First: Valencia. A city that actually revels to be in the shadow of Barcelona and Madrid. The prices are still somewhat moderate, people are not arrogant and the bars are rather down to earth as opposed to hip. Instead, there is a fantastic vibe of grandiose Art Nouveau architecture, modern Calatrava buildings and a really beautiful city beach (where you get the famous Paella in huge pans for lunch).
The hotel
Bertrand and Fabien have „saved“ a completely rundown building at the lower edge of the new Ruzafa neighborhood. It is inconspicuous at first glance. Quite a contrast to the magnificent buildings in the city center. We ring the bell. And a cheerful Bertrand opens the door to a loft that immediately screams: “You are all very welcome, whether for a drink by the large bar (which is the reception) or to stay as long as you want.
Trust us: the further you venture inside and get to know them, you’ll want to stay very long.
La Novieta is a fabulous place with only four guest rooms. But they all look extremely inviting. We loved the old school bathrooms and the beautifully arranged furniture. Everything here is of the highest quality, especially the design, which was mainly done by the couple themselves. There is also a kind of lounge in the inner courtyard where you can have a drink in summer (or breakfast).
Breakfast
Speaking of breakfast: Bertrand and Fabien originally hail from Paris, which explains a bit the style and the whole set-up of the house. They fell in love with Valencia a few years ago and now mix the two worlds – well, the positive aspects of both cultures. Like the food, for example. Fabien worked in luxury hotels for a long time and conjures up a kind of gourmet menu in the morning that can only be found at one of our favorite member houses, the Ottmanngut in Merano.
During our visit, a buttery courgette and cheese tart was served. To be honest: you won’t find that at the Ritz. There was also homemade jams, salted butter and fruit with yoghurt on the table. All organic, all regional.
Details
What we really liked: The combination of the individual design pieces, paired with the historical treasures that Fabien and Bertrand found in the house. Furniture from the 1920s to the 1970s (Gasisa chairs, vintage armchairs by Tito Agnoli and by artists such as Kourtney Roy, Matthieu Paley, Darya Yartzeva and Marina Abramovic) are joined by colors by Farrow & Ball, ceramics by Ferres Ceramica and Grespania, lights by Arkoslight, vintage glassworks Limburg, textiles by Linge de Maison (Bassols) and curtains by Kvadrat.
In the rooms, they had floor heating installed, it does get nippy in the winter. The old tiles were removed and replaced later. Beautiful.
Location
Turning into the hotel’s street, Carrer de Vicente Lleó, is not like entering the Beverly Wilshire Boulevard. It’s quite the opposite. Some of the buildings are empty, others are somewhat dilapidated and yet it is an interesting street with highly creative elements. We loved it. And in the evening, you pop straight into the best restaurants and bars of the upcoming Ruzafa district. We went for dinner at Le Bar de Vins, a small wine and tapas bar, 5 mins from the hotel. Super nice.
Ideal for
All Pretty Hôtels followers.
Combine with
We would recommend 4-5 days in Valencia and then you might want to head down to Denia by train. We have found a pretty nice AirBnB with sea view called Housita Denia here. And a designer’s dream called Aire House by Studio Marta Woodward. There is also a wonderful beach called Cala del Moraig.
Price
Doubles from 140 euros per night.
Booking & Contacts
La Novieta
Bertrand et Fabien
25 Carrer de Vicente Lleó
46006, Valencia
Spain
