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Iconic Old Town Charm: Ruby Announces First Hotel Project in Malta

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Under the leadership of CEO and founder Michael Struck, Ruby Hotels is introducing its Lean Luxury concept to Valletta. This project, a conversion of several historic buildings on Strait Street, offers guests a harmonious blend of inspiring design and relaxed elegance in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is truly remarkable to implement a project of this scale in such a granularly and densely built city like Valletta.


Vibrant public areas on the ground floor and a spacious rooftop terrace featuring a swimming pool and an all-day bar will grace the new Ruby Hotel, offering unparalleled views of the sea and the city's skyline including Valletta’s famous St. Paul's Cathedral and Fort St. Elmo. The spaces are designed to serve as lively social hubs, providing guests with unforgettable experiences.


Valletta, often referred to as the "Golden Capital" due to its stunning limestone architecture, exudes an unspoiled charm that captivates visitors from around the globe. Its charming streets are lined with quaint palazzos, churches, and fortresses, each bearing the marks of time and history. As you stroll through its sloping alleys, vistas of the surrounding sea unfold, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploration. The city wears a beautiful patina of age, adding to its allure as arguably the most sought-after location in Malta. Beyond its historic façade, Valletta boasts a diverse, lively, and creative gastronomical scene, offering a plethora of culinary delights to satisfy any palate. From its historical and scenic hotspots to its rich cultural calendar, Valletta promises unique experiences and exciting discoveries all year round, ensuring that every visit is nothing short of extraordinary.


Nestled in the bustling heart of the city, the hotel enjoys a prime location, with all amenities and attractions conveniently within walking distance. The hotel is comprised of three adjoining historic buildings, some dating back to the 16th century, providing the hotel with a unique fabric, woven with tales of bygone eras and cultural exchanges. Renovated with careful attention to detail, the space exudes character and individuality, affording visitors with an authentic and immersive experience of the city's heritage.


As Catherine Hilt, Associate Director Development Southern Europe at Ruby, notes: "All of these elements perfectly align with what our guests are seeking, addressing a previously unmet demand for affordable luxury accommodation. Moreover, it presents a unique opportunity for local guests, boasting amenities such as a rooftop bar offering magnificent views, and even a pool."


Andrei Imbroll, Co-Founder and CEO of the VBL Group closed by saying “For the last decade the VBL Group has been putting together the pieces of the puzzle for what is meant to become the most iconic building and landmark in the historic Capital of Malta, Valletta. The last piece of the puzzle was finding a partner who shares our values. Ruby is a partner who deeply understands and respects the history and value of every piece of stone within this building while having a firm eye on what lies ahead in the international hospitality industry. We look forward to a mutually fruitful relationship for decades to come.”


The VBL Group specializes in real estate development with an exclusive focus on Valletta. Positioned ideally for assembling this unique project, VBL over a period of several years carefully crafted this combination of historic townhouses. Throughout this process, utmost care was taken to respect the rich history of these properties, ensuring the preservation of their beautiful details. From the intricate designs adorning historical facades and staircases to the grandeur of the courtyards, VBL prioritized the retention of these architectural treasures, thereby contributing to the preservation and enhancement of Valletta's unique urban fabric.


The new Ruby Hotel is scheduled to open in early 2026.

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Ruby Valletta Expansion
COSY room of Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich

About Ruby Hotels

The Munich-based Ruby Group under the leadership of founder and CEO Michael Struck is breaking new ground with its Lean Luxury philosophy. With a lean organisational structure and concentration on the essentials, Ruby succeeds in creating a contemporary, affordable form of luxury for modern, cost and style-conscious customers. 


Founded in 2013, the Group already operates 20 Ruby hotels across Europe, with a further six hotels under construction or in the planning phase. In addition, Ruby is expanding into China via a joint venture with Delonix, headed by Alex Zheng, one of China’s most accomplished hotel entrepreneurs. Ruby also offers Ruby Workspaces in Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Vienna, Stuttgart, Florence, and Malta – perfectly equipped workplaces and a creative atmosphere with access to an inspiring office community. 


Financially strong partners support Ruby’s expansion. ECE Group; the Austrian Soravia Group; Franger Investment, a German family office; Ocean Link, a private equity fund; the entrepreneur Michael Hehn; and Michael Struck jointly hold the company shares.