IBB Palazzo Bettina – Birgu

Yesterday we had to opportunity to visit the new IBB hotel Palazzo Bettina in Birgu. The hotel is steeped in history and its restoration has been carried out with true passion. The boutique hotel, featuring 13 luxuriously furnished suites combines ancient with modern, offering an optimal solution both for guests looking for a luxury historical dwelling with a certain flair and for those searching for an elegant, modern, and progressive solution.  The building appears to date back to the 17th century and has a long and varied history serving as a residence for several distinguished individuals and families, in particular, Elizabeth

Muscat Dorell (1741-1829), known as Lady Bettina, who also gave her name to the building.. The palazzo also served as a British military hospital in the second half of the 19th century and St Ġorġ Preca, the founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine. The Third Order Carmelite also made use of the property as one of the seats for the Society of Christian Doctrine in the inter war years.

In 2017, Palazzo Bettina was purchased by the Sormani family, who were charmed by the history of the building. With the extensive experience in recovering and renovating ancient buildings with the objective of returning them to their original splendour, they undertook this new adventure. The result of the investment can be seen in the complete renovation of the building, transformed into a luxury boutique hotel. Bought in 2023 by Bettina Investments Limited, the restoration of the Palazzo was completed back in the summer of 2021 and included the creation of 13 rooms fitted with every possible comfort and luxury.