The Xara Palace, SliemaThe Xara Palace in Sliema, Malta has a corrected score of 3.9 ± 0.3 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), ranked 25 of 72 hotels we score in Sliema. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 4.2 before correction: Booking.com 4.4, Tripadvisor 3.9. Rooms from about $477 a night (cached, not a live quote).The Xara Palace is a boutique hotel housed within a 17th-century palazzo. It sits inside the historic walled city of Mdina, Malta. The property contains 17 rooms and suites furnished with antique pieces, original paintings, and tapestries. Guests can access an outdoor pool, a spa with sauna and massage services, and two on-site restaurants. The hotel suits travellers looking for traditional Maltese architecture and high-quality dining. While the setting is quiet and historic, the limited number of rooms means facilities are more intimate than larger resorts.What stands out

Historic 17th-century palazzo building

High quality dining options

Traditional antique furnishings

On-site spa and sauna

Watch out for

Small number of guest rooms

Better-scored in Sliema

Hotel Ben Marsalforn Affiliated by Melia, Sliema: 4.4 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), from $65 a night. Hotel Ben Marsalforn Affiliated by Melia is a beachfront hotel located in Marsalforn, Gozo.

Verdala Wellness Hotel, Sliema: 4.4 ± 0.2 (solid evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), from $356 a night. Verdala Wellness Hotel is a five-star boutique property located in Rabat, Malta.

Hotel Ibb Hotel Palazzo Bettina, Sliema: 4.3 ± 0.3 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $328 a night. IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina is a four-star boutique hotel situated in the historic Three Cities area of Birgu.