Casa Aldomar

Casa Aldomar, Xativa, Valencia, Spain - Explore & Book

"Tumbling through Casa Aldomar’s ancient door from Xàtiva’s serpentine cobbled streets, you feel like Alice stepping through the looking glass. The honking and clattering outside gives way to gentle jazz and blues music, which lilts over this 18th-century home and onetime silk factory, now transformed into a tasteful guesthouse by owners Ian and Josechu. Original features remind you that you’re in one of Spain’s most historic towns, second city of the medieval kingdom of Valencia and still an important crossroads between North and South. A huge fireplace dominates the open-plan entrance hall, dining room and sitting area, where you can commune over a game of backgammon, sip a drink from the honesty bar or leaf through a book. The backdrop is minimalist yet textural: white walls and pale concrete floors, with cowhide rugs, beachcombed shells and a vintage bike propped up in one corner. Up the steep stone stairs, the 5 simple yet comfortable guest rooms are spread over 3 levels, interspersed by 2 communal terraces. Here, in the shadow of the domed cathedral, deckchairs and an array of succulent plants create little sanctuaries where friendships between guests are frequently forged. Highs A plum location in untouristy Xàtiva, an hour south of Valencia and home to a magnificent castle. It's only a 50-minute drive from the beaches of the Costa Blanca, tooA relaxed ambiance (be as social or as private as you want), with friendly yet discreet serviceThe bijou, succulent-lined terraces, which gaze out over the dome-topped cathedral nearby Plenty of thoughtful touches: stacks of books and games, umbrellas by the front door, a chalk board with the daily weather forecastFantastic value for money Lows No children under 7 (a high for some)Breakfast is the only meal served and isn't included in the rate, but there are plenty of restaurants on the surrounding streetsRooms are fairly simple (no TVs or iPod docks), but they're very comfortableNo parking. If you’re lucky you’ll bag a spot on the nearby square, otherwise it's every man for himselfNote the restricted check-in times" - Laura Collacott