This apartment-style hotel is housed in a vintage Valencian building, with a perfectly proportioned facade lined by balconies that are trimmed with atmospheric shutters and decorative wrought-iron railings. Inside, however, the classic look gets a modern update. Old-school double doors open on to a little, minimalist-style lobby where original architectural elements -- including exposed brickwork and a striking stairwell -- are offset by abstract art and a clean-lined, black-and-white reception desk. The only other common areas are SoHotel’s cool (but not particularly comfy) all-white lounge area and the sunny furnished terrace that lies beyond its glass wall. Both make convenient gathering places for the independent-minded vacationers and value-conscious hipsters who routinely book in here.

SoHotel is located on a busy thoroughfare in the historic Eixample District’s increasingly hot Ruzafa neighborhood. The Ciutat Vella (Old City) is only 15 minutes away on foot, yet the immediate area also has much to offer. Shopping opportunities, for example, abound on nearby streets like Calle Colon and Marques del Turia Avenue; moreover, Ruzafa itself -- a working class barrio that’s being reinvented by Bohos -- is known for having the city’s most original dining and nightlife options. Both North Station (the main train depot here) and Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla Station (which services high-speed AVE trains) are within a 10-minute walk, making the hotel particularly convenient for rail travelers. The airport is 15 minutes away by car or cab. If you’re driving, paid indoor parking can be found about two minutes from the hotel; rental bikes are available on-site for those who prefer to pedal.

• Four-minute walk to North Train Station
• Five-minute walk to Plaza de Toros (bull ring)
• Five-minute walk to Xàtiva metro station
• 10-minute walk to Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla Station
• 12-minute walk to Plaza del Ayuntamiento
• 16-minute walk to the Central Market
• 16-minute walk to the Silk Exchange 
• 20-minute walk to Plaza de la Virgen and the Cathedral Quarter
• Seven-minute drive to the City of Arts and Sciences
• 10-minute drive to Oceanogràfic
• 11-minute drive to Bioparc
• 15-minute drive to Valencia Airport

Like the lobby below, guest rooms combine original features, such as barreled-brick ceilings, with stylish contemporary furnishings. Here, however, the stark black-and-white color scheme isn’t brightened by art and the severe lines aren’t softened by accessories, which means they cross the line from minimalist to austere. That said, their sheer size will appeal to many (open-plan Quads can sleep up to five adults, while the two-bedroom Penthouse can sleep six). Guests will also appreciate perks like living/dining areas with sofa beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, as well as kitchenettes outfitted with mini-fridges, microwaves, two-burner cook tops, a few small appliances and a selection of kitchenware. The modern shower-only bathrooms, attractively tiled in gray, are another draw. These are outfitted with hairdryers and toiletries in wall-mounted pump dispensers. Note that the units’ big windows bathe them in natural light and their glass doors provide access to balconies with either street or courtyard views. Unfortunately, both can let in noise, too, so light sleepers may want to request a room that doesn’t face the street. Free daily housekeeping is noticeably absent as well (unless you pay an added fee, rooms are only tidied every three days). 

Like many apartment-style hotels, this one doesn’t deliver all the features you might reasonably expect from a typical chain property. For instance, there’s no business center or gym here; nor is there an on-site eatery, though vending machines in the lounge area offer a quick fix and neighborhood restaurants are easy enough to find. The front desk has limited hours, so guests arriving late in the evening or early in the morning must use the self-check-in service. On the upside, SoHotel does have a sunny furnished terrace where guests can kick back plus free Wi-Fi throughout.