The Palazzo Consiglia is an intimate boutique hotel on a typically narrow Valletta street of limestone townhouses fronted by traditional gallariji – Maltese-painted wooden balconies. The original courtyard has a retractable roof making it a feature year-round. It acts as the lobby, bar and extension of the breakfast room. Historic features include the chapel’s carved holy water basin, while furniture, wallpapers and lighting are a charming modern mix. The 13 individually decorated rooms are modern and individually named ranging from Romantica to Ecologica, Industriale to Maltija. Most have wooden floors with light Persian-style rugs and free-standing wardrobes. All have extra-comfortable king-sized beds and a choice of a bath or shower. Each room has a capsule coffee machine, television and Bluetooth sound system.

The two-centuries-old bell-shaped cistern – a water storage system that was mandatory in all Knights-period Valletta houses – has been converted into a heated plunge pool. While the original vaulted limestone cellar is now The Cantina, a top-quality wellness area offering spa treatments, a steam room and a sauna. The roof terrace has a reading nook, sunbeds and an alluring plunge pool that looks out at the dome of the neighbouring chapel.