The best hotels in Valencia: nine places to stay, old town to beach

Roman walls inside a palace

Caro Hotel occupies an old palace in the old town, close to the cathedral, and in its rooms and public spaces you can see remains of walls from Roman and Moorish times. The decor is modern and moody, with concrete, timber and soft fabrics around the ancient stones.

This is our romantic pick, like sleeping in a museum but with a good bed and a quiet room. It is a good fit for couples and lovers of hotels with a story. There is no pool, and some rooms are dark because of the thick walls. Plaza de la Virgen and the old town's restaurants are a couple of minutes away.

Colour and a buzzing bar in the centre

Only YOU Boutique Hotel Valencia stands on a small square between the old town and the shopping streets, with a colourful, playful interior, a lively bar and a roof terrace. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped.

It makes an easy first choice, central, close to the market and cathedral, and a hotel where something is happening in the evening. It is mainly one for couples and friends. The bar and restaurant are popular, so the public spaces can be busy. The roof terrace is a good spot for a drink after a day in the city.

Central and good value

Vincci Lys sits on a side street close to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with modern, simple rooms and an easy walk to both the old town and the Estació del Nord railway station.

It gets our vote as the value pick, a tidy, central hotel at a sensible price. It is made for couples and families who spend their days out. There is no pool and not much personality, but the location makes it practical. The market hall and old town are ten minutes on foot, and trains to Madrid leave from the station nearby.

Two palaces by the Parterre

Hospes Palau de la Mar occupies two old palaces in Eixample, close to the Parterre gardens and fifteen minutes from the cathedral. The interior is crisp and elegant in white, black and marble, with a small pool and spa.

It takes our design pick and a good base for anyone who wants to stay somewhere calm yet central. It is ideal for couples and lovers of historic hotels with modern style. The pool is small and indoors, so do not count on sunbathing at the hotel, but the Turia Gardens and museums are close by.

A garden in the middle of the city

The Westin Valencia occupies a historic building by the Turia Gardens, set around a large courtyard garden with trees and a fountain. Rooms are classic and spacious, and there is a spa and pool.

It is right for travellers who want a grand hotel, peace and a green garden to come back to. It works well for couples and families. The fine arts museum and the park are nearby, and the old town is ten minutes' walk. The garden is one of the quietest places in the centre for a morning coffee.

By the Alameda and the park

SH Valencia Palace stands on the Paseo de la Alameda, along the Turia Gardens, with large rooms, a pool and spa. Many rooms look over the park and the city.

It is a strong pick for families and anyone who wants a big hotel with a pool, close to both the old town and the City of Arts and Sciences. The style is more classic business hotel than boutique, and the best-known sights are a walk away. The rooms are big and the pool is welcome with children.

Next to the City of Arts and Sciences

Barceló Valencia occupies a modern glass tower beside the City of Arts and Sciences, with bright rooms, a roof terrace and a pool. From many rooms you look straight across the white buildings.

It earns our family pick, because the aquarium and science museum are on foot and the hotel has a pool. It also suits couples who enjoy modern architecture. For the old town, take a bus or taxi, or cycle through the park.

An old bathhouse on the beach

Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort stands right on the beach, in a restored historic bathhouse with columns and white facades. There are several pools, a spa and gardens running down to the sand.

It appeals to travellers who want beach and grand hotel in one, with the city a short ride away. It works well for couples and families in summer. Rates are high, and the surroundings are more seafront than city, but the paella restaurants along the beach are right outside.

Small and modern on the promenade

Hotel Neptuno sits on the seafront promenade at Las Arenas, with modern rooms, sea views and a restaurant known for its rice dishes. It is small and simple, with the beach across the road.

It is well suited to couples and friends who want to stay by the sea without paying grand hotel prices. In the evening the promenade fills with people and restaurants. There is no pool, but the sea is right outside.