Hospes Palau de la Mar, Valencia, Spain - Explore & Book
"The merging of a pair of 19th-century mansions has created one of Valencia’s coolest, most contemporary hotels: the Palau de la Mar is an elegant airy palace, with its own upscale restaurant and spa. Enter the grand doors to opposite sets of gleaming white marble stairs leading to 5 storeys of bedrooms. There's never that pile-up of suitcases at reception (a discreet desk by the sweeping hall stairs) and the lounge areas are calm and uncluttered. Walk through the lofty lobby, lightly fragranced with the scent of Valencian orange blossom, to a new wing with additional rooms facing an interior wooden-decked and plant-filled courtyard. Sail canopies above shade guests from the sun and add to the sophisticated feel.Set in the swish L'Eixample shopping district (several designer stores are nearby), this is a boutique hotel meant for indulging in retail, gourmet and body therapy (beauty parties for small groups are popular). Not far from the crowded cobblestone plazas of the centro histórico and even closer to the tranquil green of the Turia Gardens, this is a chic base for a break in this upcoming city de la mar. Highs Excellent central location on the edge of the old town - a 5-minute walk to shops, restaurants and parks Stylish design hotel with good facilities that's bigger than it seems, so it's not always full (and has special romance, babymoon and honeymoon packages)Friendly, professional staff happy to help with local info and restaurant recommendations (although the hotel's own is top-notch)Underground whirlpool and separate Jacuzzi for relaxing after sightseeing; treatment rooms to the rear beside the patio-garden Lows Given the price tag it's a shame more isn't included in the room rate (breakfast/tea/coffee/water etc)The Dreamer's Rooms facing the internal courtyard can be a little dark and lack privacyWe felt the pared-back monochrome decor across all 67 rooms was a little plain on our 2018 revisitThe hotel's location means it's a 20-minute metro ride to the beach" - Glenda Richards
