Beauty, history and culture combine in this vibrant city

Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city, but it has a comfortable small-town feel. Visitors can spend days walking around the old medieval center or touring the museums and arts centers in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. And at night, the Barrio del Carmen in the old heart of the city comes alive with trendy bars, clubs and atmospheric restaurants.

The Westin Valencia, a handsome 1917 heritage building, is a short walk from the old center. The enormous Swarovski chandelier in the circular hall is dimmed at night when candles create a fairytale atmosphere both inside and around the large patio with its palms and orange trees.

Maria Dolores Martinez (011-34-96-362-5929, dolores.martinez@westin.com), personal assistant to the general manager, says the Thursday jazz sessions in the El Jardi Lounge and Sushi Bar and Valencia’s only Sunday Brunch in the El Rosmarino Restaurant are popular. The fine dining restaurant is run by Michelin-starred Chef Oscar Torrijos (011-34-96-362-5900, oscartorrijos@telefonia.com).

For high-end clients, ask for a Grand Deluxe or Executive Room, which have terraces with Jacuzzis. All 135 rooms (38 connect) feature Heavenly Beds. Heavenly Cribs are available upon request for tiny tots, as are Heavenly Dog Beds for pets up to 18 kilos (about 40 pounds).

VIPs will relish the 2,150-square-foot Suite Real, the largest suite in the Valencia region, designed by local designer Francis Montesinos, with a lounge, library, wine cellar and two bedrooms. The striped walls, sumptuous furnishings and all black-and-white bedroom decor are very dramatic. And anyone staying here will remember the designer’s name, as it is scribbled over carpets, rugs and bedcovers. Demi Moore and hubby Ashton Kutcher were the first to stay here and Kevin Costner and Bruce Springsteen have also been guests. This suite cannot be booked over the GDS, so contact General Manager Franck De Weerdt (011-34-96-362-5900, franck.deweerdt@westin.com) for reservations.

Ramon Cisneros (011-34-96-186-6280, rcisneros@carolihealthclub.es) manages the Caroli Spa & Health Club and fine-tunes treatments to personal requirements. The concierge staff, headed by Francelina Amaral (011-34-96-362-5900, francelina.amaral@westin.com), will book seats for concerts and sporting events, and arrange city tours and airport transfers.

The Hospes Palau de la Mar is for clients who appreciate the finer things in life. This stylish boutique hotel is in two stately homes off one of Valencia’s main shopping streets. A haven of classical elegance, it surprises for its contemporary touches and minimalist furnishings. Natural light is a feature throughout the property, with windows cleverly set into the old walls and top-floor ceilings.

The inner patio off the elegant lobby has 18 rooms. The other 42 Double Rooms, Superior Doubles, five Junior Suites and Presidential Suite are all different in size but have dark wood floors, queen-size beds and cool white-and-beige color schemes.

For clients who like a lot of space, ask for #501, a top-floor Junior Suite with a sloping ceiling and extra-large bathroom. Another room we liked is #410, a Double Room with a separate shower in the bathroom. Not all rooms have these, so be sure to specify when booking. Assistant Manager Eduardo Domenech Savall (011-34-96-316-2884, am.hospes.palaudelamar@hospes.es) says to book ahead for the Las Fallas festivities in March and for major sports events. Contact General Manager Maria Ripoli (palaudelamar.direccion@hospes.es) for special requests. To call her, the concierge staff, the Bodyna Spa or the restaurant, you have to go through the front-desk phone line (011-34-96-316-2885).

The spa has a fitness area, small pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. The smart Senzone restaurant serves contemporary Mediterranean food, Valencian dishes and fine local wines.

The Hilton Valencia is on the outskirts of the city, opposite the Palacio de Congresos and near the fairgrounds. The 304 rooms have contemporary furnishings and include 34 Junior Suites, two Presidential Suites and 10 Relaxation Rooms. We think the Relaxation Rooms (all on the 21st floor) will appeal to couples, since they have a Jacuzzi big enough for two. They have comfortable armchairs in the sleeping area and desks. Ask for one of the corner rooms, like #2104, as they are extra large.

If you have clients who like to feel special, book them an Executive Room or Junior Suite (29 connect), which have access to the breakfast, drinks and snacks in the 26th-floor Executive Lounge.

Spa Manager Esther Fernandez (011-34-96-346-4320, fernandez@suite-spa.com) says the spa is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily and has single and twin treatment rooms and a Vichy Shower. The Bice Italian restaurant serves elegant lunches and dinners, and the Podium Bar has an amazing range of specialty malt whiskies.

Contact General Manager Manuel Avila (011-34-96-303-0040, manuel.avila@hilton.com) or VIP Manager Amparo Cambronero (011-34-96-303-0042, amparo.cambronero@hilton.com) for VIP needs. For special arrangements, go through the reception staff, who also act as concierges (011-34-96-303-0000, info@valencia.hilton.com).

The neo-classical Hotel Las Arenas Balenario Resort on Valencia’s main beach is one of the Leading Hotels of the World and only a $10 taxi ride from downtown. Head Concierge Andrés Baamonde (011-34-96-312-0600, conserjeria@hotel-lasarenas.com) arranges airport transfers in stretch limousines and classic cars and will reserve tables at popular local paella restaurants like La Rosa and L’Estimat.

The 253 rooms are Classic (city views), Deluxe (sea views) and Executive, which are more spacious. We recommend booking one of the eight Junior Suites and, for special clients, one of the two Presidential Suites. All rooms have Wi-Fi and complimentary minibars.

All sea-view rooms have terraces, but the first-floor Junior Suites have the largest. Bathrooms are spacious and feature Hermès toiletries in the Executive Rooms and Suites. The Las Arenas Presidential Suite is one of the most attractive we have seen. Dazzling white with tan contrasts, it is coolly stylish (for those who get tired of velvets and brocades) with a living room and two bedrooms. Sales Manager Moisés Martinez (011-34-96-312-0600, commercial@hotel-lasarenas.com) says the other Malvarossa Presidential Suite is white and mauve and has one bedroom and a dining room. Contact Spa Manager Lucia Peris (011-34-96-312-0600) for appointments and General Manager Pedro Cordon (direccion@hotel-lasarenas.com) to set up special arrangements for VIPs.

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