Châteaux

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Within the ancient walled city of Mdina — Malta's silent, car-free medieval capital perched on a hilltop at the island's centre — a seventeenth-century palazzo that once served as the residence of the Moscati Parisio noble family was converted into the Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, one of only a handful of hotels in the world where every room sits inside a fortified medieval city. The building's globigerina limestone facades, honey-coloured and worn to a fine grain by centuries of Maltese sun, give directly onto the Cathedral Square, where the exterior terrace visible in the images — shaded by cream canvas umbrellas, bordered by terracotta pots of geraniums — functions less as hotel amenity than as an extension of the piazza itself. Inside, the seventeen rooms navigate between two registers: some lean into a composed, almost Scandinavian restraint, with linen-upholstered headboards framed in raw oak, Persian kilims layered over wide-plank floors, and bottle-green accent walls, while others lean further into the palazzo's Baroque inheritance, dressing carved gilt headboards in natural fabric and grounding them with travertine floors and freestanding baths glimpsed through open archways. The rooftop terrace, framed by the carved stone domes and finials of adjacent baroque churches, and the covered dining terrace — its timber-beamed ceiling hung with cascading red petunias, its iron balustrade opening onto a panorama of the Maltese interior plain — anchor the property to its remarkable setting.

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About

The Xara Palace Hotel is a unique 17th-century palace hidden away in the medieval fortified city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta. Perched on centuries-old bastions, surrounded by stunning baroque architecture, The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, with its luxurious accommodation and award-winning haute cuisine, is truly a haven in which to pause and be pampered. Meticulously and sensitively restored to reflect its former noble standing, the exclusive 5-Star boutique hotel boasts seventeen luxury rooms and suites enjoying stunning views, all individually and tastefully designed with antique furniture and paintings, luxurious Parisian fabrics and king size beds. Our promise to our guests centres on an impeccable attention to detail - from the décor to the serene, unhurried pace of life at The Xara Palace Hotel, through every facet of our service - all setting the scene for nothing less than an exquisitely unforgettable holiday in Malta.

Amenities

Restaurant

Room service

Internet

Free Internet

Wifi

Free Wifi

Pool

Suites

Bar/Lounge

Airport transportation

The Xara Palace Reviews

834 reviews

"An oasis of calm inside the Mdina city walls with a nice restaurant next door. Room with own terrace was a really nice treat and enjoyed a hot tub afternoon. Views fantastic and breakfast the follow day pleasant on the terrace (breakfast included - just extra for hot breakfast like English or eggs Benedict) Stayed in room 7 which was split level and gorgeous - would have happily stayed longer although to note rooms 5, 6 & 7 are under the breakfast terrace/indoor seating area and for about 2 hours 9.30pm - 11:30pm there was a lot of banging and scraping on the floor…. Do not know what was being done for such a sustained duration and it did spoil the evening a little; don’t know if a daily activity that could be reduced or avoided. Also room 7 terrace gets glorious sun in the morning / early afternoon but then is completely Shaded in afternoon so depends on your preference for sun time (loungers and brolly provided)"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 21, 2026

"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 🤍"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 03, 2026

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

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Feb 26, 2026

"It is hard to describe an experience so wonderful. This gem of a hotel is located in the best place in Malta to stay. From the moment of reservation till we left, the service has been superb. Matthias at the front office is an exceptional person. We had wonderful conversations, learning about the culture and he helped us plan our day to perfection. The breakfast staff at the De Mondian were very nice and the meals were excellent We had 3 wonderful days in Mdina which is a magical place where time stands still. The hotel room and amenities were carefully and perfectly appointed. All in all I would come back and stay here again and would recommend anyone going to Malta to make this their first sto"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Feb 20, 2026

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The Xara Palace | Best Design-Driven Stays in Valletta, Malta