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January 31, 2025 – Published in Design & Decor Autumn-Winter 2024 issue
Enjoy a memorable city break at the JL Hotel in St Julian’s!
Words Shirley Jobson
Photography Derren Vella
Malta’s infamous night-time hotspot is a place many of us may remember with fond nostalgia from the days of our youth.
Although, today, it might appear distinctly altered from our memories, St Julian’s is still very much a trendy district, serving as a popular base for visitors and home to some of the best hotels on the island.
Within the core of this vibrant town, the chic JL Hotel is your optimal location for business or pleasure!
This recently opened hotel offers central accommodation with top-notch facilities, a superb team of employees ready to assist you, and stylish and comfortable rooms for an unforgettable stay. Its prime position allows you to stroll out and, within minutes, find the ideal venue for alfresco dining, evening cocktails, or live music, while several nightclubs, cinemas, and other entertainment spots are also within walking distance. During the day, you may indulge in a spot of retail therapy at the nearby shops, a leisurely wander to the neighbouring towns, or a relaxing day in the sun at one of the beautiful beaches and lidos in the area.
Spread over 10 floors, the JL Hotel provides guests with a convenient starting-point from which they can explore the rest of the island, with extra special concepts to enhance their experience within its walls. A short staircase from the front door leads into a spacious lobby spanning two storeys. Friendly staff greet clients in the reception area, which uniquely incorporates a full-service front desk as well as a comprehensive bar. Apart from serving all types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, the JL Whisky Lounge presents over 20 choice whiskies from a one-of-a-kind collection by hotel owner, Jean-Luc Micallef.
The concrete walls in the foyer are decorated in an industrial finish—complete with unconcealed pipes and basic strip lighting—to give it an uncluttered and modern feel. An interactive TV screen offers information about the hotel amenities and other services, while a line of wall clocks show the local times in various major cities worldwide. To offset the grey walls, splashes of colour are provided by brightly coloured vases, various plants and flowers, velvet bistro stools, and purple armchairs, which offer guests the opportunity to sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink in the lobby. The whole space is illuminated via a massive porthole window set within the outer wall, which borders a narrow balcony from which you can watch the world go by.
The atmosphere shifts significantly as you enter the side door to access the hotel lift leading to the rooms. The walls lining the corridors are painted black and lit only by electric purple light panels set in the ceiling, reflecting the glamorous night-time vibe of the town.
Gordon Sammut is the Area General Manager for both the JL Hotel and The G Hotel by JL, also found in St Julian’s.
“I’ve worked in hospitality from the age of 16!” he stated earnestly. “It has always been part of my life, and there is little else I would rather do. When I saw this building and its location, I knew it would be perfect for a city hotel. I was present from the JL’s inception, taking care of the crucial elements necessary for day-to-day operations.”
“I want our guests to feel even better than they do at home, so I prioritised the selection of high-quality bed bases and premium mattresses. I am also passionate about interiors, especially when it concerns hotels. In fact, I was directly involved with architect Christian Spiteri in the designing and finishing of the hotel. I was also responsible for the little details—from the interiors in the rooms and common areas, up to the quality and designing of the linen and towels, both for the rooms and the pool.”
The décor in the hotel’s 29 double or twin rooms is simple but elegant. The luxurious beds display monogrammed sheets, while the minimalist furniture items include functional side tables, open wardrobes, and a desk station. Tasteful art pieces adorn the walls, adding abstract portrayals of Maltese scenery and landmarks. The modern bathrooms are cleverly hidden behind floor-to-ceiling mirrors or opaque screens. Large windows offer eye-catching views of the outside environment while flooding the rooms with natural light and fresh air.
Gordon emphasised the importance of going a step further than merely providing attractive décor and spotless facilities. In fact, the JL Hotel experience is enhanced beautifully by supplementary items normally offered in 5-star hotels. While a safe or electric kettle are often included, the amenities here extend to an espresso maker, a fully stocked mini-fridge, a flat-screen television, and full bathroom commodities, including fine toiletries, beauty accessories, and even luxury slippers with the JL logo.
Being naturally people-oriented in his work, Gordon regularly seeks to be directly involved in dealing with his clientele. “This is a small hotel, so it needs additional customer attention. I like to meet personally with each of our guests to build a relationship with them. This makes it easier for them to approach me if there is a problem. I can then deal with it immediately, resulting in higher standards of service for our patrons.”
On the top floor, a sizeable terrace presents a lovely outdoor dining area
with remarkable views.
Large planters provide diners with privacy while offering glimpses of the Mediterranean through the foliage. Some of the tables are shaded by an arched ceiling, while expansive sun umbrellas protect guests from the elements all year round. An indoor air-conditioned section offers respite from the heat.
A superior breakfast buffet is served up here every day, again enhanced by exclusive details that go beyond the norm. Among the first-rate selection of appetising dishes, you may find fresh fruit, patisserie delicacies, and even chocolate porridge prepared daily. Live cooking of hot items is another unique concept at the JL, while freshly squeezed smoothies and juices, along with Prosecco, are offered every morning. A local touch is again added by placing the buffet items on typical Maltese tiles laid out on the counter.
As you ascend the green metal staircase to the side of the terrace, you will be mesmerised by the gorgeous pool area found on the rooftop. Although modest in size, the plunge pool allows guests to cool off while enjoying the stunning 360-degree panorama. A cushioned sofa and several lounging chairs and low tables border the area.
“At the JL, we also cater for private celebrations, and I am regularly in discussions with event planners,” Gordon divulged. “For instance, we can easily host a small wedding, having a civil ceremony upstairs by the pool, followed by a reception or sit-down meal on the terrace below.”
Whatever your reason for coming to the JL Hotel, you may be sure of an exceptional sojourn, with an impressive personal experience and first-rate comforts that will guarantee a city break like no other.
The JL Hotel
Wilga Street, St Julian’s, Malta
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+356 2704 5549