The Preluna Hotel & Spa, Sliema: An Honest Review for 2026
On Sliema’s seafront promenade, with a private beach club, four restaurants, a rooftop bar and a full wellness spa — The Preluna Hotel is one of Malta’s most complete and well-positioned properties. Here is everything you need to know before you book through GotoBeach.
At a glance
Our overall assessment across four key categories, based on guest reviews and editorial assessment.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | The Preluna Hotel & Spa |
| Location | 124 Tower Road, Sliema — directly on the seafront promenade |
| Star rating | 4★ |
| Rooms | 280 rooms and suites |
| Board basis | Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All Inclusive |
| Restaurants | 4 restaurants · 3 bars · Rooftop Skyroom Penthouse Lounge |
| Beach | Private beach club with saltwater pool, kids’ pool, bar & grill |
| Spa | Feelgood Wellness Spa — indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, treatments |
| Airport transfer | Approx. 20 minutes from Malta International Airport (MLA) |
| Valletta ferry | 5-minute walk — ferry crossing 15 minutes |
| Book through GotoBeach | View availability → |
What is The Preluna Hotel & Spa?
The Preluna Hotel & Spa is one of Sliema’s most established and comprehensively equipped four-star properties — a 280-room seafront hotel on Tower Road that has been a fixture on Malta’s hospitality scene for decades and continues to invest in its own improvement. The rooftop infinity pool and sun deck, launched in 2026, is the latest addition to a property that already includes four restaurants, a full-service wellness spa, a private beach club with its own saltwater pool, and a rooftop Skyroom bar with 360-degree views over Sliema and the Mediterranean.
Location is The Preluna’s strongest card. It sits directly on Sliema’s promenade — the 2-3 kilometre waterfront walk that is Malta’s most appealing urban coastal stretch — with Point Shopping Mall steps away, the Valletta ferry a five-minute walk, and the full infrastructure of Sliema’s restaurant and retail scene immediately accessible. For guests who want to be at the centre of Malta’s most vibrant waterfront area with a well-equipped hotel behind them, The Preluna delivers consistently.
The hotel is available through GotoBeach on multiple board bases — from bed and breakfast through to all inclusive — and suits couples, families and solo travellers in equal measure. It is one of GotoBeach’s most consistently booked Malta properties, and the reasons are not difficult to understand.
Pros & cons at a glance
✓ What works well
- Directly on Sliema’s seafront promenade — the best location on the strip
- Valletta ferry just 5 minutes’ walk — one of Malta’s great day trips
- Four restaurants including The Triton buffet, Mareluna Italian and Sakura Japanese
- Skyroom Penthouse Lounge — 360-degree views, one of Malta’s finest rooftop bars
- New rooftop infinity pool & sun deck (2026)
- Private beach club with large saltwater pool and kids’ pool
- Feelgood Wellness Spa — indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, full treatment menu
- PADI-certified scuba diving school on-site
- Staff consistently praised across guest reviews for warmth and helpfulness
- Multiple board bases available — BB, HB, FB and All Inclusive
⚠ Honest trade-offs
- Construction work nearby until late 2026 — some rooms may experience noise
- Private beach is a beach club rather than a sandy beach — access via the pool and rock area
- Sliema has no sandy beach of its own — guests seeking sand should note this
- Rooms on lower floors with city views are less impressive than sea-facing rooms
- Peak season demand for the Skyroom bar means early arrival recommended for the best terrace tables
Location — Why Sliema is the Right Choice
The Preluna sits at 124 Tower Road — the heart of Sliema’s promenade, which stretches for 2-3 kilometres along Malta’s most animated waterfront. This is not a resort hotel isolated from its surroundings: it is a genuinely urban seafront property in the middle of Malta’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhood, with everything the island’s non-resort experience has to offer within easy reach.
Point Shopping Mall is immediately adjacent. Bisazza Street — Sliema’s main commercial and restaurant strip — is a short walk. The ferry to Valletta, Malta’s extraordinary UNESCO-listed capital city, departs from a terminal five minutes’ walk away and reaches the other side of the Grand Harbour in 15 minutes. For guests who want to spend a morning in Valletta — the fortified palaces, the Grand Master’s Palace, the Co-Cathedral of St John — The Preluna’s location makes it as simple as a short walk and a short boat ride.
| Destination | How to get there | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Sliema Promenade | Walk from front door | Immediate |
| Point Shopping Mall | Walk | 2 minutes |
| Valletta Ferry Terminal | Walk | 5 minutes |
| Valletta (UNESCO capital) | Walk + ferry | 20 minutes |
| St Julian’s & Paceville | Walk or bus | 20–25 minutes |
| Malta International Airport (MLA) | Transfer or taxi | ~20 minutes |
| Mellieha (Ghadira Bay beach) | Bus | ~50 minutes |
| Cirkewwa Ferry (Gozo & Comino) | Bus or taxi | ~60 minutes |
Restaurants & Dining
The Preluna’s dining offer is one of its strongest differentiators in Sliema — four distinct restaurants covering everything from Mediterranean buffet to Italian à la carte, Japanese cuisine and a rooftop grill. The variety ensures that guests on longer stays have genuine options each evening rather than a single repetitive dining room.
