Caro Hotel

The Caro Hotel is housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century palace built at the site of several other historic buildings, including the city’s 11th-century walls and a Gothic mansion. Original architectural elements dating as far back as the second century — such as Roman mosaic tiles, sections of the city’s Moorish walls, and Medieval coffered ceilings — have been fully incorporated into the design, offering a unique and exclusive overview of the city’s rich history. These stunning ancient details are highlighted and complemented by soft lighting and chic minimalist decor featuring clean lines and a sleek black-and-white color scheme. The lobby has a cool mix of old and new, with a backlit wall behind the front desk, black padded benches, a glossy white marble staircase, and an exposed brick wall dating back to the late Gothic period. Moorish lanterns from the 10th century, and 15th-century painted tiles are displayed on the wall across from the reception area. The lobby lounge has a similar feel, with a black accent wall, a gleaming white bar, and three large sections of columns from the adjacent second-century Roman circus. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto an intimate patio with a few small tables and a fish tank-style plunge pool with a glass bottom. 

The hotel is located on a small cobblestone street right on the northern edge of Valencia’s historic center. Navigating these streets can be tricky, as they’re narrow and winding, but GPS devices can easily find the hotel for those driving. Sidewalks tend to be narrow in the area, but the neighborhood is walkable, and many of the city’s historic attractions can be found within a few blocks. The Cathedral and the Basilica are just three blocks away, and Santa Catalina Church, the Central Market, and the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas can each be reached in about 10 minutes. The City of Arts and Sciences, home to a stunning aquarium and the city’s auditorium, is a 12-minute drive away. Joaquin Sorolla train station (served by high-speed trains from Madrid) is about 10 minutes from the hotel, and the airport is a 15-minute drive away. 

Hotel Caro offers a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the city’s rich history through its rooms. All of the hotel’s 26 units have incorporated stunning historic elements from the different buildings that were found on-site when extensive renovations began in 2012. For example, the Marquis Suite features gorgeous painted coffered ceilings; one of the walls in Room 3 is actually the original Arab wall that once surrounded the city of Valencia, and Room 25 displays three 10th-century arches as well as a Templar Cross dating back to the 12th century. These unique elements are highlighted by chic, minimalist decor with clean clines and a simple black and white palette that doesn’t take the spotlight away from the historic features. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, air-conditioning, and minibars stocked with free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Bathrooms are large and sleek, with Bulgari toiletries, and either shower/tub combos or separate showers and deep soaking tubs. Quality beds are topped with duvets and a variety of pillows, and desks offer easy access to power sockets. Light sleepers may want to request a room overlooking the patio, as units facing the street may get some traffic noise. 

Alma de Temple is the hotel’s only restaurant, serving excellent Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish minimalist dining room with a skylight and sections of the Moorish wall that once stood there. Located off the lobby, the bar is small but chic, with black-and-white minimalist decor and a couple of tables. It offers an array of drinks, as well as free tea service with biscuits that can be delivered at no extra charge to the room. There is outdoor seating in an intimate wooden deck complete with a skinny glass-enclosed plunge pool. The pool is small and better suited for a quick dip than for swimming, but is a welcome treat in the hot summer months. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout, off-site parking for a fee, and meeting space. In-room massages can be requested for a fee, but the hotel lacks a full spa and a fitness center.