Opened in late 2015, SoHotel is a contemporary three-pearl property that occupies a heritage building in the Boho-friendly Ruzafa neighborhood. Like many apartment-style hotels, it is short on features, and its 22 sparsely decorated, black-and-white units take minimalism to the extreme; nevertheless, they are roomy (some can accommodate six guests) and come with free Wi-Fi, sofa beds, balconies, and kitchenettes. The latter is outfitted with just the basics, but there are plenty of eateries in this up-and-coming area. Trendy bars, clubs, and shops are also plentiful, and numerous Old City sites are in walking distance. Vacationers looking for a full-service hotel with more amenities (including a restaurant, bar, meeting room, fitness center and round–the-clock reception desk -- all of which SoHotel lacks) should consider the nearby Hotel Zenit Valencia instead.

The 58-room Hotel Sorolla Centro is simple and lovely -- and perfectly located for visitors to Valencia, whether they are in the city for business or for sightseeing. One block from the hotel is City Hall and a block in the other direction is the bull ring. Nearby streets are pedestrian-only, and the hotel is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes that offer an authentic look at local life and culture.

Located in Valencia's center, in walking distance of many top attractions and Old Town sites, the Hostal Venecia is a budget property with simple rooms and limited amenities. Small, clean rooms are decorated in a range of pleasant styles, and have safes, TVs, and free Wi-Fi, plus some have microwaves and balconies. Bathrooms are small, however, and some are a bit dated. Breakfast is available for a fee, plus there are computers for guest use in the lobby. Travelers might also want to consider the Expo Hotel Valencia, which offers comparable rates and a few more amenities, including self-service laundry.

Hotel Kramer is a chic three-pearl hotel with budget rates, since it's located outside of Valencia's city center. Still, it's in a walkable neighborhood and directly next to the Turia metro station. Seventy updated rooms present an almost industrial look and have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. Extras include a simple breakfast (that’s free with direct booking from the hotel), trendy tapas restaurant, and cozy reading room. The biggest downside is noise between rooms. It's worth comparing prices at the nearby NH Valencia Center, which has a rooftop pool, gym, and business facilities for not much more money. 

The upper-middle-range Myr Plaza Mercado & Spa is a boutique hotel situated in the heart of Old Town, right across the street from Mercando Central. Its 25 minimalistic modern suites for three to four guests are still fresh from the property's 2016 opening, and all feature fully equipped kitchenettes and stylish (though sometimes narrow) bathrooms with rainfall showers. The property also has a spa with a roomy whirlpool, hammam, relaxation area, and massage services, but the spa is only open during limited hours and use is not necessarily included in the room rate. A casual restaurant and bar, open until late, is another helpful feature as is limited on-site parking -- rare for a central city hotel. By comparison, the Vincci Mercat has a rooftop plunge pool, but rooms lack kitchenettes.

The two-pearl Hotel Adhoc Carmen is modest but charming, set on a pretty cobbled alleyway in the heart of Valencia’s historic center, just a five-minute walk from the city’s cathedral and the Jardines del Turia. The 21 rooms are simply outfitted and appointed, but they're brightly painted, clean, and have flat-screen TVs and modern showers. The reception area has work by local artists on display, which contrast with the historic architecture. There's little in the way of communal areas, and the hotel lacks a restaurant. Although guests can get a discounted breakfast at a nearby cafe. Affordable rates and central setting make this is a good pick for travelers, but travelers looking for a pool and breakfast might prefer the Vincci Mercat Hotel.

A nine-story building on the outskirts of the old city, the Hotel Dimar is a contemporary, upscale hotel at a reasonable price. Those wanting an authentic Valenican experience will find the hotel is well-situated in a residential neighborhood with cafes, bars, and shops frequented by locals. Bicycles provided by the hotel make it easy for guests to take in the rhythm of the city. Renovated in 2009, the entire property gives off an air of modernity and openness. A delicious free breakfast includes hot and cold items, and there's even a Nespresso machine. Rooms are somewhat trendy, with minimalist furnishings, and some have balconies; some facing the street can be noisy.

The three-pearl Hotel One Shot Colon 46 is a small, stylish property with a great city-center location. The art-centric hotel is decorated with midcentury modern furniture, and painted in shades of muted sage and gray, with funky floor mosaics and nifty touches like a big chalkboard in the elevator listing what’s happening in Valencia that day. The 50 rooms are similarly modish, and have flat-screen TVs, rainfall showerheads, free Wr-Fi, and minibars. Although some have balconies overlooking the Carrer Colon, others have views of an interior wall. Guests generally like the breakfast buffet with an array of cakes, patisserie, and Serrano ham, although it does come at a cost. On the downside, there are no full restaurant, gym, or wellness facilities. Travelerss looking for a hotel with a pool might want to check out the Vincci Mercat. 

