Hospes Palau de la Mar is the quietly stylish choice for travellers who want to be central without being in the thick of the old-town crowds. It occupies a refurbished palace on Avenida de Navarro Reverter, in the elegant district just south of the Turia Gardens, where tree-lined streets and the Colón market give a calmer, more residential feel than Ciutat Vella. The hotel is a member of Design Hotels and has just 66 rooms, ranging from compact doubles to junior suites and a terrace room, with a courtyard garden and a library. The spa has a jet pool, sauna and steam room, there is a gym, and the Ampar restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a short walk to the Plaza de la Reina and the cathedral, and the Alameda metro and tram station is close, which connects quickly to the airport and the beach. It is more design-led and intimate than a big chain hotel and suits couples and anyone who likes a calm retreat after a day of sightseeing.
Location and getting around
The hotel is roughly two minutes on foot from the Turia Gardens, so a bike ride or run along the old riverbed starts almost at the door and leads east to the City of Arts and Sciences. The cathedral and the Plaza de la Reina are about ten minutes away on foot, the Colón market is a few minutes away, and the Alameda station is close for the metro to the airport and the tram to the beach. Mestalla Stadium is also nearby.
The rooms
Rooms are contemporary and calm, with soft colours, good beds and modern bathrooms. Some have terraces, and the choice of category ranges from compact doubles to suites for longer stays. Rooms on the courtyard side are the quietest. Note that the spa pool is closer to a large hot tub than a swimming pool, so those who want to swim lengths should look elsewhere.
Who it suits and good to know: couples, business travellers and design-minded guests who prefer an intimate hotel with a spa to a large resort. Parking is available at a daily charge, and pets are welcome subject to a fee. Book early for spring weekends and the Fallas festival in March, when the small room count sells out quickly. Breakfast and dining at the hotel make an easy base for slow mornings before heading out.
Why stay here
- ✓Restored palace building
- ✓Spa with jet pool, sauna and steam room
- ✓Gym
- ✓Ampar restaurant
- ✓Courtyard garden and terrace
- ✓Library
- ✓Bike rental
- ✓Free in-room Wi-Fi
Good questions
Where is Hospes Palau de la Mar?+
It is on Avenida de Navarro Reverter, about two minutes on foot from the Turia Gardens and roughly ten minutes from the cathedral.
Does the hotel have a swimming pool?+
It has a spa with a jet pool, sauna and steam room, but guests describe the pool as closer to a hot tub than a lap pool.
Is it good for a first visit?+
Yes, if you prefer a calm, design-led base within walking distance of the old town. The Alameda station links quickly to the airport and the beach.
