A city painted by the empires
From Roman ruins to old Arab walls and medieval gateways, Valencia wears its history for all to see.
Nestled between the hills of the Sierra Calderona and the dazzling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, it is a city that has been inhabited for some 2,000 years, and tucked among its Gothic alleyways, and handsome Modernista buildings are hotels that embrace a tapestry of interwoven cultures.
If you're looking for a where to stay in Valencia that immerses you in its history, a smattering of boutique boltholes has emerged recently, transforming grand palaces and uncovering Roman and Arab eccentricities. Try one of these for your next Valencia trip.
Hospes Palau de la Mar elegance
- Lobby of Hospes Palau de la Mar showing bright, modern lobby and dark wooden interiors.
This historic Valencian hotel is a stunning 19th-century stately home next to the Turia Gardens and a third of a mile from the Old Town. An orange blossom fragrance gives you a warm welcome as you walk through the magnificent vision of shining Romanesque white marble arches, polished dark wood doors and striking modern interiors. And being located on one of the prettiest streets in Valencia, just a minute’s walk from the fragrant Bridge of the Flowers, the stunning views don’t stop there.
What makes it unique?
The clean white and coffee walls, the dark wooden terraces and this hotel's historical elements pay homage to Valencia's maritime spirit and values. Hardwood flooring, modern fixtures and original features combine to create a hotel that embodies past and present.
Two miniature waterfalls feed the indoor pool, and the Bodyna Spa, which overlooks the grand courtyard and manicured gardens, offers natural and organic treatments. Enjoy a hot stone massage, an orange essence massage, or an exfoliating Siamese ritual.
Exquisite cuisine
The Ampar restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, including the famed paella Valenciana, tender octopus and aromatic teas. Chef Carlos Julián plays with colours, flavours, and tradition to create fine dining experiences with unique dishes, best tried with one of the two tasting menus and their perfect wine pairing.
What we love about this hotel:
The city-centre location makes it easy for sightseeing
The unique orange fragrance echoes the Mediterranean decor
The “pet-friendly” policy
The exotic Ayurvedic experience
Reserve now or read more about the hotel here
The five-star boutique Caro Hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town, where Roman, Arabic, and Christian influences meet in a maze of cobblestone streets, orange tree-lined squares and old cellar bars. As with many buildings in the area, the structure of the Caro Hotel is some centuries old, and in refurbishing, the owners paid respect to Valencia’s heritage, setting the city’s ancient walls, exposed brick and recovered ceramic tiles against a sleek, minimalist backdrop.
What makes it unique?
Most of the 12th-century walls built in Valencia by the Moors are no longer standing, but you’ll find remnants throughout this unique hotel, the perfect blend of ancient and contemporary. In the old watchtower of the Arabic wall, the Arab Tower room preserves the original structure, simply opening it up to allow full appreciation of the small arches accessing the tower, while other rooms incorporate original exposed brick and remnants of the wall into the overall modern design. There is also a small pool and sun terrace on the central patio.
Timeless dining
A fascinating feature of this incredible hotel is found in its restaurant, Alma del Temple, considered by one German editor, Taschen, as one of the most stunning restaurants in the world. As you enjoy the exquisite cuisine, perfectly paired with a glass of wonderful Rioja, you’ll realise where the chefs get the inspiration for their menu of ancient recipes with a modern twist. Dividing the dining area in two stand the ancient remnants of the Arabic city walls.
What we love about this hotel:
The restaurant features the original Arabic wall
The unique rooms, each offering something different
The calm, mocha exterior
The turquoise open-air pool
Book your stay now or learn more about the hotel by clicking here.
Found in the very centre of the Valencian Old Town, just a minute’s walk from the magnificence of the cathedral and several minutes from the Turia Gardens in the other direction, lies the grand Palacio Vallier. This 19th-century five-star hotel has an elegant facade, striking an imposing presence with its heavy floodlighting, wrought iron balconies and a certain enchanting boutique charm.
What makes it unique?
On the rooftop of the grand palace, from where you can look out over the Palacio de la Generalitat, the azure domes, the terracotta roofs and the higgledy-piggledy maze of cobblestone streets. The hotel's interiors are just as dazzling, an art deco delight where black and white marble, grand arches and golden touches create a feeling of luxury alongside abundant greenery and grand wrought iron chandeliers.
Fine dining
In Lladró, you’ll feel transported back in time as you walk into the 1930s-style bar museum, complete with solid wooden panelling, soft pink armchairs and sofas, and a splendid list of old-school cocktails. La Perfumería restaurant is an authentic jewel in the crown of the Valencian gastronomical scene, named for the perfume bottles found at the site, leading archaeologists to believe this was once a Roman perfumery.
