Palazzo Castagna Boutique Hotel
Ħal Għaxaq, Malta
At a Glance
Location: Ħal Għaxaq, Malta
Distance from airport: 3km
Vibe: Laid-back luxury
Amenities: A-la-carte breakfast, rooftop pool, bar, restaurant, lounge
Overall: 5/5
I spent the final two nights of my week in Malta (June 2024) at the Palazzo Castagna Boutique Hotel in the quiet village of Ħal Għaxaq, and I’m so glad I did. This was one of my top hotel experiences, and the perfect way to end my trip!
Location
Located just a 5-minute drive from the Malta International Airport, Ħal Għaxaq is a predominantly residential area of Malta that feels a world away from the busier parts of the island. That said, nothing in Malta is ever too far. The capital city, Valletta, is only a 15-minute drive away, the fishing town of Marsaxlokk is just 5 minutes down the road, and the Blue Grotto is a quick 10-minute drive. You really get the best of both worlds here: a peaceful haven away from the crowds, and easy access to the island’s highlights whenever you feel like venturing out.
Atmosphere
From the moment I arrived, the level of care and attention to detail stood out. Everything, from the decor to the customer service, felt thoughtful and elevated. The staff were genuinely warm and attentive, which truly added to my overall positive experience.
The hotel itself has a couple of inviting lounge areas near the lobby, perfect for relaxing with a book or unwinding with a drink after a day out. The breakfast and dining room is large, bright, and filled with natural light – a lovely way to start the morning! The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor space, including a tea garden, as well as a rooftop pool, bar, and lounge area that feels like a paradise escape.
Rooms & Comfort
The Deluxe Double Room had exactly what I look for in a hotel stay: beautifully designed, comfortable, and quiet. The bed was incredibly comfortable and perfect to sink into after long days exploring the island. I also had a small balcony overlooking a quiet street, which I really enjoyed. Some of the rooms also have balconies overlooking the hotel’s tea garden.
In terms of amenities, everything I needed (and more!) was covered: TV & Wi-Fi, air conditioning, quality toiletries, a hairdryer, bathrobe, and even heated floors in the bathroom, which felt so luxurious! There was also a minibar and coffee kit, as well as room service available.
Breakfast & Dining
Palazzo Castagna’s à la carte breakfast was probably the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had. The variety, quality, and overall setup were genuinely impressive. For breakfast that’s included in the price of the stay, theirs doesn’t feel like an afterthought – it’s truly part of the experience, and something to look forward to!
A small detail that didn’t go unnoticed was that they packed me a breakfast bag for my early morning flight. It’s these kinds of thoughtful touches that really stay with you long after a trip.
Rooftop Pool & Bar
The rooftop pool area is beautifully set up and feels like its own little escape, and the rooftop bar makes it easy to order drinks and food without ever needing to leave the property. On a sunny day, the rooftop provides a space where you could easily spend an entire day relaxing and enjoying the hotel itself, without feeling the need to go anywhere else.
Final Thoughts
Staying at Palazzo Castagna was the perfect way to end my vacation in Malta. It’s the kind of hotel that strikes a really nice balance: peacefully tucked away, yet still well-connected to the rest of the island. Between the thoughtful design, excellent service, and comfortable rooms, everything felt relaxing and enjoyable. I’ve already recommended this hotel to others, and I would absolutely stay here again. It’s one of those places you remember, and the kind of stay that makes you look forward to going back before you’ve even left.
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