SH Valencia Palace

With its grand name and fairly large scale, the SH Valencia Palace Hotel certainly has grand ambitions. In some ways, it's style does live up to those aspirations, but in most ways it feels just like any other generic hotel found in large cities across the continent. Formerly a Melia, the SH is situated in a modern, seven-story building. Flags flutter on red poles out front, providing a splash of color to the otherwise gray and cream-colored facade. Guests enter through a revolving glass door. The two-level modern lobby features large white columns, a gleaming black quartz floor, and lots of tufted leather sofas and benches for seating. It's not particularly cozy -- and the look blends vintage, modern, and dated trends (check those geometric cut-outs pasted to the ceiling) -- but it's well suited for the groups who gather here. In addition to groups, the hotel has broad appeal and attracts couples, families, and businesspeople looking for a central location in the city. 

The hotel is centrally located on the Paseo de la Alameda, across from the Palau de la Musica concert and exhibition hall in the El Pla del Real barrio. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars in almost any direction from the hotel, and it's a busy part of town during the day. Just across the road are the Jardines del Turia, one of the largest urban parks in Spain and home to seemingly limitless walking paths and sights. The iconic Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofia, with its futuristic design, is a 15-minute walk south through the park. The hotel is also at least a 15-minute walk to the eastern edge of the Old City, which is a warren of quaint streets, shops, cafes, and restaurants. There is a bus stop right in front of the hotel, and the Aragon Metro stop is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The popular City of Arts and Sciences complex is about five minutes away by car. The Valencia Airport can be reached in about 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by public transportation. 

Rooms are offered in Standard, Superior, and Premium categories, as well as suites. There is a bit of a disparity from one category to the next when it comes to style, and even rooms that have been given a modern makeover still have odd holdovers that feel a bit generic and dated (the insistence on quilted bedspreads will always be an odd choice, in our opinion). In more modern rooms, the Mediterranean-inspired decor includes hardwood floors, neutral color schemes of beige and white, and modern, clean-lined furniture. Wall art is generally eschewed for broad swaths of blonde wall paneling. Other rooms have simple white walls with a piece of abstract art here and there, plus old navy blue patterned carpets, and neutral plush seating. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, and pillow menus. Bathrooms are tiled and come with granite countertops, double sinks, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, tub/shower combos, and toiletries. Superior and Premium rooms add tea/coffee makers and minibars, and suites add living and dining space. The Presidential Suite is the most richly appointed, with a separate jetted tub and shower. Some rooms have nice views of the city and gardens across the street. 

While the style at this hotel is a bit uneven, most of the features do receive solid marks. The restaurant, Albufera by Alejandro del Toro, serves fresh, local cuisine for lunch and dinner in an elegant space with white table cloths, brown velvet chairs, and hardwood floors. Terrace of the Palace is a vivid green outdoor space serving tapas, desserts, and drinks, and a breakfast buffet is served daily in the breakfast room. There is a wide selection of hot and cold dishes available at breakfast, though it isn't included in room rates. The hotel also has a snack bar. The rooftop pool is not very big and the deck is covered in artificial grass -- not the most attractive design option. A few lounge chairs surround it, but there are no umbrellas. They may not be needed, however, because the surrounding buildings shade the area, which is covered in cooler months. In addition to traditional massage and facials, the Shalux Spa offers all sorts of fancy treatments, including pressure therapy and thermolipolisis. The thermal circuit has two hot tubs, two showers, a foot spa, dry sauna, Turkish bath, Roman bath, ice fountain, relaxation room with heated beds, and a solarium with natural salt blocks. While much of the hotel has a dated finish, the fitness center is quite sharp, with slatted hardwood floors and lots of windows. There's a nice selection of modern cardio and weight-training equipment.Events spaces of various sizes can accommodate meetings and social gatherings for up to 1,000 people. Many have windows for natural light, and the look is generally contemporary. Wi-Fi is free throughout and the hotel has a business center. Parking is available on-site for a fee.