2 Best Hotels in Sliema and St. Julien's, Malta

Less than 10 minutes' walk from St. George's Bay lies the first in a new breed of hotel taking over St. Julian's backstreets; it's a more budget-minded version of the larger Marriott resorts, but the drop-down in amenities is no hardship. The heated rooftop pool (open year-round) in particular is huge and boasts impressive views over the coast, plus an all-day bar-restaurant lies just below, so you're never far from a cocktail. Rooms are up to the brand's usual high standard, plus there's free parking, a small gym, and hallway water machines on every floor (to cut down on plastic waste). 

A great budget stay in the quiet side streets of Sliema. This town house has had a lot squeezed into it, with a surprisingly overflowing buffet breakfast (packed with pastizzi and pastries) taking over the front desk/breakfast area in the morning. The rooms are an altogether different matter; large and spacious, they are all equipped with kitchenettes (coffeemaker, microwave-grill, sink, and crockery). No expense has been spared in its design: the windows are triple-glazed and even the bathrooms are wired for sound.