Travel

Travel Note

Getting to Valencia

Option A: Fly Directly to Valencia (VLC) Valencia has its own international airport (VLC) located just 20 minutes from the city center. From the US: You will likely connect through a major European hub (London, Frankfurt, Munich, or Madrid). Getting to the City: Taxis are readily available at arrivals (~€20-25) and Uber/Cabify works in the city. When arriving, enter the taxi line outside of baggage claim. Option B: Fly to Madrid (MAD) + High-Speed Train A popular option for better flight deals and the fastest train connection. Fly into Madrid-Barajas (MAD). Take the high-speed train (AVE or Iryo) from Madrid to Valencia. Duration: ~1 hour 40 minutes. Note: You will need to transfer from the airport to the Madrid Chamartín or Atocha train station (connected by commuter train or taxi). Book Trains Here: https://www.renfe.com/es/en Option C: Fly to Barcelona (BCN) + Coastal Train Perfect if you want to extend your trip and see Barcelona. Fly into Barcelona-El Prat (BCN). Take the Euromed train from Barcelona Sants station to Valencia. Duration: ~3 hours. Note: You will need to take a taxi (~25 mins) or the Aerobús from the airport to Barcelona Sants station. Book Trains Here: https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Travel Note

Where to Stay

We recommend staying in the Eixample or Ciutat Vella (Old Town) neighborhoods. Everything in Valencia is quite walkable or a short taxi ride away. Here are our family's top recommendations based on location and style:

Hotel

Palacio Santa Clara, Autograph Collection

Vibe: Sophisticated and modern. Located near the Ensanche district. We visited the lobby and loved the style. Notes for Guests: $$$ (Luxury). A great reliable option if you have Marriott points. It has a fantastic rooftop bar and is very central to the main shopping streets.

Hotel

Grand Hotel Centenari, Valencia, Autograph Collection

Vibe: The newest option in town, located in the historic "La Telefonica" building right on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Stunning architecture. Notes for Guests: $$$ (Luxury). Brand new and very impressive. Perfect if you want to be right in the middle of the action on the main plaza.

Hotel

Hotel Hospes Palau de la Mar | Valencia

Vibe: Luxury, historic, and very close to the church area. A fantastic 5-star option. Notes for Guests: $$$$ (High-End Luxury). This is a splurge-worthy 5-star hotel with a beautiful spa and garden courtyard. It feels very private and exclusive.

Hotel

Only YOU Hotel Valencia

Vibe: A lively, cosmopolitan favorite steps from the main plaza. Beautiful design with a great cocktail bar and lobby. Notes for Guests: $$-$$$ (Moderate to High). Very trendy and energetic. The lobby has a florist and a bistro that is popular with locals. Great for younger couples or groups.

Hotel

Caro Hotel

Vibe: A unique boutique hotel built into the ancient Roman walls. Located near Plaza de la Virgen. Truly special. Notes for Guests: $$$$ (Boutique Luxury). This is a "Museum Hotel" and truly one-of-a-kind. Some rooms have original 12th-century walls inside them. Book early as it is small.

Hotel

MYR Hotel Palau Vallier

Vibe: Elegant luxury in a prime location. Notes for Guests: $$$ (Luxury). Very elegant and classic. It’s right next to the Plaza de la Virgen, so you are steps away from the most historic sights.

Hotel

Hotel Vincci Palace

Vibe: Classic and elegant on the prestigious Calle de la Paz. Perfectly situated halfway between the church and the old town. Notes for Guests: $$-$$$ (Moderate). A very solid 4-star option. The location is its biggest selling point—you are walking distance to everything (Church, Old Town, and shopping).

Hotel

HOTEL HELEN BERGER

Vibe: Chic, intimate, and curated. A smaller boutique option on Calle de la Paz with a fantastic restaurant. Notes for Guests: $$ (Moderate/Boutique). Stylish and intimate. This feels less like a big chain and more like a curated design hotel. The restaurant downstairs is excellent.

Hotel

Hotel Marqués House

Vibe: A stylish boutique hotel located right next to the Café Madrid (famous for where the Agua de Valencia cocktail was invented!). Notes for Guests: $$-$$$ (Moderate). Stylish and fun. It sits right next to the famous Café Madrid, so it’s a great spot if you want to enjoy the local nightlife history.

Hotel

Casa Clarita by SH Hoteles

Vibe: A smaller, charming option with apartments and rooms. Simpler than the big hotels but designed with impeccable taste. Located in the La Seu neighborhood. Notes for Guests: $-$$ (Value/Boutique). A hidden gem. It offers apartments which are great for families or groups who want more space than a standard hotel room.

Hotel

Catalonia Excelsior

Vibe: Clean, modern, and extremely central. It is located right off the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, just steps from the luxury options like the One Shot and Melia. Notes for Guests: $$ (Value). A balance of price and location. You are in the exact same neighborhood as the expensive hotels but at a much friendlier price point.

Hotel

Petit Palace Ruzafa

Vibe: A boutique hotel in the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood (part of Eixample). It’s surrounded by cool coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. Notes for Guests: $$ (Value/Trendy). "Petit Palace" is a reliable Spanish chain known for being modern and tech-friendly (often providing iPads or free MiFi). Ruzafa is the "cool" neighborhood, so it’s great if you want nightlife nearby.

Hotel

Hotel Venecia Plaza Centro

Vibe: A historic hotel actually on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It is simple but has unbeatable views of the main square. Notes for Guests: $ (Budget). This is a modest hotel, but the location is million-dollar. If you plan to spend all your time exploring and just need a clean, safe place to sleep in the absolute center, this is it.

House Or Rental

VRBO - Valencia Search

Great for groups, families, or anyone wanting a kitchen and more space. We recommend looking in the Ciutat Vella (Old Town) or Eixample (Shopping/Dining) neighborhoods. Often better for larger, professionally managed properties and villas. Great if you are booking for a big family.

House Or Rental

AIRBNB - Valencia Search

Great for groups, families, or anyone wanting a kitchen and more space. We recommend looking in the Ciutat Vella (Old Town) or Eixample (Shopping/Dining) neighborhoods. The widest selection of unique apartments, from historic lofts in the Old Town to modern flats in Ruzafa.