We will be in Valencia in early September.
Hotels: Does anyone have advice on whether to stay in Venecia Plaza Hotel or abcYou. They both sound very good, but one is considerably less expensive. If neither of these are good, where do you recommend that is central, air conditioned, no smoking, and cost no more than 150 euros.
Also, we want to do a walking tour that focuses on history of the city. Any recommendations?
Many thanks!
I can vouch for the Venecia Plaza Centro Hotel.
We stayed there four nights last November. It was recently renovated. Our room was on the 8th floor with a large balcony and a fantastic view of the Ajuntament Square which is pedestrian only. Depending on the time of the year that you go, they may have festivals or celebrations in the square. Our room had soundproof windows and glass door so we were not disturbed. Air conditioning, flat screen TV, in-room coffee pod machine and fridge. Breakfast buffet was included. Category two star hotel (probably because some of the rooms are smaller), with a 5 star rating in my books. Better value than the three or four star hotels that we stayed at Barcelona and Madrid. I would highly recommend this hotel.
The hotel is an easy walk to/from the train stations and the old town, including the Central Market. The city hall is next door (free admission and worth a visit). Navarro (bucket list Valencian paella) is a block away. El Porteno Asador (big platter of Argentinian barbecued meats, tapas, bowl of disgusting artery-clotting melted cheese, plate of desserts, and all the beer or wine that you can drink for €36pp) was the best restaurant meal during our two week trip.
My wife and I rented a tandem bike from a nearby shop. She does not know how to ride a bike solo. We rode down the Turia garden to the City of Arts and Sciences and Oceangrafica. Valencia was the only big Spanish city where we felt safe biking. Barcelona and Madrid traffic was scary busy. I loved Valencia.
Good luck with your choice.
Thanks so much for your thoughts on the hotel and for the additional info on your experiences in Valencia.
