I'm always on the look out for accommodation in the Mediterranean and in particular charming places to stay in Malta. Recently I stumbled across the Valletta Suites in Malta and was so impressed that I asked Stephen Azzopardi, the man behind the vision to give you a brief background about both Maison la Vallette and Valletta Nobile.

Photo - Brian Grech (2009).

'My grandmother was from Valletta and she used to tell stories of how elegant the city was back in those days with the Opera House and the band playing at Cafe Cordina. She used to say that everyone dressed their very best to go to Valletta and she knew too well how much they spent for the opening nights at the Opera as she used to be a seamstress. So I guess I have grown up loving the city of Valletta.

When I was looking for a property in Valletta I came across Maison La Vallette. The place was in a bad state and was used as a store and must have been a bigger house at one point, but I fell in love with it and I knew I had to get it.  Later on I discovered that the house is in the same street that the renowned Neapolitan painter of the Order, Mattia Preti used to live.

Photo - Brian Grech (2009).


Maison la Vallette is a discreet self catering luxury town house, situated
in the old part of Valletta dating back to the Knights of Malta. The house
has a large bedroom with ensuite facilities, bathroom with tub, living room and separate kitchen.The decor is a mix of Maltese style baroque and bespoke designer furniture.The main picture in the bedroom of the Maltese Lady was the inspiration behind transforming the place into a romantic hideaway.

I took care in selecting every piece of furniture so as to reflect a bit of the Maltese character. From the red damask of the headboard to the custom made decoupage pieces of furniture depicting the Grandmaster's portrait. The chandelier in the bedroom comes from one of the churches and is made of wood and covered with gold leaf. I also added a few modern pieces like the Kartell lamp and an Italian vanity unit in the bedroom.

Photo - Brian Grech (2009).


Valletta Nobile has a different story. It is actually a 400 year old house which was owned by an architect who did some really interesting renovations to it. Spaces were opened and the Maltese balcony is now a small reading / lounge area with a view of the church and Merchant Street.

The idea behind the murals was inspired by the frescos at St Domenic's church by Cali, a prominent 18th century Maltese artist.  The frescos are currently in such a bad state and so together with photographer Brian Grech I decided to attempt to preserve them.  Hence, we post produced Brian's images to incorporate a background scene of Valletta, but also added fun elements by adding pigeons and toppling crowns.

Photo - Brian Grech (2009).

Both places are intended to offer guests the unique experience of having stayed in a world heritage site. I personally believe this is the best way
to capture the feeling of a city, as you get to interact with its unique history. This style of accommodation is far more appealing than checking into an often artificial hotel room. Hence, this is how experiences become memorable as you are able to look back and know that you have truly experienced a unique stay in a wonderful city'.