Carrer de la Pau, 42, Valencia, Spain | 34 902 454 585
Ciutat Vella location; walk to attractions, restaurants, and bars
Five-minute walk to Colon Metro station
Modern rooms with air conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and safes
Lobby lounge and a daily breakfast buffet
Rooftop terrace with views across neighborhood roofs
Tourism desk and bike rentals
Laundry and dry cleaning services
Free Wi-Fi throughout
The rooms facing the street can be noisy
We spotted some worn furniture in rooms
Lack of amenities like a restaurant or fitness center
The 76-room Vincci Palace Valencia is a three-pearl property located right in Valencia's Ciutat Vella, or Old City. As such, there are plenty of attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops within an easy walk. Rooms are modern and tastefully decorated, though some of the furniture is worn and street noise can be an issue. Standard features include air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and flat-screen TVs. Some have balconies. A breakfast buffet is served daily for a fee, and the cozy, elegant lobby serves as a lounge as well. A rooftop terrace with views of the city provides a place for sunning or smoking. As an alternative, the Hotel Dimar is a similarly priced property with sharp interiors nearby -- it also offers a free breakfast.
Scene
Vintage hotel with modern touches
This hotel is housed in a beautiful five-story historic stone building with ornate carvings and wrought-iron balconies across the front. It's an elegant and classic look, though things are more contemporary inside. The lobby is cozy and elegant and doubles as a lounge with a low-key vibe. High-backed velvet sofas, as well as arm chairs, provide places for guests to hang out and have a drink. There's a dramatic black and silver front desk sitting in front or a deep red wall. An oversized glass light fixture hangs in the white marble stairway, providing more visual drama. Given the polished interiors and reliable brand name, the hotel is a popular choice in central Valencia. Most guests here are couples on vacation, but families and small groups of friends also pass through.
Location
In Ciutat Vella, close to restaurants, bars, and attractions
The hotel is centrally located on Calle de Pau, a main avenue of the city, and is a short walk from the Plaza Porta de la Mar and Paseo de la Ciudadela. It sits in the middle of Valencia's historic district, the Ciutat Vella, and there are all manner of shops, restaurants, and bars in the neighborhood. A Starbucks outlet is right next door for those who need an Americanized coffee fix, though you'll find plenty more quaint cafes in any direction. It's a five-minute walk to the stunning Palacio dl Marques de Dos Aguas, and less than a 10-minute walk to the bustling Central Market. Other attractions within walking distance include the Gothic Catedral de Valencia and the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Forsaken). The Colon Metro station is a five-minute walk from the hotel for farther flung destinations. The famed City of Arts and Sciences can be reached in 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by public transportation. Expect a 15-minute drive to the beach. The Valencia Airport is 15 to 20 minutes away by car, or 30 minutes by public transportation.
Rooms
Modern rooms with air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs -- some with small balconies
Upon first glance, rooms are modern, fresh, and lovely, with details like hardwood floors, a refreshing gray and eggplant color scheme, and dark wood contemporary furniture. Blackout drapes keep the sun out when it's not wanted. However, closer inspection reveals furniture that's worn and could use a refreshing, and lucite panels don't exactly scream contemporary chic. Additionally, some rooms have short windows that diminish any feeling of spaciousness in what are already compact rooms. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, stocked minibars, and safes. Superior rooms have more space and four-poster canopy beds. Reading lights over the beds are a nice touch, but some guests may find the rooms rather dark. Bathrooms are quite modern, with above-counter bowl sinks, black countertops and tub surrounds, and trendy lighting fixtures. They are equipped with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. A glass partition separates the bathroom from the sleeping area, but there is a screen for the modest. Rooms facing the street may be noisy at times, but the corner rooms have the best views. Some have French doors that open onto Juliet balconies.
Features
Breakfast buffet, lobby lounge, rooftop terrace
Despite this hotel's claims to four-pearl status, the lack of features here is a bit disappointing. There is no full-service restaurant, though a breakfast buffet is served daily in the breakfast room, a lovely little space with chandeliers, framed black-and-white photographs, and damask wallpaper. It includes a large number of hot and cold options and most guests give the meal solid marks. A lounge in the lobby serves drinks and snacks, and a small rooftop terrace provides a place for sunning or smoking while taking in views of the city's rooftops. Services range from laundry and dry cleaning to assistance with tour bookings. Bicycles can be rented and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.