In and Around Hotel & Spa Balneario Las Arenas*****
By Carlos Boga | Bearleader in Hospitality | Hotel & Spa Balneario Las Arenas
The Spanish city of Valencia offers the perfect combination between culture and leisure. Located right at the beach with a beautiful long promenade with an enormous park. Valencia has a rich and varied history, with Roman, Christian and Moroccan, and Arab influences, the latter including forward-thinking irrigation systems which have contributed to the green pastoral lands and luscious oranges we know the city for.
The city is also legendary for its gastronomic culture and as the birthplace of the paella - a simmered rice dish with vegetables and chicken, rabbit and duck.
For architectural lovers, Valencia is also the place to be. You can find a stark contrast between the winding ancient streets with Roman, Arabic and Valencian Gothic influences. The futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences was designed by famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.
After winning awards for the world’s capital of smart tourism and design, it has now also been named the Green Capital of Europe for 2024, due to its ambitious plans for sustainability and seamless integration of city and nature.
In this guide, insider & hotelier Carlos Boga, guides you to his favourite places to eat and drink and what to do in Valencia.
Where to stay
Residing in a beautifully restored historic building from 1898 you find the Hotel & Spa Balneario Las Arenas*****, belonging to the Spanish chain Hoteles Santos.
Uniquely positioned as a beach-side city hotel, it is where leisure, culture, and gastronomy meet. Located right next to the Marina and with eight kilometers of the maritime promenade and a large garden, as well as a luxurious spa with a relaxing atmosphere.
Aside from the beach, it has several gorgeous pools, with all amenities one could possibly desire, as well as a great restaurant and spacious, wonderfully designed rooms.
Hotel Balneario Las Arenas | e-mail | call | instagram | Carrer d'Eugènia Viñes 22 in Valencia, Spain
Book a Getaway package now
You can choose three packages: Air of Romance, Route of Senses Ritual, or Serenity Ritual. Enjoy the autumn sunshine, the gastronomy, the spa and discover Valencia.
Where to eat
RESTAURANTE SOROLLA
Traditional mediterranean cuisine offering a wide variety of flavors, with a wonderful terrace boasting ocean and garden views. This restaurant is opened daily from 13:00 till 22:30.
in the hotel
CASA CARMELA
This authentic restaurant is the best place for tasting an original paella for over a 100 years. The signature dish is made in traditional way, prepared over a wood fire. It is opened daily, but for lunch only.
instagram | 20 min. walk or 5 min. drive from hotel
JAPANESE POP-UP TORI ITTO
You can go on a sensory journey through the most exquisite flavours of Japan. Dining at the sushi bar will give you an unforgettable experience.
in the hotel
RICARD CAMARENA
Valencia’s culinary ambassador Ricard Camarena’s restaurant. With two Michelin stars and one green Michelin star awarded for sustainability. Exquisite contemporary dishes full of subtle yet unexpected nuances, finely crafted from exclusive local products and treasures from the Mediterranean Sea.
EL POBLET
This restaurant, under the leadership of Luis Valls, was awarded with two Michelin stars in 2019. Owned by the Quique Dacosta Group, who received three stars in Denia, you can expect an enlightening experience from a kitchen that has its roots deeply embedded in the territory and in the Albufera.
instagram | 20 min. drive from hotel
RAUSELL
Started in 1948, this restaurant offers market cuisine and the best products for very reasonable prices for over three generations. They have a spectacular cellar an extensive, yet affordable, wine list.
instagram | 20 min. drive from hotel
BAR RICARDO
Another third generation gem, offering local fresh product cooked with loving simplicity. Modest in appearance, but with unbeatable taste.
instagram | 20 min. drive from hotel
ADUANA
A classic restaurant with a rich and varied history, starting out as a place for sailors to eat a simple meal in the 1930s, developing into a tapas and sandwhich bar and finally to its current form in 2006: accessible but high quality cuisine with dishes that let you taste the Valencian market, in a hip environment.
Where to go for a drink
MARINA BEACH CLUB
A short walk over the beautiful promenade connected to the Las Arenas hotel you’ll find music, food and drinks served in an inspiring environment with amazing views.
instagram | 8 min. walk from hotel
CAFE DE LAS HORAS
A historic literary café from the early 20th century where the atmosphere is as rich and dazzling as the extensive menu of delicious cocktails.
instagram | 15 min. drive from hotel
CAFE MADRID
An artistic cafe from the 1940s that can not be missed. This the birthplace of the “Agua de Valencia” cocktail - made with delicious local oranges.
L’ UMBRACLE
Simply the best outdoor night club in Europe. Under its beautiful glass dome, lined with palm trees, you can party the night away in its lush gardens while breathing the fresh air.
What to do
LAS ARENAS AND MALVARROSA BEACHES
Some of the best urban beaches in Europe, connecting eight kilometres of bars and restaurants. Do not miss the wonderful sunrise every morning!
Connected to the hotel
TURIA GARDEN
One of the largest urban parks in Spain, running nine kilometres through the city and connecting 18 historically rich and beautiful bridges. A wonderful green space boasting foot paths, leisure & sports areas and romantic spots where you can unwind.
8 min. drive or 30 min. walk from hotel to closest point
CITY OF ARTS & SCIENCE
Stunning modern architecture and design, nestled on the Turia garden. You simply have to see its futuristic buildings, including museums, the opera house, and the Oceanographic - the largest Aquarium in Europe.
ALBUFERA NATIONAL PARK
Just ten km from the city you’ll find nature in its purest form, with magical sunsets, boat rides and the chance to disconnect like nowhere else. After a long day of enjoying nature, you can finish in style with a traditional Paella at El Palmar village, right in the middle of the lake.
HISTORIC CITY CENTRE
Feel more than 2.000 years of Valencian History, with Roman and Phoenician heritage. Wander around the tight winding streets and visit several unmissable spots!
LA LONJA DE LA SEDA
This former silk exchange and trade hall became a UNESCO world heritage site for it’s uniqueness as an aesthetically grandiose secular building, highlighting the riches of Mediterranean Europe in past days.
CENTRAL MARKET
The largest covered market in Europe, in beautiful Valencian Art Nouveau style. An amazing selection of fresh produce is available here, along with several small restaurants.
CATHEDRAL OF VALENCIA
Said to be the home of the one real Holy Grail: the cup that Jesus drank from during the Last Supper. While its authenticity is often debated, the grandiose Valencian Gothic architecture is not, so you owe yourself a visit no matter what!
SAN NICOLÁS CHURCH
A beautiful 13th century church that was later adorned with glorious baroque interior.