Valencian Art Nouveau, or Modernismo to the locals, is just one of the reasons tourists flock to the seaside city every year. Whilst Catalan Moderniso has more hype around it – especially with Gaudi’s Casa Battló and Parc Güell in Barcelona – Valencia has its fair share of architectural treasures that deserve a share of the limelight too. One of which is the four-star Palacio Santa Clara.
Hotel
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Palacio Santa Clara benefits from being near the famous shopping street, Carrer Colón, whilst still being in the heart of Ciutat Vella, Valencia’s Old Town. Visiting design enthusiasts will often have the hotel on their list of must-sees, and that’s because it was designed by Francisco Javier Goerlich, the famous architect who’s been credited with giving modern Valencia its unique look and feel.
Built in 1916 as a private residence for the Niederleytner family, the building was reincarnated into its current state as a luxury hotel in 2020, keeping its original features, such as the glassed-in mirador at its corner location.
Room
The hotel has 60 rooms all with unique design features that celebrate its past life as a palatial home and silk factory. Our deluxe city view room was beautifully designed with strong wooden elements, pops of colour in the curtains and furnishings, and an ornate wooden-framed mirror behind the king-sized bed.
The sleek bathroom included an illuminated mirror and plush bathrobes and slippers. A spacious sitting and living area was perfect for lounging with a cup of espresso, and the wardrobe – crafted from beautiful wood and with a sheer white fabric draping down one side – added real character to the room.
Food and drink
Whilst the El Modernista restaurant offers a tantalising array of traditional Valencian dishes and the accompanying bar on the ground floor makes for a comfortable spot to try the famous horchata, it’s the El Torréon rooftop that solidifies Palacio Santa Clara as one of the city’s favourite al fresco destinations. Perched atop the iconic Art Nouveau building, the rooftop houses the hotel’s pool and a beautiful bar set within a domed roof. Come here for tapas or elevated cocktails as you marvel at the city life buzzing from below.
To do
You can’t come to Valencia without having a taste of the city’s most famous dish: the paella. Head over to the Cabanyal neighbourhood by the marina and savour the mouth-watering flavours of their seafood paella – there’s ample amounts of socarrat too, the beautiful, caramelised rice that crisps up at the bottom of the paella pan.
Looking for a place to stretch your legs after lunch? The Turia Garden extends over nine kilometres and is a magnificent green space in what was once the riverbed of the Turia River. Join the locals as they jog, cycle, or simply traipse through the lush surroundings and get a dose of fresh air.
In a nutshell
Palacio Santa Clara is an architectural gem with an enviable location that positions you in the heart of Valencia. Come for the remarkable rooftop views with delicious cocktails to boot, but stay for the relaxing atmosphere and unique design features at every turn.
Factbox
Address: C/ de Pascual i Genís, 22, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain
Phone: +34 960 13 10 00
Website: marriott.com
Hotel photography courtesy of Palacio Santa Clara.
