AX The Saint John

In a city like the Maltese capital of Valletta, with its fortifications and its Baroque ornamentation, you might expect a hotel to lean heavily on historical atmosphere. AX The Saint John, however, has taken a liberal approach to its own history. This 19th-century townhouse, right in the heart of the city, has been updated in a style that’s entirely of-the-moment, even as it pays its respects to the past.

Beneath the beams of those old ceilings are contemporary furnishings, up-to-date electronics, and a bit of 20th-century modernism — plus a generous selection of historical photographs, to keep you rooted in a sense of place. The accommodations range from the cozy Comfort rooms to the Deluxes and Superiors and on up to the Comfort Quad, which sleeps up to four, ideal for families or larger groups.

The hotel’s lone dining and drinking venue, the Cheeky Monkey, is a bit of a curveball — it’s a British-style gastropub, complete with gourmet burgers and an encyclopedic selection of beers. And from here you’ve got the rest of this compact town at your feet — staff is on hand twenty-four hours a day to help you navigate the ins and outs of Valletta.