The city of Valencia has plenty of accommodation, but very few places offer much in the way of charm (with a few notable exceptions). It’s a hugely popular conference centre, which means it is crammed with luxurious but largely anonymous chain hotels. However, many of these hotels offer special weekend deals (and off-season mid-week offers) that can slash the standard rack price by up to 60 per cent, meaning you can stay at a very glitzy establishment with all the trimmings for very little more than a one-star hotel. The price codes below reflect the standard prices of the big hotels in high season, but you will almost always be able to get a deal which can bring prices down considerably. Most hotels post these special deals on their websites. The big chains – Husa, http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es, Sol Melia, http://www.solmelia.com and NH, http://www.nh-hoteles.com – are all worth checking out before you book. The best place to stay is in the Old City, where you’ll have most of the sights and plenty of shopping and nightlife on your doorstep. The best of the budget and moderate options are in the streets around the Plaça de l'Ajuntament. If you want the beach on your doorstep, then there are plenty of options, both by the city beach of Malvarrosa, or in El Saler to the south of the city. El Saler is about 10 km from the city centre, but is well connected by bus and the beaches are much quieter, the water is cleaner, and it’s on the edge of the Parc Natural de l’Albufera. The Spanish hotel classification system can be difficult to get to grips with. Each category of accommodation – hotel, hostal- residencia, hostal, pensión – is rated and given a number of stars according to the facilities on offer. Be aware that these star ratings take no account of charm, location or standards of service. At the top of the pile are hotels, which all have en suite bathrooms, lifts and are usually large. Hostal-residencias are halfway between hotels and hostals, offering many of the amenities of the big hotels, but are smaller and often family-run. Hostales are usually small family affairs, and may or may not offer en suite facilities. The standards of hostales range enormously, and it is often hard to say where the line between a one- or two-star hotel and a good hostal is drawn. Pensiones, fondas and hespederas are the cheapest accommodation options, but, again, many offer en suite facilities and other extras. If you are planning to visit for the Fallas festival, book accommodation six months in advance and don't expect to find any good deals. Old CityA Astoria Palace, Plaça/Plaza Rodrigo Botet 5, T 963 981 000, http://www.hotel-astoria-palace.com Bus 26, 31. A large, luxurious hotel with resplendent, traditional furniture and fittings. It's in a good, central location and has a fine restaurant and fitness centre (with gym, jacuzzi and beauty treatments). The rooms vary in size and comforts and the hotel is currently being refurbished, so be specific about your room requirements when you book. The best feature is the garden terrace with panoramic views of the city. A Hotel Catalonia Excelsior, C/Barcelonina 5, T 963 514 612. Bus 26, 31. This once-charming, slightly battered hotel has been restored and reinvented as yet another slick modern establishment catering to the business crowd. Still, the location in the heart of the city is perfect, and it overlooks a charming little square. The rooms lack individuality, but are nonetheless comfortable and traditionally furnished. There are also nine suites if you feel like splashing out. A Inglés, C/Marqués de Dos Aigües/Marqués de Dos Aguas 6, T 963 516 426, http://www.meliaingles.solmelia.com Bus 4, 6, 8, 16, 26, 27, 31. This elegant hotel is set in a former palace in the most chic part of the Old City and overlooks the flamboyant baroque mansion which is now the ceramics museum. It's part of the Sol Meliá chain, but it doesn't feel like it. Service is attentive and friendly and the excellent restaurant is a place to see and be seen. Rooms are extremely comfortable but lack individuality, which is slightly disappointing given the palatial setting. B Ad Hoc, C/Boix 4, T 963 919 140, adhoc@adhoteles.com Bus 5, 6, 16, 26. An utterly charming, chic little hotel in a converted 19th-century mansion. Exposed brickwork and beams are complemented with a mixture of modern and antique furnishings. The restaurant (expensive) has become a very fashionable haunt – and the lunchtime fixed menu is excellent value. This is definitely the best choice in Valencia, offering charm, individuality and a perfect location. B Vincci Lys Hotel, C/Martínez Cubells 5, T 964 509 550, http://www.vinccihoteles.com Bus 5, 14, 19, 35, 40. Metro Xàtiva. This hotel is an excellent base in the Old City. It is also geared towards business people, with all the usual office facilities, but the warm atmosphere means that holidaymakers will also feel welcome. Rooms