Tryp Oceanic is a comfortable yet unremarkable mid-range hotel near the aquarium and City of Arts and Sciences, a 10-minute drive from the center of Valencia. The casual atmosphere and reasonable rates make it a popular option for all types of travelers, especially families. Rooms are simple and adequate with a somewhat corporate feel, and bathrooms are spacious. The rooftop solarium is worth a ride to the top of the hotel, and offers great city views. The buffet breakfast is affordable, and offers a variety of hot and cold options -- but is served in a rather small room, so there can be a wait for a table. A highlight of the hotel is its proximity to The Oceanografic Park, an aquarium with dolphin shows. Travelers seeking a similarly priced property nearer to the city center, and with a bit more style, could try the Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace.

The upper-middle-range Barcelo Valencia is a slick, modern hotel set a five-minute walk from the awe-inspiring City of Arts and Sciences complex, which many of the 187 rooms overlook. Although fresh and outfitted with rainfall showers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs, rooms have a generic, corporate feel. Still, excellent features include a rooftop pool terrace and bar with excellent views, a spa with hydrotherapy pools, treatment rooms, and sauna, and a well-equipped gym. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, and a la carte meals of traditional Mediterranean fare. The downside to the hotel’s location is that the historic center of Valencia is a half-hour walk away. Travelers willing to sacrifice a pool and spa for a location in the old town should consider Vincci Palace Valencia. 

While the upper-middle-range NH Valencia Center is technically in the center of the city, few of the main tourist sights are within walking distance, but the main bus station and a metro stop are nearby. Its 192 rooms show a design flair, with sharp-edged, dark-wood furniture and pale walls. They include minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. But the rest of the property, built in 1996, has begun to show its age. The hotel has a fitness center with weight and cardio machines, and a rooftop pool with lounge chairs and views of the skyline. There's also a business center and seven function rooms. Travelers interested in staying in the newer section of Valencia should check out the Tryp Oceanic Valencia, which has comparable amenities and rates.

For those looking for a modern hotel in central Valencia that delivers the basics, the three-pearl Catalonia Excelsior is a solid choice. It offers a varied breakfast buffet (not included in rates), limited room service, and a small gym. The 84 rooms vary in decor from homey to sleek, but all have top-notch amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles, and marble bathrooms, although parts of the hotel show a bit of age. Past guests have complained about noise issues between the rooms. Myr Plaza Mercado & Spa, with a restaurant, spa, and rooms with kitchenettes, is a good -- if somewhat pricier -- alternative. 

Plaza Picasso is a mid-range, apartment-style hotel located in a residential neighborhood outside the city center. It's a 10-minute drive (30-minute walk) from attractions, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as two metro stations within walking distance. Its simple one- and two-bedroom apartments have living rooms with sofa beds, along with kitchenettes and dining areas. Like most hotels of this type, there are few other facilities, but this one has a breakfast room and a separate cafe with an outdoor terrace. Similar rates and a traditional hotel experience can be found at the NH Ciudad de Valencia, though it's no closer to central attractions.   

Hotel Conqueridor is an upper-middle-range property with decor and services that are a step up from the more basic chain hotels in the same price range. Breakfast isn't included with the price of a room, but "C" Restaurant serves tasty a la carte Mediterranean cuisine and Lobby-Bar has snacks and drinks for sale. The small fitness center has a free sauna for guest use as well. The location is ideal for those who want to explore the city of Valencia, though it may be worth comparing rates at the similarly-priced Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace, especially for those who want to be closer to high-end shops.

B&B Hi Valencia Boutique has a great location right in Valencia's Ciutat Vella (Old City) surrounded by attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops. Despite the name, it's not a traditional bed-and-breakfast, and there are no common areas apart from a small reception room. (Most guests obtain breakfast at a coffee shop across the street for a fee.) The 11 elegantly decorated rooms are on the small side, but they are equipped with flat-screen TVs and modern bathrooms. Most have Nespresso machines and mini-fridges, too, although some lack external views. It's worth comparison shopping with hotels in the same neighborhood; the Kasa Katia Guest House, on a pedestrianized street, offers an on-site breakfast, for a fee.