Sliema’s Imperial hotel to become old people’s home

A planning application has been presented to change the use of the historical Imperial Hotel, which dates back to Victorian times, to an old people’s home.

The application includes plans to add two new storeys on top of the old building and to demolish part of the existing building while retaining the part of the building which is scheduled. 

The application also foresees plans to excavate the site to construct car park facilities and other amenities at basement level. 

Originally built as a villa in the 18th century, the building was subsequently used as a hunting lodge for the British governors before it was transformed into a hotel. 

The hotel was opened in 1875. 

A guide to the Maltese islands published in 1880 describes the establishment which belonged to the Ellul family as one “situated in the highest part of Sliema and commands an uninterrupted view of Valletta, the sea and country”.

The hotel’s interior includes tapestries, French ormolu clocks, crystal chandeliers, China vases and English fire irons.