Where to Stay in Sliema with Kids: Best Areas, Hotels & Is It Worth It?
Sliema is one of the most practical places to stay in Malta if you want to combine sightseeing, visits to Valletta, restaurants and time by the sea. It has excellent bus connections, a ferry to Valletta, a long seafront promenade and a wide choice of hotels and apartments. For families, it can be a convenient base for exploring the island, although it is not a traditional beach resort.
Quick decision: Sliema is best suited to families who want to explore Malta and have restaurants, shops, buses and the Valletta ferry within walking distance. If your family holiday revolves around a sandy beach with shallow access to the sea, Mellieħa will usually be the more practical choice.
Family hotels and apartments in Sliema: quick picks
Sliema has large urban hotels with pools, smaller hotels and spacious apartments for bigger families. Family rooms are less widely available than rooms for two, and prices can vary between booking platforms. It is therefore worth checking current accommodation in Sliema for your exact dates and number of guests.
| Hotel | Why it works for families | Type of accommodation | Compare price and availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AX The Palace | large rooms, rooftop pool, quieter part of the centre | 4★ hotel | Check availability Check price |
| 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa | pool, beach club, family rooms | 4★ hotel | Check availability Check price |
| The Waterfront Hotel | views of Valletta, close to the ferry | 4★ hotel | Check availability Check price |
| The Diplomat Hotel | good value, rooftop pool, directly on the promenade | 4★ hotel | Check availability Check price |
| The Preluna Hotel | large hotel, family rooms, beach club | 4★ hotel | Check availability Check price |
| Sliema Tigne Suites | large apartments suitable for families | apartment | Check availability Check price |
The best area to stay in Sliema with children
Sliema stretches along a fairly long section of the coast, and its different neighbourhoods vary in atmosphere and proximity to transport links or shopping centres.
- Near the Valletta ferry – the most practical location for day trips, buses and the ferry.
- Tigné and The Point – a more modern part of Sliema with a shopping centre, newer apartments and easy access to the promenade.
- The promenade towards Balluta Bay – good for walks and restaurants, but farther from the Valletta ferry.
If you are travelling with children and plan to take plenty of trips around the island, I recommend staying near the Valletta ferry or one of the main bus stops. This is generally the best part of Sliema to stay without a car.
Why stay in Sliema with kids?
- very good bus connections across Malta, making it a practical base for exploring without hiring a car
- the ferry provides a quick and pleasant connection to Valletta without a bus journey around the harbour
- a long seafront promenade for evening walks with children
- a large choice of restaurants, cafés and shops
- a wide range of hotels and apartments
When I would choose a different area for a family holiday
- if young children or non-swimmers need a sandy beach with shallow access to the water
- if you want a quiet resort and expect to spend most of the holiday at the hotel or on the beach
- if you want to hire a car for your entire stay but your accommodation does not provide private parking
- if finding the lowest possible accommodation price is your main priority
For daily swimming with young children, Mellieħa is usually more practical. If you want urban amenities and restaurants with easier access to the sandy beaches in northern Malta, also compare St Paul’s Bay with children.
Beaches and swimming in Sliema
Sliema’s coastline is mainly rocky, and swimmers enter the sea from flat rocks, concrete platforms or ladders. These swimming spots are nevertheless very popular with Maltese residents. If you are still comparing where swimming is genuinely convenient with children, see my overview of Malta’s best beaches and attractions for families.
How much does accommodation in Sliema cost?
Hotel prices in Sliema vary considerably depending on the season, room size and sea view. It is one of Malta’s more expensive places to stay because of its central location and convenient connection to Valletta.
- outside the main season: approximately €90–150 per night
- summer and school holidays: approximately €150–280 per night
- hotels with sea views may cost considerably more
Options are more limited for bigger families because not every hotel has a single room for four or more guests. Always enter the exact number of adults and children, including the children’s ages, when searching. During the main season, it is sensible to book several months ahead, ideally with free cancellation.
Things to do in Sliema with kids
Sliema itself is not packed with children’s attractions. Its main advantage is its location and the variety of trips available from the area. In Sliema, you can walk along the seafront promenade, stop for an ice cream or take the ferry across to Valletta.
- Valletta – the ferry is more interesting for children and usually more practical than travelling around the harbour by bus
- Harbour cruise – take a boat trip around Malta’s harbours directly from Sliema
- Blue Lagoon – before booking, compare the different types of trips to the Blue Lagoon, as they vary by departure point, boat size and length of stop
- Popeye Village – a popular family day out in northern Malta; before visiting, read what to expect from Popeye Village
Do you need a hire car in Sliema?
If you mainly plan to visit Valletta and places accessible by bus or boat, you probably will not need a hire car in Sliema. Parking is one of the area’s biggest disadvantages, and finding a space can take longer than the journey itself. I would only hire a car for the entire stay if the hotel provided its own car park or garage.
Without a car, you can combine ferries, buses and taxis. If you want to visit several places further afield in one day without dealing with driving and parking, you can book a private sightseeing ride with a local driver. Half-day and full-day routes are available, and you can adapt them to your interests by skipping stops, spending longer in particular places or agreeing on a personalised route within the booked time. For a family, this can be more convenient than travelling between several distant places by bus.
If you still want to hire a car, check parking at your hotel and read the rental conditions carefully before booking. My guides to hiring a car in Malta, deposits and insurance, and car hire without a credit card explain what to look out for.
How to get from Malta Airport to Sliema
You can travel from Malta Airport to Sliema by bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer. The bus is the cheapest option, but it may not be the most convenient with luggage and young children. I compare the options in my guide to getting from Malta Airport to Sliema. If you already know that you want door-to-door transport, you can book a private transfer to your hotel.