What is AX The Saint John?

AX The Saint John is a Selected hotel located in Valletta, Malta. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does AX The Saint John have?

AX The Saint John has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is AX The Saint John located?

AX The Saint John is located in Valletta, Malta, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book AX The Saint John?

You can view more details and booking information for AX The Saint John through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

AX The Saint John | Selected in Valletta, Malta

Name: AX The Saint John
Address: Valletta, Europe, Malta
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: AX The Saint John

AX The Saint John, a Michelin Key Selected property in Valletta, Malta, consistently receives high praise from guests, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury in a prime central location.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

AX The Saint John enjoys an "Exceptional" overall rating, with aggregated scores typically ranging from 9.1 to 9.4 out of 10 on various booking platforms. Guests frequently express high satisfaction with their stays, highlighting the hotel's commitment to an exceptional experience. On platforms like Agoda, it boasts an impressive 9.4, with strong scores across all categories.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love AX The Saint John for its outstanding service, excellent central location, stylish modern design, and highly-rated breakfast. The hotel is celebrated for seamlessly blending modern comforts with a rich historical ambiance, having been transformed from a 17th-century merchant's residence and shop. Its boutique nature and attention to detail contribute to a unique and memorable stay.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at AX The Saint John are described as stylish, modern, clean, and comfortable, featuring contemporary furnishings, up-to-date electronics, and luxurious amenities. Guests can choose from various types, including Comfort (19-28 sqm), Deluxe (22-30 sqm), Superior (34 sqm), and Comfort Quad (up to 56 sqm), catering to different needs and budgets. Rooms come equipped with flat-screen smart TVs, work desks, and coffee machines, with private bathrooms offering hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. Some guests particularly praise the comfortable beds.

4. Dining Experience

The breakfast at AX The Saint John is a significant highlight, frequently described as "outstanding" and "5-star" by guests. It features a wide selection of continental dishes, fresh fruit, and cooked eggs. While sometimes served at the hotel's sister property, AX Rosselli, a few doors away, the quality and service receive consistent acclaim. For other meals, the hotel houses the popular Cheeky Monkey Gastropub, offering burgers, healthy options, and a vibrant atmosphere for lunch and dinner. A cozy coffee shop is also available for a quick caffeine fix or casual meet-ups.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at AX The Saint John consistently receive glowing reviews, with guests praising their attentiveness, friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond. Many guests highlight specific staff members for their kindness and helpful recommendations. The multilingual team contributes to a seamless and stress-free travel experience, ensuring guests feel welcomed and well-cared for.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a prime, central location on Merchants Street in the heart of Valletta, Malta's capital. This allows for easy walking access to major attractions such as St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The area is lively and vibrant, with numerous restaurants and cafes nearby. Malta International Airport is approximately an 8-kilometer or 15-20 minute taxi ride away, and public transportation options are also available. The hotel is wheelchair accessible and features an elevator.

7. Value & Pricing

AX The Saint John is generally considered to offer exceptional value for money. While the average room price is around $311, compared to Valletta's average of $259, many guests feel the quality of service, facilities, and location justifies the cost. Promotional rates can sometimes be found for as low as $85 to $143, offering affordable luxury.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms have been noted. The most frequent complaint relates to noise, particularly for street-facing rooms, due to the hotel's central location and the lively atmosphere of nearby bars and the hotel's own gastropub, especially on weekends. Some guests have reported issues with dark rooms lacking external windows, noisy air conditioning, hard mattresses, and somewhat fiddly touch-panel lighting controls. A few guests also found the arrangement of checking in or having breakfast at a sister hotel a few doors down to be a minor inconvenience.