Valencia Lodging & Hotel Guides
Introduction - History - Car Hire - Day Trips - Nightlife
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The construction of one of Europe's most exciting millennium projects has led to a major boom in Valencia's tourism and hotel industries. The futuristic and totally mind-blowing structures of the new Arts and Science Centre are bringing Spanish and foreign visitors in droves to the city. The surge in visitor numbers has led to the conversion of historic buildings into tourist accommodation and the construction of many new hotels geared to the needs of both business and leisure travellers.
Despite being Spain's third largest city, Valencia has lagged behind Madrid and Barcelona in terms of top quality hotel accommodation. And until recently it's been one of the least "touristy" of all the major cities of the Spanish mainland. Now all that looks set to change with the arrival of the breathtaking Science Centre, the ever-increasing popularity of the city's world-renowned Fallas fiesta and its international trade fairs.
As yet, the city and its environs have only a sprinkling of world-class hotels but there are plenty of good quality places to stay in the three and four-star categories. Many of the big hotel chains are represented here, with good quality accommodation (albeit often sited in the uglier, suburban sprawl of the city outskirts.) At the cheaper end of the market, you'll find a large number of small hostals and pensions dotted around the city; but choose carefully because some are delightful and spotlessly clean family-run establishments whilst other can only be classed as decidedly dubious dives.
Whichever hotel category you're aiming for, be warned that you're going to be hard-pushed to find any kind of bed for the night during the big Fallas fiesta (March 12th-19th) unless you book well in advance.
For those with a bulging wallet, one of the best places to stay is the five-star Sidi Saler (Book this Hotel) which is surrounded by the natural park of Lake Albufera, immediately to the south of the city. The hotel is in a prime location, fringed with pine woods and within easy reach of both the lake and the Mediterranean. Facilities include a beauty and relaxation centre, tennis and squash courts, an outdoor swimming pool and indoor heated pool.
The government-owned El Saler Parador (Book this Parador) is also located near Lake Albufera and the sea and gives direct access to one of the world's greatest golf courses. The 18-hole El Saler course, peppered with pine trees and sand dunes, has hosted numerous Spanish Opens and is listed as being No.29 in the world. The Parador also has a swimming pool, good tennis courts and a magnificent football pitch.
The luxurious five-star Monte Picayo Hotel (Book this Hotel) is just a few minutes drive from the city centre, just off the main Valencia- Barcelona motorway but in a beautiful spot next to the beach and surrounded by pine trees. The hotel has a swimming pool, solarium and its own casino.
Students and backpackers head for one of several youth hostels in the city. These are basic, cheap and functional. Don't expect the staff to speak English and be prepared to be turned away from some if you're over 30. You can pitch camp or rent a self-catering bungalow at one of the many camp sites to be found along this stretch of the coastline.
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