are attractive if unmemorable, but there's also a small spa and the staff are very friendly and attentive and are only too pleased to give recommendations. B-D Reina Victoria, C/Barques/Barcas 6, T 963 520 487, http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. The Reina Victoria's heyday has long past, but, if it's faded glamour you're looking for, this handsome, turn-of-the-century hotel has it in spades – at least in the public areas. The blandly comfortable, run-of-the-mill chain-hotel-style rooms are a bit of a disappointment, despite the marble bathrooms, but the art deco salon is a treat. C Husa Llar, C/de Colom/Colón 45, T 963 528 560, http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es">http://www.husa.es Bus 5, 32, 62. Metro Colón. A modern, unexceptional hotel in the Husa chain, which deserves a mention for its location on Valencia's main shopping street and the excellent weekend deals that make it very reasonable. Recently renovated, it offers spotless rooms, decorated with bright prints, a café and parking facilities. C Sorolla, C/Convento de Santa Clara 5, T 963 523 392, http://www.hotelsorolla.com Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. A good, modern 3-star hotel in central location between the Plaça de l'Ajuntament and the train station. Recently refurbished, it offers modest but perfectly pleasant rooms decorated in offensive brown and beige. C Venecia, C/En Llop 5, T 963 524 267, http://www.hotelvenecia.com Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. A grand, turn-of-the-century mansion with a perfect position on the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, this offers immaculate well-priced rooms with bathrooms and air conditioning. Best of all, there's a fabulous roof terrace with views over the square. It's one of the best mid-priced options in the city. D Continental, C/Correus/Correos 8, T 963 535 282, http://www.cotitel.es Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. A reasonable modern hotel in a central location not far from the Plaça de l'Ajuntament with good-sized rooms with all mod cons including air conditioning, which is essential in summer. The lobby has a chic, boutique-hotel feel, but the rooms are more functional, with wooden furniture, check prints and small lounge areas. It also has a café-bar and the price includes breakfast. D Florida, C/Padilla 4, T/F 963 511 284. Bus 19, 27, 61, 62. Metro Xàtiva. Close to the Ajuntament and not far from the station, this is a large, nondescript hostal with reasonable, 1970s style rooms (lots of leatherette and fake wood) with en suite bathrooms and TV. Prices are very good value for the facilities – and the air conditioning is essential in summer. E Alkázar, C/Mosen Femades 11, T 963 515 551, F 963 512 568. Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. A reasonable, if unexceptional hotel, in a good central location. It's popular with travelling salesmen, which means prices often drop at weekends. It may not ooze charm, but the rooms are clean and more than adequate, with decent-sized bathrooms. There's a decent and inexpensive restaurant, recommended by locals. E Antigua Morellana, C/En Bou 2, T/F 963 915 773, http://www.inicia.es/de/hostalam Bus 5B, 7, 27, 28. A delightful hostal housed in an 18th-century mansion just a step from the Llotja and the Mercat Central with charming, helpful owners. It has clean, well-equipped rooms (all with bathrooms and TVs), plus a little sitting room and offers excellent value. This is one of the best budget choices in the city and the location couldn't be better for the sights and nightlife of the Old City and the Barri del Carme. Highly recommended. E Hostal Moratín, C/Moratín 14, T 963 521 220. Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. A friendly, little pensión offering basic, but recently renovated, rooms (with shower or full bathrooms) at low prices, but the lack of fans means rooms are hot in the summer. The cheerful and helpful owners can provide breakfast – and will even cook you up some dinner if you ask in advance. Recommended. E Hotel Europa, C/Ribera 4, T 963 520 000, F 963 520 351. Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. Set in a handsome, 19th-century building, in a handy central location very close to the Plaça de l'Ajuntament and the train station, this is a good budget choice. Rooms are functional and decorated with extreme simplicity, but all have en suite bathrooms, TV and telephone. E Londres, C/Barcelonina 1, T 963 512 244, F 963 521 508. Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. Just off the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, this is set in an elegant, curved building, with 60 modern, newly renovated rooms which don't ooze charm but are more than adequate. The rooms vary widely in size, so ask to see a few if you can. The best have views of the square. There's a nice little breakfast area with a small terrace, where you can take out the papers and relax. Look out for good weekend discounts. E Valencia, C/Convento Sant Francesc/Convento San Francisco 7, T 963 517 460, http://www.hotel-valencia.com Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. Tucked away down a reasonably quiet street around the corner from the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, this two-star hotel has been recently refurbished and is very good value. The rooms are spacious and simply furnished with wooden furniture and chintzy prints and all have TV and en suite bathrooms. Note that there is no air conditioning, which is virtually essential in July and August. There's no café or restaurant, but you'll find plenty of eating and drinking options in the surrounding streets. F-G Hostal Alicante, C/Ribera 8, T 963 512 296. Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. A friendly, backpacker favourite just off the Plaça de l'Ajuntament with pretty tiling in the corridors and public areas. It offers very simple, functionally furnished rooms with and without bathrooms (although all have TVs). F Hostal El Rincón, C/Cardá 11, T 963 916 083. Bus 5B, 7, 27, 28. This small hostal is located very close to the gorgeous Mercat Central, so expect to be woken up early with the noise of the market porters unloading and setting up. It's a good budget choice, with basic, but spotless, rooms with stone floors and welcoming owners. F Hostal Residencia Bisbal, C/Peu de la Creu/Pie de la Cruz 9, T 963 917 084, F 963 923 737. Bus 5B, 7, 27, 28. A small, family-run hostal in the heart of the Old City, with 10 simply furnished but spotless little rooms, which are available with or without bathrooms. F Pensión Universal, C/Barques/Barcas 5, T 963 515 384. Bus 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 35, 36. Metro Xàtiva. A friendly, family-run pensión which is a favourite with young budget travellers thanks to the handy location – between the station and the Plaça de l’Ajuntament – and the good value, spotless rooms. They also run the Pensión París on C/Salvá 12, which is cheaper but plainer and offers triples and quadruples. G Hôme International Youth Hostel, C/de la Lonja 4, T 963 916 229, http://www.likeathome.net Bus 5B, 7, 27, 28. This youth hostel opened just a couple of years ago in an elegant old building (painted primrose yellow) behind the Llotja. It offers accommodation in brightly painted dorms or a couple of twin rooms and there's a cool lounge area with a tiny terrace to sunbathe. Other extras include internet access and eager-to- please multi-lingual staff. It's a little hard to find, tucked down a small street right behind the Llotja and just off the Plaça del Doctor Collado, but it's easily the best place for backpackers in the Old City. Highly recommended. New CityA Hotel Abba Acteón, C/Vicente Beltrán Grimal 2, T 963 310 707, http://www.abbahoteles.com Bus 1, 2, 3, 19, 31. A new, modern, glassy hotel with all the four-star extras. It's very close to the City of Arts and Sciences and often offers good-value packages which include accommodation plus entrance to the attractions there. The public areas are the best, with huge windows and funky modern furniture, but the rooms are more traditional. Amenities include a garage, internet access, a café and restaurant. A-D Valencia Palace, Passeig de l'Albereda/Paseo de la Alameda 32, T 963 375 037, http://www.sh-hoteles.com Bus 9, 11, 70. Metro Alameda. This modern, five-star hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city, with all kinds of extra amenities. It's geared towards business travellers, but that means fantastic weekend discounts which can bring prices down to as low as E 88 a night. There's a rooftop pool with a fabulous terrace and it overlooks the elegant 19th-century Passeig de l'Albereda. B Conqueridor, C/Cervantes 7-9, T 963 522 910, F 963 522 883. Bus 1, 3, 9. Metro Xàtiva or Plaça Espanya. Another huge, modern, business hotel, this is more stylish than most with sleek, contemporary furnishings and well-equipped rooms (satellite TV, air conditioning, mini bar and all the expected mod cons). It's just a short walk to the centre of the Old City and there's a decent restaurant and coffee bar and parking. B Hotel Expo, Av Pio XIII, T 963 470 909, http://www.expogrupo.com Bus 2. Metro Túria. Another of Valencia's endless supply of modern business hotels, this is part of a big shopping complex and offers light, modern rooms decorated with pale wood and cream furnishings. It is just a short walk across the Riu Túria from the Old City. Its greatest attraction is a rooftop pool and terrace with tremendous views. Again, it does some excellent weekend deals. B Jardín Botánico, C/Doctor Peset Cevera 6, T 963 154 012, http://www.hoteljardinbotanico.com Bus 2, 7, 61. Metro Àngel Guimera. This is another modern hotel, but it's refreshingly different from the run-of-the-mill chain hotels. The decor in the rooms is stylish and modern in an upmarket