The Westin Valencia

After staying at many Marriott properties around the world, I would say this is the best one so far. Great staff, excellent rooms and a fantastic buffet. I'd definitely recommend this hotel.

Stayed at the Westin Valencia for 3 days in December. In hindsight, my wife and I agreed that we should have spent a day or two less in Madrid and a day or three longer in Valencia on our way to Barcelona. The Westin is easy walking distance to the Old City section. To get to the Mediterranean Sea, plan on a taxi, as it is 3-4 miles; but if you're looking for a higher-end hotel within walking distance of numerous cultural sights, as well as fantastic streets lined with all kinds of restaurants, the Westin is it. Compared to many of the places in Europe in which we've stayed, the Westin has very large, spacious rooms; high-ceilings, bathroom very separated from the actual bedroom, and a large patio terrace. The staff was very professional and service-oriented. We had two rooms, with our young adult sons in the room next to us; we never heard a peep through the walls. While we are almost purely Marriott customers (and in fact the rooms were both paid for via points), I will call out Marriott if service or the rooms does not live up what I see as their standards after almost 35 years of using Marriott properties overseas. In this case, both my wife and I agreed that this was the nicest hotel in which we stayed during our family vacation to Spain. We did NOT get room service, as I didn't travel to Valencia for room service (because Valencia claims to be the birthplace of paella), but we did visit the downstairs garden area for some refreshments; just so relaxing. We just felt very comfortable and relaxed for our stay. While it wasn't on my list of places to visit, because I had no idea it existed, there is a museum of Spanish military history within a 2 minute walk of the Westin. My youngest son and I visited while the others visited yet another cathedral, and I cannot recommend the museum enough. Quirky, free, and my son and myself were the ONLY patrons there during our over 2-hour visit. Cannot recommend that enough, just like the Westin. Also, spend a few hours at the Roman ruins in Tarraco, Terragona, about 30 minutes outside Valencia. What a family vacation over Christmas.