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Valencia may not be the first European city to spring to mind when it comes to romance, but that is only because Spain’s third city is still remarkably under the radar as a city break destination. A lot of people have yet to discover its many charms, which range from Gothic palaces of golden stone to glittering blue-tiled domes, not to mention one of the best gastronomic scenes in the country and a string of spectacular beaches. Our selection of the best romantic hotels in Valencia includes places to stay with an intimate vibe as well as perfect settings for those with a special question to ask.
Barracart Apartments
Valencia, Spain
These seven impossibly stylish apartments are owned by the same family that runs the city’s revered Casa Montana restaurant and staying at Barracart avails guests to priority booking, wine tasting or an Iberian ham workshop at the sensational tapas spot – an easy way to impress your date. The apartments themselves are effortlessly stylish, with tall French windows (leading to a street-side balcony) set in exposed brickwork, wooden floors and warm lighting. For afternoon lounging, cocktails at sunset and dining under the stars plump for one of the two flats with cosy rooftop terraces.
From
£
78
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Hospes Palau de La Mar
Valencia, Spain
This boutique hotel, set within a grand nobleman’s mansion, retains the charm of a little Valencian palace with large arched doorways and historic features such as the original marble staircase. The flower-scented garden (where the horses used to live) and the soothing spa create a relaxing air of contentment, and each of the 66 rooms are modern, light and spacious with warm colours and sumptuous Egyptian cotton bed sheets. The hotel’s Ampar restaurant is a popular choice for those seeking quality cuisine with the flavours of Valencia being given an avant-garde twist.
From
£
100
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Caro Hotel
Valencia, Spain
Historic, monumental and majestic – that just about sums up this grand former palace of the Marqués de Caro. The old city walls are retained within the hotel’s very chic and modern design to create an impressive interior of contrasts. Each room is individually styled and tells its own story; some incorporate old brickwork or beams while others are found in the 12th-century Arabic Tower. A highlight is the Michelin-starred restaurant Sucede, where the food is a work of art. Former El Bulli chef Miguel Ángel Mayor creates masterpieces that nod to Valencia’s Roman, Arabic and Christian influences.
From
£
165
per night
Rates provided by
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SH Hotel Boutique Inglés Valencia
Valencia, Spain
The moment you step into this elegant building, you’ll feel what it is like to live in a historic palace. The fact that many of the rooms and the restaurants have views over Museo Nacional de Cerámica with its famous decorated doorways is an additional delight. Inside, the hotel has the feel of a stately home with old leather chairs in the reception, beautiful flower-patterned stair carpets and interesting sketches and Roman columns drawn on to the walls to create an unusual but very comfortable feel. Feast on paella in the Le Marquis restaurant and join locals heading to the hotel’s cocktail bar for the traditional Agua de Valencia cocktail.
From
£
60
per night
Rates provided by
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Hotel Balandret
Valencia, Spain
You’ll never forget you’re in Valencia at this beachfront hotel: the reception area is a tribute to the city’s culture and heritage with two amazing murals made of 1,000 or more botijos (water jars) as well as four magnificent sculptures depicting the famous beachside painting by Valencian artist Joaquín Sorolla. It’s certainly not minimalist, with extensive use of traditional Spanish wall tiles and ornate iron staircases. Many of the rooms have large floor-to-ceiling windows so you can make the most of the views out to sea. Enjoy al fresco dining with sea views or take a table inside the stylish restaurant, which is filled with more artwork.
From
£
77
per night
Rates provided by
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The Westin Valencia
Valencia, Spain
Elegance and glamour combine to create a wondrous ambience at The Westin Valencia. This building certainly turns heads and is a fine example of modernist architecture. Inside, cut-glass chandeliers twinkle against polished marble while the beautiful central garden offers a tranquil place to relax. Guests have free access to the health club with top-class gym equipment, a therapeutic salt-water indoor pool, Turkish hammam and sauna. Everything is deluxe at Westin, including the rooms, which are all beautifully decorated in Art Deco style. Striped wallpaper and swirly patterned carpets in soothing chocolate and wheat tones along with a marble bathroom create a warm atmosphere.
From
£
100
per night
Rates provided by
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Las Arenas Balneario Resort
Valencia, Spain
It might look all modern now, but the beachfront Las Arenas has history. It opened in 1898 as a grand hotel, frequented by the great and good of the day. Although it has been largely rebuilt, the pool, pavilion and colonnades give you an idea of what it was like back in the distant days of the 20th century. Today, there is a flash new spa with lots of treatments to make you feel like a film star and you can breathe in that healthy sea air as you work your way around the thermal pools. Around half of the rooms face the Mediterranean and have large balconies.
From
£
106
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Vincci Palace
Valencia, Spain
Vincci Palace sits in the historic heart of Valencia, just steps away from its most impressive landmarks, top shops and posh restaurants. Many original features have been kept, including the elegant staircase which, along with a thoroughly modern design, twinkling chandeliers, high ceilings and highly polished wood, adds a glamorous touch to this little palace. Natural light streams through the large windows in the plum-coloured rooms, which offer a super view of the street scene below. The hotel’s best feature is the sunny solarium, a popular spot for unwinding after a day’s sightseeing and enjoying the views over the rooftops of old Valencia.
From
£
52
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
One Shot Mercat 09
Valencia, Spain
This welcoming boutique hotel on a narrow pedestrianised street in Valencia’s Ciutat Vella (historic centre) lures those looking for a hip base with romantic features including a rooftop pool, spacious contemporary rooms and inventive dining. The hotel blends original features (wrought-iron juliet balconies, creamy exposed walls and wooden beams above some windows) with streamlined contemporary décor to brilliant effect. In some rooms, illuminated fresco-effect ceilings add to the historic references. The stylish on-site restaurant and bar Karak features excellent innovative global fusion cuisine; opt for the 12-course tasting menu.
From
£
61
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Hotel Neptuno
Valencia, Spain
Tucked in the corner of the marvellous marina, home to billionaires’ sleek yachts and the start of a beach promenade lined with top seafood restaurants, Hotel Neptuno has a perfect setting for enjoying this beach city. Rooms are spacious and well-lit, with wooden flooring, along with lovely paintings for an individual touch, while generous bathrooms have large walk-in showers and hydro-massage bathtubs. Relaxing by the beach is the hotel’s top priority, although guests can also enjoy the whirlpool bath on the solarium terrace, a spa and restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
From
£
91
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Contributions by Annie Bennett, Hugh Morris, Sarah Farrell & Rhonda Carrier
This article was originally published by Telegraph.co.uk. Read the original article here.