Centrally located apartment-style hotel in a trendy part of town
Classic building within walking distance of many sites
Spacious units with balconies, kitchenettes, and sofa beds
Many options can accommodate five to six people
Rental bikes available on-site
Reliable free Wi-Fi throughout
Potential for noise in street-facing units
Room decor may be too Spartan for some tastes
Kitchenettes could be bigger and better equipped
Daily housekeeping costs extra
No restaurant, business center or fitness room
Opened in late 2015, SoHotel is a contemporary three-pearl property that occupies a heritage building in the Boho-friendly Ruzafa neighborhood. Like many apartment-style hotels, it is short on features, and its 22 sparsely decorated, black-and-white units take minimalism to the extreme; nevertheless, they are roomy (some can accommodate six guests) and come with free Wi-Fi, sofa beds, balconies, and kitchenettes. The latter is outfitted with just the basics, but there are plenty of eateries in this up-and-coming area. Trendy bars, clubs, and shops are also plentiful, and numerous Old City sites are in walking distance. Vacationers looking for a full-service hotel with more amenities (including a restaurant, bar, meeting room, fitness center and round–the-clock reception desk -- all of which SoHotel lacks) should consider the nearby Hotel Zenit Valencia instead.
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Scene
An affordable hotel alternative in Valencia’s newest hip ‘hood
This apartment-style hotel is housed in a vintage Valencian building, with a perfectly proportioned facade lined by balconies that are trimmed with atmospheric shutters and decorative wrought-iron railings. Inside, however, the classic look gets a modern update. Old-school double doors open on to a little, minimalist-style lobby where original architectural elements -- including exposed brickwork and a striking stairwell -- are offset by abstract art and a clean-lined, black-and-white reception desk. The only other common areas are SoHotel’s cool (but not particularly comfy) all-white lounge area and the sunny furnished terrace that lies beyond its glass wall. Both make convenient gathering places for the independent-minded vacationers and value-conscious hipsters who routinely book in here.
Location
In Ruzafa, a hipster haven just south of the city center
SoHotel is located on a busy thoroughfare in the historic Eixample District’s increasingly hot Ruzafa neighborhood. The Ciutat Vella (Old City) is only 15 minutes away on foot, yet the immediate area also has much to offer. Shopping opportunities, for example, abound on nearby streets like Calle Colon and Marques del Turia Avenue; moreover, Ruzafa itself -- a working class barrio that’s being reinvented by Bohos -- is known for having the city’s most original dining and nightlife options. Both North Station (the main train depot here) and Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla Station (which services high-speed AVE trains) are within a 10-minute walk, making the hotel particularly convenient for rail travelers. The airport is 15 minutes away by car or cab. If you’re driving, paid indoor parking can be found about two minutes from the hotel; rental bikes are available on-site for those who prefer to pedal.- Four-minute walk to North Train Station
Rooms
Spacious but spartan units, all with kitchenettes and balconies
Like the lobby below, guest rooms combine original features, such as barreled-brick ceilings, with stylish contemporary furnishings. Here, however, the stark black-and-white color scheme isn’t brightened by art and the severe lines aren’t softened by accessories, which means they cross the line from minimalist to austere. That said, their sheer size will appeal to many (open-plan Quads can sleep up to five adults, while the two-bedroom Penthouse can sleep six). Guests will also appreciate perks like living/dining areas with sofa beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, as well as kitchenettes outfitted with mini-fridges, microwaves, two-burner cook tops, a few small appliances and a selection of kitchenware. The modern shower-only bathrooms, attractively tiled in gray, are another draw. These are outfitted with hairdryers and toiletries in wall-mounted pump dispensers. Note that the units’ big windows bathe them in natural light and their glass doors provide access to balconies with either street or courtyard views. Unfortunately, both can let in noise, too, so light sleepers may want to request a room that doesn’t face the street. Free daily housekeeping is noticeably absent as well (unless you pay an added fee, rooms are only tidied every three days).
Features
Expect homey conveniences, not hotel-style amenities
Like many apartment-style hotels, this one doesn’t deliver all the features you might reasonably expect from a typical chain property. For instance, there’s no business center or gym here; nor is there an on-site eatery, though vending machines in the lounge area offer a quick fix and neighborhood restaurants are easy enough to find. The front desk has limited hours, so guests arriving late in the evening or early in the morning must use the self-check-in service. On the upside, SoHotel does have a sunny furnished terrace where guests can kick back plus free Wi-Fi throughout.