The Triton
The hotel’s main buffet restaurant with Mediterranean Sea views and an open show kitchen. Broad international selection covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet is consistently praised in guest reviews — a generous hot and cold spread that sets the day up well. Dinner rotates through international themes across the week. Breakfast for all guests is served here regardless of board basis.
Mareluna — Italian Restaurant
The Preluna’s signature à la carte Italian restaurant, run by Italian chefs committed to authentic regional cuisine. The menu covers fresh homemade pasta, pizza from a stone-fired oven, and dishes drawing from various Italian regions. The Mediterranean seafront setting makes it one of Sliema’s more atmospheric Italian dining experiences. Advance booking recommended in peak season.
Sakura — Japanese Restaurant
A Japanese restaurant offering a taste from the East in the heart of Malta’s busiest waterfront. Sushi, Asian cuisine and a menu that stands out in a dining landscape dominated by Mediterranean options. A genuine point of difference for guests who want variety across a longer stay. Advance booking recommended.
Skyroom Penthouse Lounge & Grill
One of Malta’s finest rooftop hospitality experiences. Set on the upper floors with 360-degree views over Sliema, the Grand Harbour and the Mediterranean beyond, the Skyroom operates as a cocktail bar throughout the day and transitions to a grill restaurant in the evening. The rooftop terrace tables are consistently among the most sought-after seats in Sliema. Arrive early or book in advance — particularly at sunset.
Beach Club, Pools & Outdoor Facilities
Private Beach Club
The Preluna’s private beach club sits directly by the sea and is one of the hotel’s most consistently appreciated facilities. The centrepiece is a large saltwater swimming pool — an important detail in Sliema, where natural seawater access from the shore is limited by the rocky coastline. A separate children’s pool caters to families, and sun loungers, parasols and towels are provided for hotel guests. A bar and grill operates within the beach club complex throughout the day, covering drinks and casual food without the need to return to the main hotel. It is a self-contained outdoor environment that functions well as a full-day destination in its own right.
New Rooftop Infinity Pool & Sun Deck (2026)
The Preluna’s newest addition — launched in April 2026 — is a rooftop infinity pool and sun deck offering views over Sliema and the sea that are unlike anything else at this level in Malta. For guests staying at The Preluna in 2026, this is a significant upgrade to the outdoor experience and one of the most exciting new additions to the hotel in recent years. Regular guests who have been following The Preluna’s development have been anticipating this facility specifically.
PADI-Certified Scuba Diving School
The Preluna is one of the very few hotels in Sliema with a PADI-certified scuba diving school on-site. Malta’s crystal-clear waters and numerous wreck and reef sites make it one of the Mediterranean’s most underrated diving destinations. For guests who want to learn or develop their diving during their Malta stay, The Preluna’s on-site school removes the need to travel to a separate dive centre.
Feelgood Wellness Spa
The Feelgood Wellness Spa is one of The Preluna’s most consistently praised facilities — a full-service wellness centre that goes considerably beyond the token spa presence found in many hotels at this level. The indoor heated pool with hydromassage is the spa’s centrepiece, offering a warm-water alternative to the outdoor beach club that is particularly welcome in the shoulder months. The sauna, steam room and hot tub complete the thermal circuit, and a full treatment menu covers Swedish massage, hot stone massage, reflexology, hydrotherapy, body wraps and facials.
The spa is well-staffed and consistently receives positive guest mentions — both for the quality of treatments and for the calm, unhurried atmosphere. For couples looking for a spa day within their Malta stay, The Preluna’s Feelgood Wellness is a strong option that does not require leaving the property.
Rooms & Suites
The Preluna’s 280 rooms are modern, well-maintained and consistently described by guests as spacious, clean and comfortable. All rooms include air conditioning, satellite flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a private bathroom with bath and shower, free WiFi (100+ Mbps) and a mini-bar. The most significant decision when booking is the room category — specifically, whether to choose a sea view or a city-facing room.
Who is The Preluna Hotel best for?
Frequently Asked Questions
What board basis options are available at The Preluna Hotel?
