Hospes Palau de la Mar

Reviewed by Michael Soffe



PAMPERED AT THE PALAU ..............

5 star pampering at this converted 19th Century Nobleman’s palace. Situated in the centre of Valencia close to all the designer shops and the partying nightlife. A great location and only a ten minute taxi ride to the port (America’s Cup Venue for 2007) or the City of Sciences and fantastical opera house designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava. Mind you, the architect who oversaw this Hotel conversion has done a pretty stunning job too!! On entering, you are immediately hit by the beautiful renovation and the sparkling use of white and cream. The dramatic lighting complements this bright space and the only colour seems to be the black, trendy uniforms of the smiling reception staff. As with all “Hospes” hotels that we feature, the staff are wonderfully friendly and welcoming.

Your eye is “led” from reception out to the open patio courtyard. A really attractive feature with its wooden decking and unusual use of aromatic plants in planters. Many of the bedrooms are around this patio on the ground floor. A striking awning guards the privacy of those enjoying the patio and protects from the searing sun in the summer months.

A full spa, the “Bodyna” is on an upper level with pool and Jacuzzi. Massage and beauty treatments are readily available (they should be pre-booked). Again the whole area is based on wooden decking giving an almost tropical feel when combined with exotic plants. To complement the facilities there is a gymnasium, sauna and Turkish bath.

There are 66 bedrooms in total – 1 Presidential Suite (and very grand it is too!!!!), Junior Suites, Deluxe Double Rooms and Dreamer's Double Rooms. I must admit I did prefer the inner rooms around the patio courtyard, solely because I felt they were quieter as the Hotel is on a busy thoroughfare. All the bedrooms are wonderfully equipped and furnished with the immense style that we have come to expect of “Hospes”. Thoroughly modern, spacious, white, cream, brown and black. Beautifully reformed. Hi-tech plasma TV screens (with satellite), CDs (DVD in the Suite), internet access, heating and air-con, minibar (with fabulous “chill-out” and “perk you up” juices that I have only seen in Hospes Hotels – very original). Everything you would expect from a 5 star hotel, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers and even a pillow menu. The bathrooms are best described as “sexy”! Glass and marble and the best toiletries of any hotel I know – exotic body milks, shampoos, and conditioners eye-catchingly presented.

There is a lounge bar on the ground floor off the reception area – a comforting place for a cocktail before venturing into the restaurant or stepping out to dine.

Breakfasts are served at your leisure in the main dining room which is accessed from the reception and also for the street as it is open to the public for lunch and dinner. In keeping with the “Hospes” idea – breakfast is a lavishly presented affair, most pleasing to the eye and the palate. Lunch and Dinner are a mixture of Mediterranean and International cuisine, The restaurant has an excellent reputation.

An ideal Hotel for those who want a grand historical building in the bustling centre of this amazing and beautiful city. Ideal for shopping and partying! A very luxurious Hotel for that special city-break.



The Hotel has received numerous press coverage in the best of the up-market travel magazines.