Hotel
Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort
A five-star grand luxury resort on the beach, built around the historic Las Arenas bathing establishment founded in 1898, with a spa and pools.
The River Hostel
A sociable youth hostel on the Plaza del Temple, beside the Turia garden and about four minutes from the cathedral, with a shared kitchen and bar.
At a glance
- Type
- Youth hostel
- Area
- Ciutat Vella (La Xerea), Valencia, Spain
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- riverhostelvalencia.com
Good to know
- Shared kitchen
- Bar
- Free activities
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Lift
Why we recommend it
The River Hostel is a youth hostel on the Plaza del Temple, at the north-eastern edge of the old town where it meets the Turia garden. The hostel says it is just four minutes from the cathedral, and the riverbed park is right outside, which gives you a green route on foot or by bike all the way to the City of Arts and Sciences.
It is set up for sociable, budget travel. There is a large shared kitchen and common areas, a bar with a projector for films, sport and games consoles, and a programme of free activities for guests, which makes it easy for solo travellers to meet people. Rooms are described as spacious and comfortable, and practical comforts include air conditioning and heating, a lift, a café, a terrace and Wi-Fi. The 24-hour reception means late arrivals are not a problem.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 12:00. As with most hostels, it pays to check the room types and what is included when you book. The shared kitchen is a real money-saver: buy fresh produce at the Central Market and cook for yourself, or prepare a picnic for the Turia garden.
The River Hostel suits backpackers, students, solo travellers and groups of friends on a budget who want a central, social base. It is less suited to travellers looking for quiet and privacy. For a quieter night at a similar budget, a small guesthouse in the old town may be a better fit.
The hostel's position on the edge of the Turia garden is a particular advantage for active travellers: you can go for an early run or rent a bike and ride the length of the old riverbed before the day heats up, then be back in the old town for breakfast. The hostel is listed as accessible for people with reduced mobility. Book early for the Fallas in March and for summer, when budget beds in the centre are in high demand.
Bus lines 6, 11, 16, 26, 28, 80, 94 and 95 stop nearby. Around the hostel you will find the Palau de la Generalitat, the Plaza de la Virgen and the cathedral, a few minutes' walk to the south-west, and the Torres de Serranos a little further west along the riverbed. Across the Turia garden lie the Museum of Fine Arts and the Jardines del Real.
The River Hostel FAQs
Where is The River Hostel?
On the Plaza del Temple, beside the Turia garden, about four minutes' walk from the cathedral.
Is there a kitchen?
Yes, a large shared kitchen for guests.
Are there social activities?
Yes, the hostel runs free activities for guests and has a bar with a projector.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 15:00 and check-out by 12:00.
Is there a 24-hour reception?
Yes.
Is it accessible?
It is listed as adapted for people with reduced mobility, and there is a lift.
Who is it best for?
Backpackers, students, solo travellers and groups on a budget.
How do I get there?
Bus lines 6, 11, 16, 26, 28, 80, 94 and 95 stop nearby.