The Bar/Lounge at Hospes Palau de la Mar Hotel

"Which room to book: Fifth-floor junior suites, for their spaciousness and shaded skylights Amenities: Bar/lounge, Gym, Pool, 24-hour Room Service View the entire Hot List of the travel world's most noteworthy debuts in 2005 ›"

"The 66 bedrooms have dark parquet floors, crisp white bed linens, and free mini-bars"

"Huge square pillars and neutral colored squishy sofas fill the lounge, while a white and wood theme continues from the lobby to the restaurant terrace"

"Despite its classical facade, the Palau’s visual signature is monastic minimalism—the library, lounge, restaurant, and reception area are all hidden from view off a stone-paved central staircase with elaborately carved wooden railings"

"When I finally sink into the sheets, it strikes me that Valencia may play little sister to Barcelona and Madrid, but it’s growing up fast, and is going to end up even prettier than the big girls before long – especially with hotels like Hospes Palau de la Mar in its make-up case"