Hostal Antigua Morellana

Hostal Antigua Morellana is a small guesthouse in an 18th-century building in the heart of the old town, and one of the best-value places to stay close to the main sights. It sits on Calle En Bou, a narrow street between the Central Market and the Plaza de la Reina, so La Lonja de la Seda, the market and the cathedral are all within a few minutes' walk.

There are 18 rooms, all doubles, and the hostal combines the charm of the old building with the practical comforts that matter: air conditioning, heating, a lift, a 24-hour reception and Wi-Fi. That combination is not always easy to find in budget accommodation in old buildings, and the air conditioning in particular makes a difference in Valencia's hot summers. The guesthouse is also listed as adapted for people with reduced mobility, with adapted toilets.

A hostal in Spain is a category of small hotel, usually simpler than a full hotel and without extras such as a restaurant or spa. Expect clean, straightforward rooms rather than luxury, and plan to eat out, which is no hardship given the cafés and tapas bars around the market. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 13:00, a generous time that leaves the morning free.

The guesthouse suits couples, solo travellers and anyone on a moderate budget who wants to be in the centre of the old town. It is a good choice for a short city break focused on sightseeing and food. Because rooms are limited, book early for weekends, holidays and the Fallas festival in March, when prices across the city rise sharply and central rooms sell out.

Many bus routes stop near the Central Market, including lines 7, 19, 28, 62, 67, 72 and 73. Taxis can get close, though the old town's narrow streets mean you may have a short walk with luggage. From the door, the Central Market, La Lonja and the church of the Santos Juanes are around the corner, the Plaza Redonda and the Plaza de la Reina are a few minutes away, and the Barrio del Carmen begins just to the north.