The Phoenicia Malta has ranked fifth in Central and Southern Europe in the US edition of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2026 - and is the only hotel in Malta to win a place on this year's list.
The ranking is the result of the US publication's annual readers' survey earlier this year and comes just months after Delta Air Lines launched the first non-stop flights between New York and Malta.
The news also follows the global reveal of the 2026 Michelin Keys, in which the hotel retained the Michelin Key it first received last year. The Key applies the same rigorous standards to hotels that Michelin Stars apply to restaurants, with only a select few recognised in the Michelin Guide for their distinctive character, cultural experiences and outstanding service.
Closer to home, The Phoenicia Malta has been named a finalist in two categories at this year's Malta Business Awards - Customer Service Excellence and Leader in Quality Tourism. Its entries highlight an award-winning team known for adding the personalised touches that set luxury hospitality apart, with team members who returning guests often ask for by name. The hotel's own long history ties into a range of remarkable experiences that offer guests a taste of local culture and heritage, from a recreation of the 1964 Independence Eve State Banquet, in collaboration with Heritage Malta, to chef-led Catch & Cook outings on a traditional fishing boat. The hotel protects that heritage as carefully as it shares it, with its operations Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certified.
"To be the only hotel in Malta chosen by Condé Nast Traveler's readers is a proud moment for all of us," says Robyn Pratt, General Manager at The Phoenicia Malta. "These awards are voted for by the travellers themselves, which makes them especially meaningful as it tells us that the authentic experience of Malta we work so hard to offer is truly resonating with our guests. Retaining our Michelin Key and reaching the final in two Malta Business Awards categories in the same season shows our team's dedication is being noticed both abroad and here at home."
The new accolades add to an ever-growing list at The Phoenicia Malta, as the historic hotel prepares to celebrate 80 years at the gates of Valletta in 2027. "As we look towards our 80th anniversary, there could be no better way to honour everyone who has shaped this hotel, from Countess Strickland who opened this, Malta's first five-star hotel, in 1947, to the team who welcome our guests today," adds Ms Pratt.
Find out more about The Phoenicia Malta at www.phoeniciamalta.com.