Myr Plaza Mercado & Spa

The Myr Plaza Mercado & Spa is situated in a charming five-story building with a cornflower blue facade finished with white trim. The interior, still fresh from the hotel's early 2016 opening, has a minimalistic, modern air with dark gray walls, bright pops of color, and furniture with sleek, streamlined curves. The lobby is mostly just a reception desk, making the restaurant and bar the real hangout spot with trendy but casual lime-green and navy chairs gathered around black cafe tables, and large doors that open into the street. Decor leans toward an IKEA-look -- plastic molded chairs, wood laminate furnishings -- but unique accents, like wall murals painted by local artists, help personalize the public areas. There's a space tradeoff here, with limited lounge areas in favor of a small spa, apartment-like rooms, and a full-service restaurant. The location is attractive to tourists, while the all-suite guest accommodations attract small families, friend groups, and couples who want to make the most of DIY dining. 

For tourists, the location of this hotel is excellent, in the heart of bustling Old Town, right across the street from Mercat Central, a vast market known for its array of food stalls. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and city sights in walking distance from the hotel, including the gothic Llotja de la Seda (two-minute walk), the busy Plaza de la Reina (three-minute walk), Valencia Cathedral (five-minute walk), and Torres de Serranos (nine-minute walk). The City of the Arts and Sciences and the aquarium are a bit of a hike, but drivable in about 15- to 25-minutes, depending on traffic. The nearest metro stations include Colón (10-minute walk) and Àngel Guimerà (12-minute walk). Valencia Airport is about 35 minutes away via public transit (including the 15-minute walk to Xàtiva metro station) or is a 15- to 20-minute drive.

The hotels' suites offer minimalistic, modern decor that's stylish though somewhat austere, particularly in the rooms where the muted white-gray color palette lacks pops of bright hues as it is in some of these spaces. Rooms tend to feature white tiled floors, white walls with dark gray accent walls, and funky modern lighting. White cabinets, gray-washed laminate furnishings, and simple wood tables and chairs are sleek and clean, but lend a slight IKEA-feel. Still, unique, artsy touches keep things from being too generic, like side tables imbedded with "floating" fish. Bathrooms tend to be compact but chic with dark textured walls, long rectangular sinks, and narrow walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and shower wands. Suites range from about 270 to 320 square feet for three guests (when using the sofa bed), while the penthouse offers almost double the space for four guests. All rooms have a fully equipped kitchenette with two burners, dish-ware, a fridge, a sink, a microwave, and an electric kettle. Rooms are air conditioned and also include smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries. Upgraded rooms add more space, plus extras like balconies or terraces or a separate tub.

This hotel stands out from its competition in part because of its extensive array of amenities -- rare for an urban property of this size and pearl level. The basement-level spa isn't huge, but it includes a roomy whirlpool, a hammam, and a relaxation area, plus massage treatment options. Use of the spa, though, doesn't come standard with the room rate, and it's only open during limited hours (only in the evening some nights). There's also a gym, but it's small with just a treadmill, a stationary bike, and some dumbbells.There's also a trendy casual restaurant and bar, open until late. A decent continental breakfast is offered daily, though it's not always included in room rates, and there isn't a lot of day-to-day variety. The front desk is open 24 hours. Bike rentals are available through the hotel and there is limited on-site parking, available for an extra fee. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free.