NH Collection Valencia Colón

Madrid and Barcelona have more than their fair share of the finest hotels in Europe, but Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, isn’t quite so amply blessed. You’d never know it, though, from looking at the NH Collection Valencia Colón. The setting, in a heritage building on Carrer Colón, could hardly be more central, convenient to the financial district, the best shops, and many of the city’s most famous sights. And the hotel itself could hardly be more impressive: a mere 47 rooms, decorated by Lorenzo Castillo in a vibrant, eclectic style that includes French, British, and Indian influences.

And despite the boutique-hotel style — impressive given NH’s status as Spain’s largest hotel chain — this is a luxury hotel through and through. Rooms include NH’s high-end mattresses as well as inducements like Nespresso machines and lavish stone-clad bathrooms. There’s a Mediterranean restaurant called Sonata 32, as well as an expansive breakfast buffet, and a cocktail bar, Cara a Cara, featuring a well-known mixologist, Diego Cabrera, and designed in the style of an English members’ club. More than enough to get you started — and of course, here in central Valencia, there’s no shortage at all of eminently worthy restaurants and bars.