Rosselli AX Privilege
A sophisticated designer hotel, Rosselli is extremely well situated in the picturesque Old Town district of Malta’s capital Valletta. Proximate to the best of the city’s sites and restaurants, the Rosselli’s spacious suites are full of character and feature dreamy balcony views over cobbled streets. Its Michelin-star restaurant and chic rooftop complete with sundeck, pool, and full-service bar make it the perfect base for exploration and relaxation. The Rosselli is featured in The List.
Refreshing cool air envelops me as I step through glass doors, off Valletta’s bright but sweltering streets. Guilded etchings on the glass and a delicate thread-light chandelier adorn the Rosselli’s arched entry in fine detail. Gladly, I accept a cold welcome glass of champagne and sink in a plush chair while they pull up my booking. Glancing around, I note the understated details that give the hotel an effortless sense of elegance.
I’m very early so it’ll be an hour or so until my room is ready. The staff secured my luggage for me and engaged in easy conversation, describing some places worth seeing nearby. I’m loath to leave this air-conditioned haven, but Valletta’s sites are calling me, so I bring my camera and set out again to brave the day’s increasing heat.
I meet up with friends who timed their stay in Malta to coincide with mine, and we enjoy brunch. Afterward, we make plans to meet again later and I make my way back to the Rosselli, travel weary and looking forward to relaxing.
Just past the entryway, the Rosselli surprises as it opens expansively to a bright indoor courtyard, impressively framed by twin grand staircases.
The historic architecture, rendered in crisp white and cool grey marble, is offset tastefully with modern accents; the aesthetic is a perfect balance of ornate and minimalist. A windowed ceiling soars high above, flooding the entire atrium space generously with natural light.
Taking the elevator up a few floors, it opens to a sky bridge spanning across the courtyard below, air is dramatically incorporated into the almost floating architecture as light absolutely pours through the space, creating a sense of well-being and a completely unpretentious grandeur.
My own door opens to a generous suite, the open effect of a double-height ceiling is dramatically magnified by a waterfall of mirrors. Arched windows double as doors that give access to a personal balcony, and a spiral stair leads to the bedroom above. Designer wallpaper and elegant tiles offset the plush, modern furnishings and give the suite a truly one-of-a-kind character.
The bedroom seems to float romantically above the suit, with its minimal and airy design. Crisp white bedding contrasts midnight-blue velvet pillows. Controls allow easy personalization for everything from air conditioning to accent lights and a large flat screen adds a nice touch to this elegant nest.
As I freshen up, I make note of the details, a large walk-in shower is completed with a rain shower head and a suite of L.Occitane toiletries. Afterward, I slip into the robe and slippers and begin to unwind, letting the tranquil setting take its effect.
Later a few stories above, another sky bridge brings me to the rooftop. Walking past the full service bar, making a note to return later, I explore the pool and lounge area and take in the rooftop views reaching to the sea.
The rooftop is luxuriously laid back, and here you enjoy a breeze that doesn’t reach you on Valletta’s baking streets below, where temperatures are significantly higher.
My friend joined up with me for an afternoon work session, linking to high speed wifi and making the Rosselli’s stunning lobby our remote office for the afternoon.
The Rosselli’s signature restaurant; Grains, draw a slew of diners from all over the island, so reservations should be made at least a day in advance.
During my stay I couldn’t help but make a note of how the staff seemed to have found the perfect balance of hospitality in their demeanor toward guests, always professional but never pretentious, warm and friendly without overdoing it. They were helpful and knowledgeable and responsive, a fun crew that make you feel like you are their own personal guest while maintaining the elegance of the hotel.
