Casa Ellul occupies a home on Old Theatre Street in Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage city, that has belonged to the same family since Vincenzo Formosa bought it in 1837. His daughter married wine and spirit merchant Fortunato Ellul, and today Fortunato’s great-grandsons, Matthew and Andrew Ellul, who still run the family wine business, have turned it into a luxurious boutique hotel.
At a glance
Location: Old Theatre Street, Valletta, Malta
Rooms: 8 suites
Stayed in: Suite
Best for: couples and design lovers exploring Valletta
Reviewed: August 2015
8.6 out of 10
Setting and arrival
The house sits in the cultural heart of the city, and its historic staircase and halls set a refined tone.
The rooms
There are only eight suites, and every fabric, tile and piece of furniture was chosen by the family to blend Victorian and contemporary design. Bathrooms have large soaking tubs, walk-in showers, towel warmers and custom fittings, and suites include jacuzzis, stocked minibars, sound systems, air conditioning, safes and free internet. Suite 8, newly built on the top floor, is the pick: its private terrace has some of the best views over Valletta’s rooftops and the façade of the Carmelite church, which you can also admire from the bath.
The verdict
Beautifully designed suites, deep local roots and a great service team make Casa Ellul one of Valletta’s most charming places to stay.
- Rooms: 9.0
- Service: 9.0
- Dining: 8.0
- Facilities and spa: 8.0
- Location: 9.5
Casa Ellul Valletta, Old Theatre Street, Valletta, Malta.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in August 2015. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
