During my city trip to Valencia, I stayed in a very distinctive design hotel: the Caro Hotel. This monumental hotel is located right in the historical center, a stone throw away from the Valencia Cathedral and the Basilica. Interior designer Francesc Rifé has cleverly integrated the historical details and elements of the monument, with 21st century design and furniture, making it an interesting juxtaposition of heritage and present. Contemporary clean, geometric lines are merged with the historical features of the building’s legacy.
The Caro Hotel, used to be the Palace of the Marquis of Caro, built in the 19th century. But there is more. The palace was constructed over remnants dating back more than 2,000 years. The interior showcases original mosaic belonging to the founding city of the Roman era, (2nd century B.C.), the thirteenth-century Arabic defensive wall with its towers, several gothic arches and nineteenth-century constructions. All these archaeological treasures have been preserved, restored and integrated into the Caro Hotel’s spaces. To honour its history, interior designer Francesc Rifé has kept the design sobre and minimalist, with muted colours, little accessorizing, and sleek furniture. The result is an urban, hyper-modern boutique hotel with heritage and character that is boasting with visual contrasts and cultural significance.
The hotel is like a small museum you could say. Dispersed in the hotel, next to historical elements, and rooms, you can find QR-codes. Once you scan them with your smart phone, you are automatically directed to a short video or sound bite narrating the historical story and significance of what you are seeing. (see the QR videos tour here)
Meta Bar
My favourite part of the Caro hotel is the Meta Bar. Adjacent is a peaceful, sun-lit terrace with a small plunge pool for hot summer days. The Meta Bar also provides guests with an insightful journey into historical ceramic traditions. Gorgeous, original colourful tiles of times past adorn the wall above the hyper modern cocktail seats. An interesting narrative of local traditions and legacy to listen to while sipping on a cocktail.
The hotel’s restaurant, Sucede, is on the lower floor. (Read my review about Sucede)
My room and the amenities
The Caro Hotel contains just 26 rooms situated on four floors. Each room is different and has its own story. I stayed in room 02, the Cats Room. The anecdote behind this room is that the former owner kept her cats in this room. It is in a peaceful part of the palace and nicely cool. The original ceiling beams were disclosed and restored and can now be seen as part of the interior design. The tiles that are exhibited in the hotel’s passage ways originally belonged to this room. Another detail I loved that is in sheer contrast to the traditional beams, is the TV that shows in the mirror. High-tec meets history.
I also enjoyed the many luxurious amenities and services like the pillow menu that let’s you choose your preferred pillow. Or the complimentary in-room tea-service that allows you to choose special tea blends that are delivered in a tea pot to your room. Another perk are the bathroom essentials from Bulgari and Pure Herbs to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing. The bed turn down service leaves a weather forecast for the next day and a small sweet treat each night. Luxury and service is all in the details, and the Caro Hotel gets that.
My stay at the Caro Hotel was so pleasant and convenient that I wouldn’t hesitate to return to this little gem in Valencia a second time. The staff is so helpful and friendly, and I don’t think you can have a better location as your starting point to explore Valencia.
Book a room or check rates here
This blog post was created in collaboration with the Caro Hotel. Nonetheless, I only recommend hotels that I genuinely like and feel are a good choice for my readers.
