Hot Destination: Valencia by Byron Browne

In ancient Rome, when parting, Romans would say “vale!” meaning, be strong, be successful, be powerful or even, be influential. Clearly, the name of the city derives from this old Roman exhortation and Valencia has certainly been an influential component of many visitors’ trips to Spain.

Travelers to Valencia will be astounded by the city’s many attractions. Visitors will undoubtedly want to visit L’Oceanográfico, Europe’s largest marine park. Also not to be missed is the Plaça de la Verga where the famous Túria fountain is situated. Nearby is the Cathedral of Valencia, which houses the chapel of the Holy Grail-the repository for an ancient artifact that many believe is the cup from Christ’s last supper. This cathedral is also the site of the well-known 15th-century, gothic Torre del Micalet or,Tower of Michael. To the north is the Barrio del Carmen, known not only for intriguing daylight walks through an antiquated section of town but also for its exuberant nightlife.

Not far from the city’s center is the Plaça de l’Ajuntament or town hall and it is here where daily at 2:00 p.m. a massive fireworks display, the mascletá, explodes upon the city’s revelers during the festival Las Fallas. This festival, commemorating Saint Joseph, officially begins on March 15th and culminates on March 19th, an event referred to as La Crema. This celebration is described by many as the most spectacular festival in the world! Carpenters and workers from across the city build enormous statuettes, known as ninots made of wood, paper, cork and sundry items that are paraded through the streets for several days before being set aflame at midnight on the 19th of March.

Avant-Garde best describes the façade and surroundings of the Hotel Gran Valencia. Located near the city’s train station this hotel boasts five business/meeting rooms as well as an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the facilities and with room prices beginning at EUR 43 it’s difficult to beat.

Petit Palace Bristol is a reconstructed 19th century palace. Located perfectly in the historic center of Valencia, the hotel boasts a total renovation from 2003 and is only a few minutes from the Cathedral and Miguelete. However, do not let the relative antiquity of this hotel mislead. Petit Palace Bristol is the only hotel in Valencia to offer “computer service” in each room. Although there is no restaurant on site, the hotel does offer an expansive breakfast buffet.

All 42 rooms of the Room Mate Marina have turned their backs on the growl of traffic and instead have chosen to face, contemplatively, upon a couple of peaceful, palm-treed plazas. Only 20 minutes from the airport, you’ll be able to relax on the rooftop terrace once you’ve arrived. A swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi augment this area, already mesmerizing. Sleek, thin and modern the minimalist effort of the structure is punctuated by reds, blacks and whites layered strategically throughout the interior. The restaurant is walled in glass to tantalize passersby. With rates from EUR 70-110, the 42 rooms are sure to book quickly during Las Fallas.

The Hospes Palau de le Mar is sure to be bustling. Europe’s football season is concurrent with Las Fallas and the capital’s football team, Real Madrid sometimes takes up residence here when playing the local club. Luckily, the hotel is a union of two 19th century mansions that comprise 60 rooms. Chic and charming, the Palau has managed to maintain its classic heritage while simultaneously offering every modern amenity. From the indoor pool to the sauna to the steam room, the hotel offers guests a grand level of opulence. Additionally, Senzone, the hotel’s upscale restaurant, prides itself on a gourmet menu that features local fare. With so much to offer, it is extraordinary that the rooms begin at a remarkable EUR 90.

Finally, like Valencia itself, the Hotel Neptuno is astounding. Located on the oceanfront the hotel’s restaurant, Tridente, offers exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Adding to the already delicious atmosphere, the restaurant’s wine cellar proffers a “private salon” for those in search of a more isolated epicurean experience. With 48 rooms, starting from EUR 280, three of which are lavish suites, this hotel will enrich any visit to Valencia. The accommodations include two meeting rooms, an outdoor Jacuzzi and a wood-planked, rooftop solarium. The seafront terrace bar just might be the ideal spot to discuss afternoon excursions.