Ikea kind of way with sleek, pale wood and big flower prints, but they are on the small side for the price. Most rooms have a terrace and there are hydromassage bath tubs in the bathrooms. The hotel is, as the name suggests, close to the lovely botanic gardens, and a short, pleasant walk to the Old City. Amenities include business facilities and a café-restaurant. B-D Consul del Mar, Av del Puerto 39, T 963 625 432, http://www.hotelconsuldelmar.com Bus 19, 31. The charming, whitewashed Modernista consulate's residence was converted into a hotel a few years ago and the delightful, beautifully decorated rooms retain some of the original plasterwork and fittings. There's a tiny pool, gym and sauna (available free to guests) and prices usually drop by 50 per cent at weekends, making it exceptional value. It overlooks a busy street, but is not too far from the beaches or the City of Arts and Sciences. F Hostal Lyon, C/Xàtiva/Jàtiva 10, T 963 517 247. Bus 14, 15, 19. Metro Xàtiva. This basic hostal is one of several clustered around the train station, which run the gamut from run-down to the downright seedy. This is probably the best of the cheaper places, with acceptable, clean rooms, with or without bathroom. F Residencia Palacios, C/Daoiz i Velarde/Daoiz y Velarde 6, T 963 629 689, http://www.residenciapalacios.com Bus 9, 12, 40, 41, 71. Metro Facultats. This is really a student residence, although it's equipped to a very high standard and offers internet access, laundry, restaurant and gym. It rents out rooms to visitors during the summer (July and August) and prices are incredibly reasonable for the facilities. Port and seaside neighbourhoodsB Parador El Saler, Platja/Playa del Saler, T 961 611 186, http://www.parador.es Yellow metrobus services 190a, 190b, 191, 290 run from the bus station via the train station to El Perelló. Ask to be dropped off at the parador. This is a modern parador overlooking sand dunes and surrounded by pine forest. There's an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool and good restaurant and the beaches are empty (well, sometimes) and golden. The paradors often have special deals, so check the website before you go. E Patilla, C/Pinares 10, El Saler, T 961 830 382. Take the yellow metrobus outside the Estació del Nord train station. A tall, white modern hotel with a bar and restaurant (mid-range) and large, plain rooms. It’s a short walk to the beach – about 500 m – but the El Saler beaches are prettier and cleaner than the city beach of Malvarrosa north of the port. Triples and family rooms are available. E Hostal Tres Cepas, Passeig/Paseo Neptuno, T 963 715 111. Metro/tram to Las Arenas. Bus 19, 31, or 20, 21, 22, 23 in summer. One of several moderate seafront hotels along the Avenida de Neptuno in the popular Arenas neighbourhood close to the port. This one is very plain, but the best rooms have sea views and there's a decent little café-bar with a terrace. G Las Arenas Youth Hostel, C/Eugenia Viñes 24, T 963 564 288. Metro/tram 4. Bus 19, 31, or 20, 21, 22, 23 in summer. Valencia's youth hostel is right by the beach; dormitory beds cost a mere E 6 if you pick up a discount flyer at the tourist office. It's out of town (take the overground tram, line 4, to Eugenia Viñes, or bus 32 from the station or the Plaça de l'Ajuntament), but the beachside location more than makes up for it. North of Valencia: the Costa del AzaharA Intur Bonaire, Av Gimeno Tomás 3, Benicàssim/Benicasim, T 964 392 480, http://www.intur.com This huge, modern, but attractive complex, overlooks the beach and is surrounded with gardens. It's geared towards families and offers all kinds of extras including a pool, mini-golf, gym and tennis facilities. Look out for special offers. B Torre La Mina, C/La Regenta 1, Alquerías, T 964 571 746, http://www.torrelamina.com This is a really special hotel, set in a beautifully converted Modernista mansion topped with a pretty, blue-tiled tower and surrounded by gardens. It's about 14 km from Castelló and 6 km from the sea. There are just eight suites, all exquisitely and stylishly furnished, and a fine restaurant. It has special weekend offers, if you want to treat yourself to a romantic weekend. C Azahar, Av País Valencia 8, Sagunt/Sagunto, T 962 663 368. Small, modern and comfortable, this is the best of the two accommodation options in Sagunt. It's set a little outside the centre of town, but makes a reasonable base for visiting the Old City. C Doña Lola, C/Lucena 3, Castelló/Castellón, T 964 214 011, F 964 252 235. Castelló has very few decent accommodation options and all the grander hotels are modern and geared towards business travellers. As in the city of Valencia, this can mean good weekend deals. The Doña Lola is modern and comfortable with friendly, personable staff. Besides the standard business facilities, it also has a good restaurant. D El Bergantín, Plaça/Plaza de Sol s/n, Port de Sagunt, T 962 803 359, F 962 673 