Palacio Santa Clara, Autograph Collection — Hotel in Valencia

We booked this hotel for a family trip with my parents on the basis that it had a pool and a rooftop with sun loungers for guests. We were there for two days and had planned to spend the afternoons relaxing on the rooftop, enjoying the pool and the sunshine. On the first day we arrived to the rooftop at around 3pm to find it full of people standing having drinks in office attire. The rooftop is not big, so they were very close to the sun loungers and continuously walking in front of them to go back and forth to the bar. We all felt very uncomfortable in our swimwear with people in office attire standing over us, and even more so when we got up to go into the pool as we felt we were being stared at. This did not make for a very comfortable or relaxing environment! There were other hotel guests trying to enjoy the rooftop and pool who also felt the same way. We asked a member of staff what was going on and they apologised and explained that they had an event there that day, but it was a one off and usually the rooftop was very quiet. We persevered for around 1 hour and then decided to leave, sure that we would have a better experience the following day.||Imagine our surprise the following day when we arrived to the rooftop to find another large crowd of people in formal attire and a sign saying Private Event! We went down to reception to ask what was happening and staff informed us that they had another private event that day and that the rooftop and pool were closed to guests until 5pm! We could not believe this and asked to speak to the manager to express our disappointment. We were informed that there was no manager onsite and that they would not be there until Monday (this was on Saturday afternoon). The staff assured us that the private event would be over at 5pm and we would then be able to enjoy the rooftop in peace. So with no choice, we went to our rooms and waited until 5pm. We arrived back to the rooftop just after 5pm to find a still large crowd of people drinking, singing and generally having a party. They were standing over the sun loungers and sitting in large groups around them. We were unable to walk to the pool without asking people to move their chairs! So once again, we had hoped to spend a nice relaxing afternoon by the pool but had found this impossible.||The following morning when we checked out we explained our disappointment and the staff apologised but could do nothing. Still no manager to be found.||In summary, we paid for a hotel with a rooftop and pool for guests to enjoy. But this is not what we experienced. Do not book this hotel if you want to use the...

This is quite strange situation I felt I had to post. This is likely the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever stayed in with a wonderful service staff. (Except one) We travel a lot but have NEVER experienced the level of problem with any other hotel and I would NEVER return. The hotel sprays or uses some scent in the hotel which was actually sickening in my room on the 5th floor. (Concierge told me they do spray into rooms) The 5th floor halls were toxic of this smell as did the room. The lobby had the scent too but was much milder and tolerable. At times it was actually pleasant.

The smell was so strong that I had a very bad headache and nearly immediate sore throat as a result. Barely slept the first night. Thank goodness I’m not asthmatic. I resorted to leaving windows completely open the entire stay and put towels in and around the doors to keep the scent from coming in. And had to resort to declining maid service and turn downs to minimize door openings and keep them from closing the windows. Thank goodness the temp outside was manageable so the open window worked, otherwise we absolutely would have checked out no matter the cost. Heat just circulated the smell worse so had to keep the heat off in the room. Admittedly I am smell sensitive, but this was not tolerable to my wife as well. Such a shame.

When I spoke to management they told me they wouldn’t spray scent in room anymore, and that there was an air cleaning system in the room. I told the gentlemen that it didn’t appear to be on. He told me it was, without even checking, like I’m an idiot. I’ve been a home inspector for 20+ years and am not stupid about building devices. It was off and even though I turned it on, it made no difference.

I’d give this hotel a 1 if the other service staff and hotel itself wasn’t so perfect.

I don’t know what smells they may be covering up, if any, but if you are at all sensitive to perform or flower type scents,...

The Palacio is nestled under the Autograph Collection of Marriott Hotels, with each hotel having its own story. It is a small boutique hotel, and truly beautiful inside. There’s so much that draws your eye, yet nothing clashes - it’s all complimentary of one another.

Approximately 8 minutes to walk to the Central Public Market of Valencia, the Palacio is centrally located just off Carrer de Colón, in the heart of the city. A walk to the nearest tube station, Xativa, will take you 5 minutes or less. And yet our room was surprisingly quiet, even though we were just a street away from the main drag.

Rooms aren’t massive, and we are lucky to have one on the fifth floor. We were just by the lifts, but again, with about 10 rooms per floor, things are pretty quiet overall, and they clearly do a good job of insulating walls, etc. Only nit would be there are no carpets, so you may occasionally hear a chair being dragged across the floor.

Our room had high ceilings, a big walk in shower, separate toilet room, a wonderfully supportive and comfortable bed, plus a bench for luggage or putting on shoes, sides tables and and small dinette. I have to note we were there during a heatwave (end of May 2022) and the air conditioning on in our room was incredible!

Breakfast is served in the bar each morning. And what a wonderful offering they have! Our breakfast was included with our room. And it was a highlight of our day. The staff were simply lovely - so very obliging and friendly. (Thank you, Nicolette, for making our mornings perfect!)

All in all, a wonderful stay. The boutique hotel experience at its very best. We felt welcomed as guests, tended to, and we will definitely be back if ever in...