AX The Saint John
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Hotel Details
Location
AX The Saint John · Valletta, Malta
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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.
Sources
Google Reviews
204 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
pmakulski
Close to all the historic sites in Valletta, and many restaurants nearby. Room very clean and well appointed. A little strange, but the desk duties (and bkfst) were situated in a nearby hotel The Rossini. The room was very dark, as the box balcony was behind a thick double door. But the room had a lot of artificial light. Bkfsts were fantastic (not a buffet). Stayed 5 nights, loved it.
Response from the owner
Dear pmakulski,<br><br>Thank you for sharing your feedback following your five-night stay. We are delighted to hear that our location enhanced your visit to Valletta and that you found the room clean ...
Robert B
This is a delightful boutique hotel. Our room was a good size, spotlessly clean, with a good size shower room & WC. Sufficient hanging and drawer space, tea & coffee making facilities, and air conditioning. The service was excellent and we would recommend having the breakfast included - that was really very good indeed. Excellent location in Central Valletta. We would highly recommend this hotel.
Response from the owner
Dear Robert B,<br><br>Thank you for sharing such gracious feedback about your recent stay. We are delighted to hear that you found our boutique hotel charming and that your room met your expectations ...
B k
Loved the AX Saint John! We stayed 8 nights at the AX Saint John Hotel. We had a Comfort Room on the 2nd Floor. The location is perfect to walk to everything. Our king bed was comfortable, room was quiet, AC worked great, room was cleaned and stocked w/towels, coffees, teas, water daily if we wanted it. We reserved with breakfast included and it was well worth it - superb food and service. If yo...
Response from the owner
Dear B K,<br>Thank you for choosing AX Saint John for your recent stay and for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed our central location, the comfor...
Steve Brown
Great hotel to stay in centre of Valletta. No where is more than a 10 minute walk. Room was really modern, clean and comfortable. Staff are very welcoming and attentive. We only had breakfast at the hotel but this was lovely. The hotel is situated on a busy pedestrian street but was very quiet inside. Couldn’t fault the hotel and definitely recommend
Response from the owner
Dear Steve Brown,<br>Thank you for choosing AX The Saint John and for sharing such an excellent review. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed our central location in Valletta, the modern comfort a...
Colin Gillett
Situated right in the heart of Valletta with friendly staff and large, clean rooms. The Cheeky Monkey bar is connected to the hotel and provides a good range of pub food and drinks. You have the use of the parent hotel, just around the corner including a rooftop terrace and a pool. This was a last minute booking that really paid off!
Response from the owner
Dear Colin Gillett,<br>We wish to extend our thanks for the excellent review. <br>It is a pleasure to read that our efforts have helped to tick most of your boxes and may have even helped to make you...
Thad Russell
An absolutely lovely hotel. Great location on a busy ancient street but well soundproofed room. There is no lobby but is attended by the AX Rosselli just a couple doors down. This review includes information about both locations combined. Staff is fabulous. We need to leave at 5am for an early flight and they offered to have the restaurant make us a special meal prior to our departure. The AX Ro...
Response from the owner
Dear Thad Russell,<br>We wish to extend our thanks for the excellent review. <br>It is a pleasure to read that our efforts have helped to tick most of your boxes and may have even helped to make your ...
