Caro Hotel

Caro Hotel is one of the most unusual places to stay in Valencia. This five-star hotel occupies two historic buildings in the old town, the Palace of the Marquis of Caro and the House of the Masters of the Temple, close to the cathedral. Restoring them uncovered layers of the city's past, and rather than hiding them, the designers made them part of the hotel: there are Roman remains, a section of the Islamic city wall that cuts through the building and traces of a Gothic palace. The hotel describes the site as having begun life as a Roman gladiators' school.

The result is a hotel where history is part of the interior design. Ancient stonework sits beside modern finishes, so the building itself becomes part of the stay. It is a calm, discreet place, more about atmosphere and design than about grand public spaces.

Guests have the use of the Casa del Agua spa, and the hotel offers a 24-hour personal assistant service and contact by WhatsApp, which is handy for restaurant bookings and advice. The hotel's restaurant, Xanglot, is a destination in its own right, and booking ahead is wise if you want to eat there during your stay. Booking directly through the hotel's website comes with flexible cancellation and other benefits listed on the site.

Caro Hotel suits couples, design lovers and travellers with an interest in history who want to stay in the heart of the old town. It is less suited to anyone wanting resort facilities such as a large pool; for that, the beach hotels are a better match. Because the streets around it are narrow and largely pedestrian, arriving by taxi to the door is easier than driving.

The hotel is on Calle Almirall, a quiet street a few minutes' walk from the Plaza de la Virgen, the cathedral and the Almoina archaeological centre. The Torres de Serranos and the Turia garden are about five minutes to the north, and the Barrio del Carmen and the Central Market are within easy walking distance. For the City of Arts and Sciences or the beach, a taxi or bus is the simplest option.