Venue Name: Phoenicia Hotel Malta
Location: Valletta, Malta
Please tell us a little about Phoenicia Hotel Malta’s history
Phoenicia Hotel was built in 1939 by Lord and Lady Strickland, who wanted to provide a cosmopolitan, international clientele with a prestigious five-star hotel that boasted a standard of comfort and service equal to that of the best hotels in any European capital.
Due to the breakout of war the hotel was not officially opened, but was used by RAF personnel during their days off. The left wing of the hotel, by the Pegasus Brasserie, was hit by bombs and was rebuilt soon after the war.
The hotel was officially opened in 1947 by Lady Margaret Strickland, His Grace Michael Gonzi, Archbishop of Malta and Lord Francis Campell, then Sir Francis, Governor of Malta, and it quickly became established as a the island’s most celebrated hotel.
Its popularity continues today and it attracts visitors from across the globe as well as being firmly established as a leading venue for society events and weddings in Malta.
In addition to local couples, the Phoenicia is becoming increasingly popular with couples from the UK seeking an overseas wedding. Its proximity to Malta International Airport, with easy access and low-cost flights from across Europe, provides easy access for guests, and with an average of 300 sunny days annually, you can expect some serious sunshine for the big day.
What type of venue is Phoenicia Hotel Malta?
Renowned as one of the most exclusive and historic wedding venues on the island of Malta, the Phoenicia Hotel boasts a sense of grandeur and an art deco inspired interior. There are over seven acres of exquisite gardens and a spectacular outdoor pool which is set against the walls of UNESCO World Heritage City Valletta.
Who works at Phoenicia Hotel Malta?
A team of 120 staff work at Phoenicia Hotel, led by General Manager Charles Azzopardi. The hotel has received numerous awards for its outstanding service, with repeated acclaim from customer review sites and a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
Is Phoenicia Hotel Malta licensed for wedding ceremonies?
Yes, the Phoenicia Hotel is licensed to host civil ceremonies onsite, within the hotel itself or outdoors in the landscaped gardens. Our all-inclusive wedding packages for both church and civil weddings make a dream wedding even more affordable.
Couples have a choice of seven locations for wedding ceremonies; from the romantic Gazebo, set in the exquisite gardens, to the Bastion Pool Deck with magnificent sea views. There are also indoor settings to suit parties of all sizes, including the Grand Ballroom where the Queen famously danced in her younger years.
What can a couple expect from having their wedding at Phoenicia Hotel Malta?
Phoenicia has been hosting society weddings in Malta for decades, so couples can be assured of the very highest standards of service and expertise, with attentive but discreet service. Our dedicated wedding co-ordinator acts as a personal wedding planner for each couple, guiding them through the choices and helping them to create their dream day. The spectacular setting provides a unique backdrop for wonderful photographs to treasure.
What is the capacity for a wedding ceremony and reception at Phoenicia Hotel Malta?
Phoenicia offers a choice of seven settings for the ceremony to suit wedding parties of all sizes, ranging from 10 to 900, whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony or something more stately.
Do you offer exclusive use?
Yes, exclusive use can be arranged.
Does Phoenicia Hotel Malta have its own caterers or can couples choose to bring in their own caterers?
Phoenicia is famed for its award-winning cuisine, and the hotel’s own team of chefs create all the wedding menus. The hotel also has its own kitchen garden which supplies the herbs, fruit and vegetables, so guests enjoy the freshest ingredients, grown on site.
What would a typical wedding breakfast at Phoenicia Hotel Malta be?
Couples can choose a menu to suit them, whether it’s for a seated gala dinner or a buffet in the gardens, and in each case they can be assured of the finest, fresh local ingredients and delicious Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
A typical example could be a starter of smoked duck with crushed chive potato, mandarin cream and beetroot dressing, followed by an iced limoncello sorbet with fruit compote to clear the palate, and a main course of fresh local fish with pistachio crust, green vegetables and minted tomato essence. For desserts our trilogy of Valrhona chocolate is always a favourite for weddings.
What types of packages are available at Phoenicia Hotel Malta?
Phoenicia Hotel’s ‘A Day to Remember’ wedding package costs €5,300 for up to 30 guests, including full co-ordinator services with preparation of all documents and fees, dressed seating, mandolin player or classical pianist, sparkling wine with canapés, three-course meal with wine, DJ, flowers, wedding cake, bouquets for the bride and bridesmaid, photographer, bridal make-up, personalised menu cards and much more.
For honeymooners, Phoenicia Hotel offers a special rate, with complimentary upgrades (subject to availability) and sparkling wine in room on arrival. See the website for our latest offers. There’s also a twin-centre honeymoon combining Malta and Gozo, offering the best of both these enchanting islands.
What do you think is the best thing about having a wedding at Phoenicia Hotel Malta?
It’s a combination of things. We have a choice of settings, either indoor or outdoor to suit all tastes and types of wedding, and a regal venue that’s famed for hosting society weddings, yet we offer very affordable packages. The gardens and the backdrop of the walls of Valletta, along with ocean views, make a breathtaking setting for pictures. For overseas couples choosing Malta, the fact that English is one of the national languages is a big factor as it makes everything so easy.
Plus, we can arrange plenty of enticing extras for bridal couples, such as pre-wedding photos at historic sites like Mdina or the Three Cities, or a post-wedding day in privacy on a luxury yacht visiting the Maltese islands, which boast some of the most romantic spots in the Mediterranean, including the Blue Lagoon in Comino.
How many guest rooms does Phoenicia Hotel Malta have?
The hotel has 128 bedrooms and eight suites, so there’s plenty of choice for guests. There are two different styles of decor in the rooms; classic rooms have a more traditional Mediterranean feel whilst the contemporary rooms are very modern, with lush fabrics and feature wallpaper.
Is the Phoenicia Hotel Malta’s wedding co-ordinator available on the day of the wedding?
Yes, our weddings executive Chrystelle liaises closely with the couple throughout, from planning the event, choosing the menus and organising the documentation to being on hand on the day to ensure it all runs smoothly.
What is your top tip for choosing the perfect wedding venue?
Make sure there’s a wedding co-ordinator so you can relax and enjoy the day, knowing all the details are taken care of. Also, if you’re opting for a wedding in the summer months do remember to take into account the high temperatures in Malta, and opt for late afternoon when the heat is less intense.
Where can I find out more about Phoenicia Hotel Malta?
Visit www.phoeniciamalta.com.