323. Sagunt's port and beaches (about 5 km from the old town) have many more accommodation options. This simple, classic Spanish seaside hotel is a good choice. D Hotel Eco Avenida, Av Castellón 2, Benicàssim/Benicassim, T 964 300 047, F 964 300 079. Open Feb-Oct. This is a good moderate option in Benicàssim with a pool and plant-filled courtyard. D Real, C/Plaça/Plaza Real 2, Castelló/Castellón, T/F 964 211 944. This hotel is in need of refurbishment, and the furnishings are all dated and a bit worn. Still, it's central and very reasonably priced. D-E Mare Nostrum, Av Primo de Rivera 13, Peníscola/Peñíscola, T 964 481 626. This is a classic, whitewashed hotel on the seafront at the foot of the town. It's friendly and family-run and the simple rooms (with en suite bathrooms, TV and air conditioning) have balconies overlooking the beach or the port. E Hostal del Duc, C/Fulladosa 10, Peníscola/Peñíscola, T 964 480 768. Open from Easter week until end of Sep. This is a good budget option in the heart of the old city, set in a ramshackle mansion but offering clean, if slightly battered, rooms. G Camping Bonterra, Av de Barcelona 47, Benicàssim/ Benicasim, T 964 300 007, F 964 300 060. One of several campsites, this is one of the best-equipped and it also rents out chalets. G Camping El Eden, Av Papa de Luna, Peníscola/Peñíscola, T 964 480 562. This is one of several campsites in Peníscola, but it's close to the beaches and has many amenities including a swimming pool, café and supermarket. Northwest of Valencia: El MaestratC Palau dels Osset-Miro, Plaça Major/Plaza Mayor 16, Forcall, T 964 177 524, F 964 17 7 556. This hotel is set in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace with elegant, Aragonese-style arches in the heart of this attractive, rural village. The rooms are classically and traditionally furnished and there's a reasonable restaurant. Service is a bit erratic, which can be annoying or amusing, depending on your outlook. C-D El Jardín Vertical, C/Nou 15, Vilafames, T 964 329 938, F 964 329 939. This is the most delightful place to stay in the graceful, medieval town of Vilafames. Set in a 16th-century stone townhouse, there are just six rooms, all elegantly and stylishly furnished, a small restaurant and tea room and a lovely little garden patio. The owner is friendly and very accommodating, and it's just a short walk to the castle and the excellent museum of contemporary art. D Hotel Cardenal Ram, Cuesta Suñer 1, Morella, T 964 173 085, F 964 173 218. This is a truly charming hotel, set in a beautifully converted 16th-century palace, just off the arcaded main street. The rooms are handsomely and traditionally decorated with heavy, wooden antiques and brightly coloured, locally made, print bed covers. The bathrooms are large and well- equipped and the staff is very accommodating. The restaurant is also the best in town. Highly recommended. E Hostal La Muralla, C/Muralla 12, Morella, T 964 160 243. This charmingly old-fashioned little hostal has spotless, simple rooms. Central, cosy and very good value, with breakfast included in the price. E Molí l'Abad, Ctra Pobla de Benifassá km 7, La Pobla de Benifassá, T 977 713 418, F 977 729 082, http://www.molilabad.com This is one of the few accommodation options in the remote region of Els Ports. It is set in a converted mill by the river with a pool and camping area. It also rents out apartments. West of Valencia: Wine CountryD Hostal El Vegano II, Isabel la Católica 2, Utiel, T 962 172 355, F 962 170 124. There aren't many accommodation options here, but this typical hostal is perfectly adequate and offers simply furnished rooms with en suite bathrooms and TVs. D Hotel Avenida, C/Sant Agustí/San Agustín 10, Requena, T 962 300 480. There are few places to stay in Requena, and this is a reasonable, modest, one-star hotel close to the old centre. E Alojamiento Turístico La Villa, C/del Cristo 21, Requena, T 962 300 374, http://www.incitur.com/lavilla This is an old-fashioned place in the Barrio de la Villa, which also has a good, cheap restaurant which features underground caves used for wine storage. E Venta Pillar, Av Pérez Galdós 5, Buñol, T 962 50 0 923. This is a classic Spanish roadside hotel and restaurant 4 km from the centre, which seems to be geared towards travelling salesmen rather than ordinary tourists, but it's the only place to stay in Buñol. South of Valencia: the Costa BlancaA Hotel Bali, C Luis Prendes s/n, Benidorm, T 966 815 200, http://www.granhotelbali.com Benidorm at its brashest. Benidorm's newest skyscraper is this 52-storey hotel, the tallest hotel in Spain. It's got all kinds of luxury trimmings and amenities, including a spa and swimming pools (although these get too crammed in high season). Check out the viewing area on the 43rd floor and be dazzled by the neon lighting which changes nightly. Prices drop to as low as E 50 in the low season. |
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