What we love about this hotel:
The bar museum celebrates their Valencian roots
The incredible view of the floodlit hotel at night
The location is just steps from the Basilica
The magnificent vistas from the rooftop bar
What we love about this hotel:
The bar museum celebrates their Valencian roots
The incredible view of the floodlit hotel at night
The location is simply steps from the Basilica
The magnificent vistas from the rooftop bar
Book a room now, or explore more about the hotel here.
Sculpted stone, wrought iron balconies and arched windows lend a glamorous appeal to the curved facade of Palacio Santa Clara, a boutique art-deco hotel set on a handsome street in the Eixample district. Right in the heart of the action, this four-star retreat promises luxury and elegance in one of Valencia’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, with unique decor and fine dining opportunities taking centre stage.
What makes it unique
Designed by Francisco Javier Görlich in 1916, art deco delights are sprinkled through the recently renovated hotel. A Modernista building hosting charming city views, this retreat walks you through the Roaring Twenties with ornate mirrors, polished wood, and Tiffany lamps standing beside velvet upholstered chairs and marble-appointed amenities.
Dining with a view
Explore the cocktail menu as you admire the vibrantly printed wallpaper in the cosy bar, enjoy a selection of tapas for lunch, or head to El Modernista for an elegant evening meal. Savour traditional Spanish snacks at El Torreón rooftop bar as you watch the buzzing city from above, or take a dip in the refreshing pool as the miniature orange trees and olive-green furnishings help you find peace throughout your trip.
What we love about this hotel:
Rooftop pool with captivating city view
City-centre parking available
Walking distance to most attractions
Peaceful atmosphere
Reserve now or find out more about the hotel by clicking here.
Remembering the 1909 World Expo at The Westin
A grand art deco building built originally for the 1909 World Expo, The Westin lies a stone’s throw from the winding walking routes of Valencia’s iconic Turia Gardens and the excitement of the Mestalla football stadium. With parquet floors, shining marble, and verdant gardens, this beguiling Mediterranean sanctuary is known to host visiting celebrities and sporting stars alongside tourists and business travellers.
What makes it unique
The stories of this Modernista hotel pull you into a world of Valencian secrets and forgotten history. It's past lives as a textile factory, the Fire Brigade headquarters, and finally, as stables for National Police horses give away much about Valencia’s trajectory through the 20th Century. While the grand facade was reimagined as a five-star hotel by Valencian architect José María Tomás Llavador in 2007, the glamorous marble-clad lobby and high vaulted ceilings echo their past.
Al fresco dining
Choose from a collection of exquisite restaurants and sophisticated bars dotted around The Westin’s romantic gardens. Savour breakfast under the sun on the terrace of Rosmarino, head to El Jardi for traditional Valencian dishes and local wine, or enjoy an unforgettable meal at Komori, where Japanese traditions meet Mediterranean produce in a sophisticated setting.
What we love about this hotel:
You can upgrade to an in-suite jacuzzi
An in-house casino for glamorous nights
Welcomed by a vast Swarovski crystal chandelier
A slower pace of life but close to the action
Click and book your stay now or learn more about our hotel here.
Housed inside an elegant 19th-century palace, NH Collection Valencia enjoys a refreshing location on Valencia’s main shopping artery, Calle Colón. In an area known for its Modernista buildings and elegant facades, NH Collection draws guests in with a gorgeous piano lounge, a glamorous rooftop bar, and stylish accommodations flooded with Spanish sun. You're sure to find your favourite, from suites decorated in rich earthen tones to rooms dripping with Parisian romance.
What makes it unique
Guests and locals can share an elegant evening at the Kamikaze Piano Club, where green wood panelling and plush leather sofas create an indulgent atmosphere. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail as you admire the naval themes adorning the walls, the gilded chandeliers, and the impressive four-metre-long piano standing in the spotlight.
Savour Valencian cuisine
At the Kamikaze restaurant, rich Valencian dishes were created with the freshest produce to offer a spectacularly leisurely lunch. From crisp and tangy salads to smoking paellas and perfect pintxos, enjoy a true taste of Spain in the elegant dining room imagined by interior architect Lorenzo Castillo. After dinner, head up to the Sky Bar for impressive city views.
What we love about this hotel:
The views from the Kamikaze Sky Bar
The inky intrigue of the black marble lobby
Location, in the heart of the shopping district
Fresh breakfast cooked to order
Click and reserve now or discover more about the hotel here.
A city of opulence
Valencia is a magnificent city; its streets take you back in time. Ancient artefacts and architecture combined with a modern twist make visiting Valencia a unique experience. We hope our first chapter, featuring our favourite Valencia Historic Hotels, has given you some inspiration to book a hotel in Valencia for your upcoming trip. Or take a look at some of our other suggestions for the best luxury and boutique hotels Valencia here.