Valencia Hotels

Valencia has always been a Spanish city of commerce and industry, from funding Christopher Columbus' famous 1492 voyage to the Americas to hosting Spain's largest port on the Mediterranean, today handling 20% of Spain's exports to the world. The strategic geographical importance of Valencia has played a large role in the history of the region but it is the succession of peoples who have exploited the position and land who have made Valencia the remarkable, beautiful and diverse city and region it is today.

The Romans founded the city of Valencia and it became an important Roman military colony but it perhaps the later occupation by the Moors which has left the most indelible historical stamp on the culture and particularly the architecture within the city. Valencia's manufacturing and trading post status was ensured through the trade in paper, leather, silk, ceramics, silver work, and glass and Moorish buildings and sights are evident throughout, from the old mediaeval walls, Portal de Valldigna street, the Banos del Almirante bath house, and the Cathedral and tower, El Micalet, formed from the minaret of the old mosque.

Valencia is certainly a living testament to Spanish history and commerce, but it is not a city which lives on past glories. Local born architect Santiago Calatrava designed the incredible futuristic masterpiece in the city which is the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies, which houses an opera house performing arts centre, an oceanographic park, science museum, IMAX cinema and planetarium, and a host of restaurants and walkways. Further ultra modern buildings include the Music Palace, Palau de la Musica.

The elegant blend of old and new within Valencia offers an appealing environment for visitors and the city has some fine parks, gardens and squares too which offer a retreat from the more lively elements of the city scene. Overall the image of Valencia is a thriving, contemporary metropolitan city to compete with any major world city in its attractions and commercial and cultural appeal. Valencia hotels are well placed for visitors to take full advantage of the delights and attractions on offer.

Valencia's history as a major commercial and industrial centre has made the city a premier destination for conferences and events and there are several conference and convention centres in the city. Many of the finest modern Valencia hotels are associated with these international events and can compare with any first class contemporary hotel accommodation anywhere. Guests can expect the very latest in technologies in individual climate control, and audio and visual entertainment option within the rooms and suites. There may also be high speed internet connectivity and dual line direct dial telephones.

There will also be a host of business oriented facilities within the more modern Valencia hotels. These may include a fully functional 24 hour business centre incorporating business services such as secretarial and translation work, and facilities and equipment such as boardrooms and meeting rooms, fax, copiers and computers.

Host of the oldest active trophy in international sport, the America's Cup, in 2007, Valencia is also due to host the famous sailing regatta for the next event too and the city is ideally equipped to host such world renowned sporting events, with many five star luxury Valencia hotels on hand with expert hospitality. The city also hosts the Formula One Grand Prix of Europe Telefonica, which takes part on a semi-permanent race circuit around the streets of the city's port.

Valencia's most famous cultural contributions for modern visitors are undoubtedly the food and the shopping. Perhaps the signature dish of Spain is paella and Valencia is the natural home of this famous combination of rice and a selection of additional ingredients.

Being a seaport, fish and seafood feature heavily on the menus in Valencia restaurants. A prime example being the classic Marinera Paella, with mussels, calamares, clams, lobster, shrimp and other shellfish. Purists of the regions culinary history however will consider the Paella Valenciana to be the true form of Paella and this replaces the seafood with meat such as chicken and rabbit. Diners are welcome to choose a mixture of both.

Valencia's history as a trading post makes shopping a natural and well-incorporated cultural experience within the city. The Mercado Central has been operating as a market for over 800 years and continues to sell all manner of fresh produce from the local region, considered the most fertile in all of Spain.

Other notable markets include the famous El Rastro flea market, a good place to get a bargain or simply just to soak in the atmosphere, and Mercadillo de Cabanyal, the largest street market in the city, held in the old fisherman's district and offering an authentic slice of Valencian life.

Wherever you are in the city and whether in a grand old building or sleek modern structure, the Valencia hotels share the same commitment to renowned Valencian hospitality and every effort will be made for guests to make the most from their unforgettable Valencia stay.