in Malta
The Waterfront Hotel
Updated 1 July 2026
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
A straightforward, well-located seafront hotel in Sliema, ideal for families who want a city base rather than a beach resort. You are on the promenade with the Valletta ferry, buses, restaurants and the harbour cruises all on your doorstep, plus a small rooftop pool for a cool-off. This is the pick for sightseeing families who plan to be out exploring rather than glued to a lounger.
Our verdict
The sightseeing family's base: skip the beach resort, stay on the Sliema front and hop the ferry to Valletta. Great value and endlessly walkable.
The rooms
Comfortable modern rooms and family rooms on the Sliema seafront, the best facing the harbour and Valletta across the water. Family rooms sleep up to four, and the location does the heavy lifting for entertainment.
At a glance
- Ferry
- Valletta ferry a short walk
- Pool
- Small rooftop pool
- Base
- Sliema seafront, city living
- Transport
- Buses across the island
How the KidProof Score works
Every hotel is rated on eight things families actually care about, then weighted by how much each one drives your choice. Room setup counts the most. The little touches break the ties.
Sleeps how many? Connecting rooms, family suites, a real extra bed?
Clean travel cot, high chair, bottle warmer, changing table, kit to borrow.
Shallow pool or paddling area, playground, kids club (free or paid).
Quick breakfast, kids menus, allergy options, snacks on hand.
Secured windows, protected corners, watched pool, well kept grounds.
Laundry, in-room fridge, stroller access, parking, reliable Wi-Fi.
Close to family attractions, easy transport, park tickets or access.
Welcome gift for the child, staff who talk to kids, themed rooms.
Why families love it
- On the Sliema seafront promenade
- Valletta ferry a short walk away
- Rooftop pool with harbour views
- Restaurants and shops all around
🗓️A day here with kids
- 8:30
Breakfast on the front
Fuel up with Valletta in view across the harbour.
- 10:00
Ferry to Valletta
Explore the forts and gardens before the midday heat.
- 14:00
Rooftop pool cool-off
Back to the hotel for a swim during the hottest hours.
- 19:00
Seafront dinner
Pick from dozens of family restaurants along the strand.
Family things to do nearby
Valletta ferry
A short, cheap crossing to the capital, then junior-knight fun exploring the forts and Grand Harbour.
Harbour cruise
Two-harbours boat trips leave from the seafront, a relaxing way to see the creeks and fortifications.
Promenade evening stroll
The long flat seafront is made for an after-dinner walk and an ice cream with Valletta lit up across the water.
Is it right for your kids?
Baby
0 to 1 yr
Doable with a pram along the flat promenade, but there is no baby beach and the seafront road is busy.
Toddler
1 to 3 yrs
The ferry and harbour boats are a hit, keep a close hand near the promenade edge.
Kid
4 to 11 yrs
Perfect age for a sightseeing base, ferries, forts and boat trips fill the days.
Teen
12 yrs and up
Sliema's shops, cafes and nightlife energy suit teens, and everything is walkable.
Plan your stay
Check prices & bookWe compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Live prices & availability
Stays near The Waterfront Hotel, The Strand, Gzira GZR 1022, Malta
We compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Parents also ask
Is this a beach hotel?
No, it is a seafront city hotel with a rooftop pool, swimming is off rocky lidos and sandy beaches are a drive north.
How do we get to Valletta?
The Sliema to Valletta ferry is a short walk and crosses in under ten minutes, kids love the boat ride.
Is it good for toddlers?
It works from about age three up, when children are steadier near the busy promenade and enjoy the boats and sights.
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