Howard House Hotel
Welcome to the Howard House Hotel, a charming small boutique retreat that combines Malta's rich heritage with contemporary luxury, offering an intimate and elegant stay in Malta. Nestled in a prestigious 150-year-old property just outside the walls of Mdina -the Silent City of Malta – and walking distance from the centre of the charming city of Rabat, our hotel is at the heart of some of the Island’s most important cultural attractions.
About Howard House Hotel
The hotel bears its name from Joseph Howard, OBE (1862–1925), Malta's first Prime Minister, as do the beautiful gardens in front of the hotel separating Rabat from Mdina, which are also named Howard Gardens.The property is a testament to Malta's famed past, a scheduled heritage property that has witnessed the passage of time and the evolution of the local community. Originally built as the private residence of a Monsignor, this storied house later served as the Rabat Local Post Office. The family running the post office resided on the upper floor while the bustling operations occurred below. For decades, it was a hub of activity, with every resident of Rabat stepping through its doors at some point. However, after its closure in the 1970s and nearly fifty years of neglect, the house fell into severe disrepair.
In 2021, the property began its extraordinary transformation. Lovingly restored by the current owner over three years, every renovation detail was approached with care and respect for its historical significance. A particular highlight of this ambitious project was the transposition of the antique stone spiral staircase, an intricate task masterfully executed by skilled masons under the watchful supervision of Heritage Malta. While the original ceilings required replacement, the soul of the house has been preserved, and its character shines through every corner.
Today, Howard House Hotel is not just an elegant haven boasting eight beautifully appointed bedrooms and a spectacular rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking views of Mdina and its imposing walls. It is also an Art Hotel. All the artworks in the hotel are original pieces, mainly of Maltese contemporary artists but the collection also includes some works by foreign artists. Most artworks form part of a private collection and are on permanent exhibit, while others form part of temporary exhibitions that are held regularly in the hotel. Guests can even purchase select artworks or make contact with artists upon request. We find the beauty of contemporary art is in its ability to teach us how to look at the world from another point of view.
The interiors have been thoughtfully designed to blend timeless charm with modern comfort, providing an unparalleled experience for our guests. We are delighted to welcome you to this unique property, where life, vitality, and creativity have been lovingly restored. Whether you seek a serene escape, an inspiring cultural experience, or a journey into Malta's captivating past, we trust that Howard House Hotel will offer you an unforgettable stay.
About Mdina
Our hotel is situated just outside the imposing walls of Mdina, Malta’s old Capital City. Behind its fortified walls, Mdina’s timeless beauty has hosted nobilities throughout its 4,000 years of existence. With narrow, cobbled streets shrouded in an air of mystery, Mdina will snatch you away from the present and transport you back in time. Malta’s old Capital Mdina has been known under a range of different names based on its rulers and its role over a span of 4,000 years since it was founded.
Embarking on this journey back in time, you will discover an astonishing mix of baroque and medieval architecture in its ever-winding streets, wonderfully adorned and preserved churches, majestic palaces and fortified walls that turn this silent city into an outdoor museum. Perched on top of a plateau, Mdina is also host to a Cathedral that suffered extensive damage through a devastating earthquake in 1693 and rebuilt by Lorenzo Gafa’ in 1702. The Cathedral’s floor is paved and decorated with marble tombstones that display details such as the coat of arms of the bishops of Mdina and other significant members of the Cathedral. Oozing of luxury and nobility, Mdina offers visitors a most discreet insight that only a few people can experience and witness during their lifetime. Mdina surpasses the visitors’ imagination by staying frozen in a time of elegance and timeless beauty! Attractions in Mdina include, Howard Gardens, Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, the Mdina Dungeons, the Carmelite Church and Priory, the Mdina Cathedral Museum and others.
About Howard Gardens
Our hotel overlooks Howard Gardens, Malta’s largest public garden, which also includes the Mdina ditch. Situated on the outskirts of Mdina, forming a natural barrier between Mdina and the charming city of Rabat, Howard Gardens is one of the Island’s most beloved outdoor meeting places. Dotted with fragrant citrus trees and surrounded by the fortified walls of the glorious former Capital, the gardens' network of meandering green pathways is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll at any time of year. Not just stunning but steeped in history too, Howard Gardens offer breathtaking views of the archaeological remains of the Roman city of Melite, an ancient city located on the site of present-day Mdina and Rabat, Malta. They are also home to a medieval column indicating the spot where an Augustan church once stood. This delightful botanical oasis has everything one could ask for from a garden.
About Rabat
The centre of Rabat is a short-walk from our hotel. Although Mdina takes centre stage, Rabat offers its own charm. It has narrow streets, historical houses and many attractions. And if history interests you, Rabat boasts of some of Malta’s most important historical and cultural sites. Rabat was part of Melita, the ancient Roman city, 2000 years ago. Later the Arabs named the fortified inner area Mdina. The outer section was called Rabat, the Arabic word for “suburb”. As a refuge from pirates in the 15th century, Rabat became a spiritual place. This was the era when religious orders marked their territories. Attractions in Rabat include, The Domus Romana, St. Paul’s Catacombs, St. Agatha’s Catacombs, The Wignacourt Museum, Casa Bernard, St. Pual’s Church and others. Alongside all the places of interest, museums and historic buildings, you can expect to also find an array of good restaurants, typical local bars serving the Island’s favourite savoury snack “pastizzi,” wine bars and cafes.
Meet Your Host
Welcome to Howard House Hotel, a boutique retreat where history, art, and luxury seamlessly blend.
I am a passionate entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in interior design, restoration, and renovation of historic properties. My love for art and heritage has shaped every detail of Howard House Hotel, from its carefully preserved 150-year-old features, including the famous "garigor" steps, to the original contemporary artworks adorning its walls—some of which I had the pleasure of creating myself.
Years of traveling have deepened my appreciation for intimate boutique living and exceptional hospitality, inspiring me to curate an atmosphere that offers both character and comfort. Howard House is a space where history meets modern elegance, ensuring a unique and immersive stay for every guest.
I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the charm, warmth, and artistry of Howard House Hotel.
— Mariella Scerri
Founder & Host, Howard House Hotel