Binnie was Scottish trained, had worked in New York on some of the detailing of Grand Central Station and also on the many war memorials in France and Belgium. In 1925 he was admitted into the Royal Institute of Architects, nominated by the likes of Edward Lutyens.

The Phoenicia was an Art Deco hotel, initiated in the 1930’s by Lady Margaret Strickland who called in Scottish architect William Binnie to undertake the design.

Construction of The Phoenicia was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, when the building was requisitioned by the British military to be used by Royal Air Force personnel. It was heavily targeted by an air raid on April 27th , 1942, when it is estimated over 100 bombs were dropped on the grounds and building.

In 1944 Binnie was requested by the Governor to return to Malta and begin reconstruction.

By 1948 the hotel was not only open but completed. Applauded as successfully embodying the spirit of Malta: the limestone walls, ironwork, terrazzo, marble and teak, as well as the heavy coffered ceiling in the main entrance hall were all reminiscent of local Maltese architecture. As a mark of its high standard of service and spirit of innovation, the hotel was entirely air conditioned, had electric panelled radiators and its own electricity plant.

In 1949 Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip stayed in Malta, visited The Phoenicia several times and came to dance in the Grand Ballroom. The now Queen told Prince Charles, who told the concierge, “Mummy has very fond memories of dancing in The Ballroom”. Other distinguished guests include Alec Guinness, Gerard Depardieu, Oliver Reed and Joaquin Phoenix – along with the rest of the cast of ‘Gladiator’.

The hotel has also played important roles in historical events on the island, including marking independence celebrations in 1964 which were mainly held at the hotel.

In 1966 it was bought and refurbished by Charles Forte and became one of the first hotels on the island with a swimming pool.

Between 1990 and 1994 further work took place on the building, including adding an additional floor.

The hotel was rebranded and became part of Le Méridien.

The Phoenicia was chosen as a venue for one of the official receptions hosted by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit.

Following the sale of the hotel it was renamed again as The Phoenicia.

The hotel was closed in 2015 to undergo an extensive €15 million refurbishment.

After an 18 month refurbishment, The Phoenicia reopened in May 2017.