Once the capital of Spain, Valencia, situated on the eastern coast of the country, is perhaps now known as the capital of paella- the moreish rice dish cooked in a shallow pan bursting with bright orange hues from a saffron infusion. Aside from its famous food scene, Valencia is a cultural destination where remnants of its Roman, Arabic, and Visigothic past lurk within every crevice of the bustling city.
Hotel
Tucked in a small alley in Valencia’s Old Town sits Caro Hotel, the first hotel in Spain to be awarded with the coveted Michelin Key. You can visit the hotel multiple times with each stay being different, and that’s because all 26 rooms in the boutique property are completely unique.
Before its current iteration as a five-star luxury hotel, Caro Hotel was a Gothic Palace that was also once home to the Marquis of Caro. Each corner of the property grants guests a peek into history with artefacts dating back over 2,000 years. If you’re curious about a curious stone hanging from the wall or a section of ancient wall in the restaurant, fear not, as each piece has a handy QR code nearby which links to a video explanation helping you understand the story behind the artefact.
Despite the ancient features, the rest of the hotel is modern and slick – marble staircases, a swish bar, and a minimalist plunge pool out on the ground floor terrace bring the property into a more contemporary era.
Room
Rooms reflect the property’s storied past, with names such as The Marquis’ Study, The Palace Wine Cellar, and The Arabic Tower, among others. For our visit, we stayed in the former Palace Dining Room. Upon scanning the QR code by the entrance, we learned that the room was once a treasure trove of findings. When the excavation team began their work on the hotel, they found a safe box with objects from the 19th century, including religious images and the Marchioness’ handbags.
The room has smart design elements, such as an entertainment unit hidden behind a mirrored wardrobe. Two balconies provide views of the city and the restaurant below. The room also features an open plan bathroom with a circular bath and shower and separate toilet. Luxurious bath salts and oils are provided for the ultimate end-of-day soak.
Food and drink
One of the most interesting features in the hotel lies within the Alma del Temple restaurant, which is where breakfast is served every morning. As you nibble on local cheeses and olive oil, you’ll be hard-pressed not to marvel at the pièce de resistance – a piece of the 12th-century Arab wall that once fortified the city against invaders now sits in the middle of the restaurant.
The menu tells the story of the city, with dishes exemplifying Arabic, Spanish, and Roman flavours such as Iberian ham croquettes; linguine with mussels, cherries, garlic and parsley; and a dessert of figs with rosemary and a goats’ cheese mousse.
To do
Step right into the hustle and bustle of Valencia’s Mercat Central, a mere 10-minute walk from the hotel. Come with an empty stomach and savour the flavours of Europe’s largest fresh produce market. With over 1,200 stalls to visit, there’s something for everyone, be it fresh fruit, Spanish sardines, or delightfully fatty jamón.
Valencia’s Cathedral is another must-visit. Similar to the story of the city, it has gone through quite the evolution, first as a Roman temple, then a mosque, and eventually the Catholic cathedral it is today. Spend some time in the cathedral’s museum admiring work by Maella and Goya, or stretch your legs as you climb the 207 steps up the Miguelete tower where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
In a nutshell
If you’re interested in staying in one of the most unique hotels in Valencia, Caro Hotel has to be on your list. As the city’s lone historical monument hotel, it’s a gateway to exploring the stories behind one of the oldest cities in Spain whilst enjoying the best of luxe hospitality.
Factbox
Address: C/ de l’Almirall, 14, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Spain
Tel: 34 963 05 90 00
Website: carohotel.com/en
Instagram: instagram.com/carohotel
Photography courtesy of Caro Hotel.
