A boutique, bayside hotel has been named the best on the island after receiving top ratings from visitors over the past year.

Hotel Juliani in Spinola Bay, St Julian’s, came top in the 2015 Travellers’ Choice Awards, compiled by travel website TripAdvisor.

They honour the world’s most outstanding properties in the categories of top hotels, bargain, B&Bs and inns, family, luxury, romance and small hotels.

“We take great pride in offering our guests a personal service,” said manager Georgios Rouvelas.

“However, I am most proud of our staff who take great care in ensuring each one of our guests is truly satisfied and have developed a keen eye for detail, which helps Hotel Juliani retain this coveted position as one of TripAdvisor’s top hotels.”

The Westin Dragonara took the award for top luxury hotel in Malta. General manager Michael Camilleri Kamsky said: “We are all extremely proud of having been voted Malta’s number one five-star hotel. These are the results we have all been striving for and having been voted by actual travellers is even more gratifying.”

With Valentine’s Day beckoning, lovers may wish to check the newly crowned top hotel for romance: Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s.

“Such an award gives me and my team particular pleasure because it vindicates our strict approach to service and quality,” said sales director Jeffrey Cutajar.

And Park Lane Aparthotel in Qawra also left a strong impression with guests, topping the list in two local categories: best bargain hotel and best service.

Globally, the top hotel for 2015 was Gili Lankanfushi Maldives on the North Male Atoll of the Maldives islands.