Casa Ellul Malta Hotel Review
In a move to increase their footprint, Hyatt started a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a collection of independent properties under one loyalty umbrella. Hyatt members can book the SLH properties through Hyatt’s website and earn points and night credits. Hyatt members (no matter status) get free wifi, breakfast for two, and upgrades and early check-in/late check-out as available. Hyatt members can also redeem Hyatt points for free nights at SLH properties, but not always at great value.
I had two nights planned in Malta and originally booked the new Hyatt Regency. However, it is located in a more modern tourist part of Malta, and staying in the old town of Valletta attracted me to look at the SLH property in Malta — Casa Ellul. The prices were similar, I ended up booking a room at Casa Ellul for 160€ per night. Award nights at the property are 25,000 (Category 6) while the Regency is 8,000 (Category 2).
As a Globalist with the current 3x points promotion at Hyatt and using my Chase Hyatt Visa card, I earn 21 points per $1 spent — roughly 30% back in points as I value Hyatt points at 1.5 cents each.
Location
Casa Ellul is located in the center of the old town Valletta. The main street through Valletta is Republic that starts at the city gates. About half way through town at St. George Square is Old Theatre Street where Casa Ellul is located. In terms of landmarks, it is across the street from St. Paul’s Cathedral. From the city gate (and bus station) to the hotel is an easy 10 minute walk.
Valletta is extremely walkable. Pretty much any of the sites are a 10 minute walk from the hotel including Fort St. Elmo War Museum and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The ferry to Sliema is just down the hill.
I arrived by the X4 bus from the airport which lets off just outside the city gate at the bus loop. I then walked to the property. I imagine you could take a taxi, but I don’t know that the taxi would take you past the city gate. You most likely will need to walk with your luggage some distance, so keep that in mind when booking.
Check In
Casa Ellul only has 9 rooms (they call them all suites). It is an old mansion that was converted to a hotel in the early 2010s. I had booked Suite 1 for my stay as it was the least expensive and I was traveling alone. Each room is uniquely designed. Some have views while others have courtyard views.
I arrived around 4pm and was checked in to Suite 2. I didn’t realize it at the time but I had been upgraded as Suite 2 is slightly nicer than Suite 1.
The front desk staff explained that due to COVID they were asking guests to notify the front desk of the time they would like to take breakfast and what they would like to order. I was then taken to my room and showed the features of the room.
Most rooms are accessible by an elevator, though a few require climbing stairs.
Room
Suite 2 is located on the 2nd floor (ground floor is 0, so in the US it would be floor 3). It can be entered through the elevator (which takes you into the bedroom) or through the stairs (which takes you into the bathroom).
The room is fairly long and narrow with half of the room the bedroom and the other half the bathroom.
A large antique wooden wardrobe is against the wall under the air conditioner. There is also a small mini fridge under the coffee maker.
The bed can be split into two single beds.
The bed faces a retro style TV. The property has unique art in each room inspired by the surroundings of Valletta.
The room has a Juliette balcony into the courtyard both in the bedroom as well as the bathroom. Suite 2 only looks into the interior courtyard so has no external windows.
Bathroom
The bathroom is large and very unique. Vanities sit on each side of the door (which leads out to the stairwell).
Opposite the sinks is a large soaking tub.
To the left of the tub is a separate shower with large rain shower head.
The other side of the tub is an enclosure with an old time toilet.
Note that the doors are frosted glass, so if you really want privacy you would need to close the door between bathroom and bedroom.
The bath products are all Duck Island branded large size bottles and no bar soap is provided (the little box is a shower cap).
Service
I found the service, especially at breakfast, to be exceptional. There was typically two staff on service, for no more than three tables of guests. The food was served (no buffet) and was very tasty.
The only downside I can think of with the property is that some rooms don’t have views — if you want a view, make sure you get a Suite that has an outside terrace. Their website does a good job of explaining each room.
If you find yourself in Malta, I would absolutely encourage you to stay at Casa Ellul. It is one of the top rated hotels on TripAdvisor for a reason.
