AX The Saint John

This boutique hotel offers a luxurious and intimate urban escape, distinguished by its unique operational model as an annex to the nearby five-star Rosselli hotel, providing guests with access to a wider array of premium amenities. Its central location in the heart of Valletta is a signature feature, placing guests within easy reach of major attractions. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic city break, as well as families due to its spacious rooms, and business travelers appreciating the comfortable accommodations. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's spacious and well-appointed rooms, the exceptional friendliness and professionalism of the staff, and the outstanding breakfast experience. To ensure a peaceful stay, it is advisable to request a room facing the inner courtyard to minimize potential street noise, and guests are encouraged to fully utilize the luxurious facilities available at the sister property.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests benefit significantly from the shared facilities available at the nearby sister hotel, Rosselli. These include access to a relaxing rooftop pool and an elegant rooftop bar, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. For those looking to maintain their fitness routine, a small fitness center is also available. The hotel also provides convenient in-room amenities such as a fridge, kettle, and a coffee maker with daily replenished pods, ensuring comfort and convenience. Guests can also make use of an iron and ironing board, and appreciate the provision of quality toiletries. The hotel offers reliable free Wi-Fi throughout the property, keeping guests connected. A unique and appreciated feature mentioned by some guests are the hydration stations, providing easy access to water. An elevator is available for easy access to all floors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with rooms described as spotless and immaculately maintained daily. Guests find the rooms to be spacious and well-appointed, offering a comfortable retreat, and the beds are frequently highlighted as very comfortable. However, feedback on noise levels is mixed; while some rooms, particularly those facing the inner courtyard, are noted as quiet and well soundproofed, many street-facing rooms experience significant street noise from nearby bars and live music, especially on weekends, which can extend late into the night. Some guests also reported early morning noise from staff preparations. Some rooms lack outside windows, leading to a darker ambiance, though others boast balconies with street views. The bathrooms are generally spacious with great showers, though some guests noted issues with glass bathroom doors lacking privacy or showers occasionally flooding the floor. Limited storage space and fiddly digital light controls were minor points of concern.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience at the hotel is consistently lauded as excellent, superb, and a true highlight, served at the adjacent sister hotel, Rosselli. It is not a traditional buffet but an elegant a la carte or served-to-table affair, featuring a generous continental breakfast presented on a three-tiered stand, including fresh pastries, breads, cheeses, charcuterie, and fruits. Guests can also enjoy a wide choice of eggs cooked to order, prepared to their preference. The quality of the produce is consistently described as fresh and high. Beyond breakfast, guests have access to the Rosselli's acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Under Grain and Grain Street, offering sophisticated dining options. Additionally, the hotel group operates the Cheeky Monkey Gastropub located next door, providing a more casual yet high-quality option for meals and cocktails. Room service is available for convenient in-room dining, and the hotel can arrange lunch boxes for guests with early departures.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location in the very heart of Valletta, situated directly on the bustling Merchant Street. This prime position allows guests to easily explore the city on foot, with major sites, historic churches, vibrant shops, and charming cafes all within easy walking distance. Key landmarks like St. John's Co-cathedral and the harbour are just a short stroll away. The hotel's proximity to the bus station and ferry port also provides convenient access for exploring other parts of the island, including Gozo and Sliema. While the location on a pedestrianised street enhances the city experience, it means taxis cannot reach the hotel's front door, requiring a short walk, which some guests noted could be uphill. Parking options near the hotel are generally limited, reflecting its central urban setting.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives outstanding praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, often described as going above and beyond to ensure a positive guest experience. The check-in process is noted as smooth and welcoming, often including welcome drinks and detailed explanations of the city with a city map. Staff are highly attentive, providing valuable local insights and accommodating various requests, from early check-ins to special meal preparations. Housekeeping is highlighted as excellent, maintaining spotless rooms daily. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, there was an isolated instance of an indifferent receptionist, and some guests noted that toiletries were not consistently replenished. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing attentive and personalized service is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued throughout their stay.

Additional Information
This hotel operates as a unique boutique annex, with its main reception and core facilities, including dining and wellness amenities, conveniently located at its sister property, Rosselli, just a few doors away. This arrangement allows guests to enjoy an intimate accommodation experience while benefiting from the luxury services of a larger hotel. The property itself is housed within a beautifully restored 17th-century building, blending historical charm with modern comforts. The hotel adheres to an environmental policy regarding linen changes, promoting sustainability. Guests are often greeted with thoughtful welcome amenities upon arrival, adding a personal touch to their stay. Its relatively small size, with around 18 rooms, contributes to a more intimate atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a personalized and exclusive experience.