Silken Puerta Valencia

Silken Puerta Valencia is a large hotel that certainly makes a first impression, with a striking glass facade that's stenciled with pretty designs. Inside, things are sharp and simple, and you'll spot a scattering of boxy sofas in case you need to hang out while waiting for your travel companions. However, there are more attractive spots to kick back here, including the minimalist cafe/bar that's decked in stainless steel, marble-clad walls, and low lighting. Colorful paintings by Spanish artist Javier Mariscal and soft drapes serve to soften things a bit, but there's generally a business-like quality throughout the property. The location does lend itself to corporate domestic travelers, though plenty of tourists pass through as well.

Silken Puerta Valencia is located in the El Pla del Real neighborhood to the east of the Ciutat Vella. It's a busy, bustling part of the city with a lot of local flavor, and there are restaurants, bars, and shops nearby. It's only a five-minute walk to Turia Gardens (Jardines del Turia), which are one of the biggest urban parks in Spain. Most of the Valencia's more modern attractions sit somewhere along the gardens and include the City of Arts and Sciences, However, those are about five minutes away by taxi (the walk is over 20 minutes). Travelers happy to walk longer distances can reach the heart of the Ciutat Vella in about 30 minutes -- or it's a 10-minute drive. The nearest metro is Aragon, a 10-minute walk from the hotel, though it doesn't connect with the heart of the Ciutat Vella or the beach. The N1 bus gets relatively close to the cathedral in the Ciutat Vella. It's about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi to the closest beaches. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, or it's about 40 minutes via public transport. 

Rooms at the Silken Puerta Valencia are modern and simple, with a slight Mediterranean touch that comes from soft touches of colors like pink. They have wood-effect floors plus back-lit headboards and modern artwork on the walls. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, trouser presses, and free Wi-Fi. It's worth splashing out on a Terrace Room if possible, which have a wall of windows opening onto large furnished balconies, with retractable shades and great city views. These rooms are all located on the VIP Floor, and come with bathrobes/slippers, pillow menus, and late check-out options. The VIP floor also houses Suites -- with separate bedrooms and living spaces. Triple and Quadruple Rooms -- which are two rooms connected by sliding doors -- are optimal for families. Sports Rooms -- which include either treadmills, cross-trainers, or exercise bikes -- can be booked for those who are averse to outdoor cardio. The white marble bathrooms are nothing special really, with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

Though the Silken Puerta Valencia has a smart, contemporary finish, there are relatively few features here. There's a sharp bar/cafe in the lobby that serves light meals on weekday afternoons. The additional restaurant specializes in rice dishes and has a bistro menu that's full of local produce, including ingredients from the hotel's own vegetable gardens. Room service is available, with cold meals on offer after the kitchens close. A continental buffet breakfast is served in the mezzanine breakfast room, though space is tight and the buffet doesn't always get the best reviews from previous guests. Other services include bike rentals, luggage storage, laundry, and free Wi-Fi. There's private parking, and six function rooms.