Were there nothing to recommend Valencia except its being the birthplace of paella, that would still be reason enough to go. Fortunately, though, looking beyond the fish, rice, and saffron master-dish, you’ve also a buzzing and intensely liveable city – the third largest in Spain with some wonderful modern architecture nestled amid its history.
It’s a big place, even if it’s not an incredibly touristy one, meaning that there are plenty of places to stay in Valencia, and at all ends of the hotel spectrum. We’ve taken some time to find the very best value places – and those best located to make sure you get maximum enjoyment from this up and coming city.
Hotel Alkazar
From €66/ night
One star in name only, the Hotel Alkazar offers a far more luxurious feeling experience than its rating suggests. Located very close to the centre of town, just off a pedestrianised street, its interior is stylish and its rooms comfortable and air conditioned (essential on those hot summer nights). A real find at these kind of prices! There’s even a seafood-specialised restaurant attached.
Hostal Antigua Morellana
From €55/ night
Universally adored by the people who’ve stayed here, this is hands down one of Valencia’s best deals. Located slap bang in the middle of the old town, in a characterful building, the rooms come crammed with all the things you’ll need for a pleasant stay, while the staff too are lovely. In fact, there’s only one negative as far as we can see: it’s so popular that it’s often sold out. So book early to avoid disappointment.
Hotel Villacarlos
From €60/ night
Travelling anywhere in Europe you’re often faced with a toss-up on the kind of places you end up staying: do you go old fashioned and traditional, which can often mean sacrificing on things like ventilation and space, or modern and up to date? Hotel Villacarlos is a definite example of the latter, with the kind of hermetically comfortable rooms that can be exactly what you want after a long day trekking around the city in the heat. It’s only a short walk from the city centre and boasts Internet throughout, a 24 hour reception, and a highly recommended breakfast selection.
Hotel Mediterraneo
From €110/ night
Among its many other attributes, Valencia is one of those rare achievements in all human civilisation: a proper city with a proper beach. Now, the Hotel Mediterraneo is not on that beach – it is, in fact, spectacularly centrally located – however, trendy nautical themes are everywhere, lending it a real ‘holiday’ feel. There are large windows that let in loads of light, smooth wooden floors, and a sparkling cleanliness throughout. It may be a little more expensive than the others we’ve suggested, but its central location and professionally attentive staff more than make up for the few extra euros you’ll have to spend.
Hotel Malcom and Barret
From €69/ night
Smooth surfaces, plush beds, and a trendy dark colour scheme abound in this hotel of value luxury, less than a half hours walk from Valencia’s historic old town. Here is another great place you might want to stay should the intensity of more traditional Spanish life be something you need to escape at day’s end. There’s a cosmopolitan comfort here that you could find in any of the major cities of the world, WiFi and air conditioning in every room, an onsite restaurant and bar, and a 24-hour reception. A truly executive experience.