Boutique Hotel, Valletta, Malta
The concept of the ‘Mini Break’ is well established and surely Malta is one of the most perfect mini break destinations in the world. Whether you are lucky enough to live on this beautiful little island or are just visiting, the opportunities to take a well earned 24 or 48 hour break from the daily grind and indulge yourself are unmissable. From beach to Baroque, Malta has it all: even better news is that each hideaway can be only 20 minutes away from each other.
Palais Le Brun in Valletta is one of those perfect hideaways. Situated on the lower end of Old Bakery Street with view straight out to the Mediterranean Sea, this hotel is a gem.
A former palazzo belonging for 400 years to the Le Brun family, renowned silversmiths of the Knights of St John, the hotel was also formerly one of the homes of Malta’s first post-Independence Prime Minister, George Borg Olivier.
Today it is part of Allelon Hospitality’s group of small luxury hotels. Based on the true concept of the boutique, Palais Le Brun offers a beautiful and luxury environment set within a 17th century former palace, including a private meeting room for events and an award winning restaurant as part of the overall offer.
If you are looking for an authentic experience of a Mediterranean palazzo with a tangible heritage and a marvellous location, complemented by sensitive renovations and beautiful antiques but with every modern convenience and luxury available, then Palais Le Brun should be first on your list of destinations in Valletta.
From the elegant and coolly stylish entrance with its curving marble staircase to the beautiful roof top bar and pool with 180-degree views of Malta, this hotel elevates luxury and sophistication to new levels.
The reception is staffed 24 hours a day to ensure that every guest is given an hospitable welcome regardless of time of arrival. The ethos behind Allelon Hospitality is very much one of graciousness and courtesy. ‘Check in as a guest, leave as a friend’ is more than a slogan.
The décor is pared back elegance, offering spacious rooms with good natural light, glossy marble flooring and delicate hued walls. Each of the 28 rooms, whether a suite or a double, is furnished with an antique style sofa and small tables, a luxuriantly comfortable bed hung with canopies, good lighting, a writing desk and large screen TV. The detail is in the sumptuous fabrics, whether the curtains, cushions or rugs, sinkable sofa or ottoman. The usual safe and minibar are neatly and discreetly installed and a Nespresso machine, complimentary tea tray and powerful hairdryer are also included.
The en-suite bathrooms are sleekly designed with marble and chrome. Limitless hot water, waterfall shower heads and, my favourite, neatly wrapped spare toilet rolls with the logo embossed on the wrapping add to the luxury feel.
As the palazzo was built around a traditional central courtyard, the rooms and common parts are delightfully light and airy regardless of the season. Rooms with balconies and terraces are offered with hot tubs for those who fancy lounging with champagne and more bubbles, while the basement hosts a compact but comprehensive gym for the fitter guests.
Also in the basement, leading out to the prettiest street in Valletta, is the in-house restaurant, Patakka. The restaurant is open to non-guests and will also provide room service par excellence. With a full team managed by renowned chef Janine Camilleri, Patakka’s menus are seasonal, local and delicious, showcasing classic Mediterranean cooking with a twist.
Breakfast is served only to guests and it’s certainly worth staying for the breakfast alone! A selection of cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, cheese and salume is complemented with a menu for cooked breakfasts: from an extraordinarily good and innovative ‘Full English’ to perfectly prepared Eggs Benedict and French toast, this is the ultimate way to set yourself up for a day of culture in Valletta’s hilly streets.
Staff and service are significant factors in the enjoyment of a stay anywhere and Palais Le Brun staff are among the most courteous, efficient and pleasant you can meet. Generally speaking, Maltese hospitality is both generous and helpful wherever you go but Palais Le Brun staff members have also incorporated that effortless ability of being instantly available when you need something but without being intrusive. A hallmark of excellent training.
Whether you are staying for a week or a night, Palais Le Brun and Patakka are not to be missed. There is a deep calm inherent within the walls of the palazzo and it contrasts beautifully with the hustle and bustle of the streets of Valletta.
Palais Le Brun
101 Old Bakery Street
Il-Belt Valletta
00356 2226 0300
For more information on other Allelon Hospitality locations:
All photography courtesy of Brian Grech
Content supplied by Fiona Rackstraw
Edited and produced: TEMPLE Magazine www.templemagazines.com
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