The Preluna Hotel is available on bed and breakfast, half board, full board and all inclusive board bases. Bed and breakfast is the most popular choice for guests who want to explore Sliema’s restaurant scene in the evenings — the promenade and surrounding streets have excellent dining options at every price point. Half board suits guests who want dinner included without full commitment to eating in the hotel every meal. All inclusive covers all meals at the main Triton restaurant, selected drinks and access to the beach club facilities. Confirm the exact current inclusions of the all inclusive package with your GotoBeach specialist before booking, as these can vary seasonally.
Does The Preluna Hotel have a sandy beach?
No. Sliema does not have a sandy beach — the coastline is rocky and the seafront is promenade-based. The Preluna has a private beach club with a large saltwater pool, a children’s pool, sun loungers and a bar and grill, which functions as the hotel’s sea-level outdoor facility. Guests specifically seeking a sandy beach should note that Malta’s largest sandy beach — Ghadira Bay in Mellieha — is accessible by bus in approximately 50 minutes.
What is the Skyroom Penthouse Lounge?
The Skyroom Penthouse Lounge is The Preluna’s rooftop bar and grill, located on the upper floors of the hotel with 360-degree views over Sliema, the Grand Harbour and the Mediterranean. It operates as a cocktail bar throughout the day and becomes a grill restaurant in the evening. The terrace tables at sunset are among the most in-demand seats in Sliema — arriving early or requesting a reservation is strongly recommended, particularly in July and August.
Is there a rooftop pool at The Preluna Hotel?
Yes — The Preluna launched a new rooftop infinity pool and sun deck in April 2026. This is in addition to the existing beach club saltwater pool and the Feelgood Wellness Spa’s indoor heated pool. The rooftop pool offers views over Sliema and the sea and is one of the most significant additions to the hotel’s facilities in recent years.
How far is The Preluna from Valletta?
The Valletta ferry terminal is approximately five minutes’ walk from The Preluna Hotel. The ferry crossing to Valletta takes approximately 15 minutes and runs regularly throughout the day. Door to Valletta city centre is therefore around 20 minutes in total — making The Preluna one of the most conveniently positioned hotels in Sliema for guests who want to explore Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital.
Does The Preluna Hotel have a spa?
Yes. The Feelgood Wellness Spa includes an indoor heated pool with hydromassage, a sauna, a steam room, a hot tub and a full treatment menu covering Swedish massage, hot stone massage, reflexology, hydrotherapy, body wraps and facials. The indoor pool and thermal facilities are available to all hotel guests. Individual treatments are charged separately and require advance booking — particularly in peak season.
Is The Preluna Hotel good for families?
Yes. The hotel has a separate children’s pool at the beach club, a family room configuration designed for multi-generational groups, and a variety of dining options that accommodate different tastes. The location is also practical for families — bus stops immediately outside, the Valletta ferry a short walk, and the promenade a safe and enjoyable environment for children. The PADI-certified dive school provides an activity option for older children and teenagers.
Is there construction noise at The Preluna Hotel?
Construction work is taking place in the vicinity of the hotel until late 2026, and some rooms may experience noise during daytime construction hours. The hotel is actively managing this and guests are advised to request rooms on higher floors or the sea-facing side of the property, where impact is typically reduced. This is a time-limited situation and the hotel’s facilities, service and location are unaffected. Confirm the current status with your GotoBeach specialist at the time of booking.
Can I visit Gozo and Comino from The Preluna Hotel?
Yes. The Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal — the departure point for ferries to Gozo and boat trips to the Blue Lagoon on Comino — is approximately 60 minutes from Sliema by bus or taxi. Both are among Malta’s most popular day trips and are easily arranged from The Preluna as a base. GotoBeach can arrange excursions to both as part of your Malta package.
Why book The Preluna Hotel through GotoBeach?
GotoBeach is the UK’s only dedicated Malta specialist. Our team has inspected The Preluna Hotel in person and can advise you on room categories, board basis options, travel dates and everything else that determines the quality of your stay. Every booking is an ATOL-protected package — flights from UK airports, hotel and transfers included, with no hidden charges and low deposits from £30 per person. For a hotel as nuanced as The Preluna, where the difference between a sea view and a city view room is significant and where timing affects facilities availability, that level of knowledge genuinely matters.
Book The Preluna Hotel & Spa with GotoBeach
The Preluna Hotel & Spa is available to book through GotoBeach as a complete ATOL-protected package holiday — including return flights from a range of UK airports, return transfers and low deposits from just £30 per person. As the UK’s dedicated Malta specialist, our team can advise you on the right room category, board basis and travel dates for your specific group.
Sources & references
- The Preluna Hotel & Spa — Official website, 2026
- TripAdvisor — The Preluna Hotel guest reviews, 2026
- Visit Malta — Official Malta tourism portal, 2026
- GotoBeach editorial team · Malta hotel review methodology · May 2026
- Caria Holidays Ltd · ATOL licence #11211 · Registered under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018