Gruppo 5 signs a new hotel property in Malta: “HOTEL IBB MERKANTI”

A small and exclusive boutique hotel located in a historic building in the center of the Maltese capital, featuring 18 suites and a restaurant.

The idea? Immersing guests in the local culture.

The building is located in a picturesque street in the heart of the capital, Valletta, near the Grand Master’s Palace of the President of the Republic of Malta, currently undergoing restoration under the careful supervision of Maltese heritage authorities.

The best definition for this boutique hotel is “evocative.” Gruppo 5’s choice of a “turnkey” project was driven by the desire to meticulously craft every detail, delivering a hospitality property to Malta’s long-standing tradition that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary forms.

“A journey between tradition and modernity”

emphasize project leaders Lorenzo Faccin and Daniele Andreasi of Gruppo 5, who were attentive from the outset to respecting the location and its exceptional historic context.

The elegance and attention to detail of the suites extend seamlessly to the lobby. The project focused on the concepts of elegance, warmth, and sophistication. The 18 suites were designed to encompass a sophisticated and relaxing environment: to achieve this goal, the material selection for the furnishings featured lacquered wood with engraved metal accents and glass, with a color palette ranging from beige to brown, complemented by an emerald green accent in the upholstered pieces.

Great importance was given to the room’s lighting scheme, opting for warm, indirect light sources. Last but certainly not least, the choice of soft furnishings—such as drapes and bedding sets—prioritized simplicity while remaining elevated through the selection of fine fabrics.

The same elegance and attention to detail found in the suites welcome guests upon entering the lobby, designed to convey a warm and inviting atmosphere that carries through to the rooms. Using diverse materials that follow a cohesive design narrative, alongside natural elements such as a lichen moss wall and accents of iron and glass, serves to enhance the authentic Maltese stone walls in the lobby, staircases, and hallways.