Valencia seems rather under-rated but while everyone else is flocking to more obvious city destinations, a stay at the conveniently situated Hotel Balneario Las Arenas will definitely put it on your favourites map.
Restoration from the original 19th structures has lent the hotel a distinct turn of the century elegance. Many of the floors are Italian marble. Its façade, particularly from the back, is rather grand, with ornate balconies and colonnades, and the sort of dramatic staircases you’d like to sweep down in a ball gown. Plenty of seating areas around graceful water features and tamarind trees set the tone- you’re here for unhurried pleasure.
The most striking feature has to be the prominence of the beach, just steps away. No meagre sliver either but an expanse of sand generous enough for sand sculptors to craft enormous Taj Mahals which are still dwarfed by the vast horizon.
The location of the hotel is intriguing. A lively paseo of eateries and bars lies on one side, offering a handy alternative should you wish to eat within ambling distance of the hotel. To the other is, well, nothing. Just huge beach, a wide, well-kept promenade and a series of crumbing, retro buildings. Yes, it’s run down, despite the regeneration attempts associated with the fleeting appearance of the Grand Prix. But it’s got great character and is rather charming.
The most notable aspect of the rooms, apart from the uninterrupted ocean views, is the bathroom ‘hydromassage cabin’. Which I can mostly closely describe as like a jacuzzi standing up. We visited the city in winter, and hotels often have a somewhat ‘echoey’ vibe off peak. Even so, the staff were impeccably helpful and despite their formal attire, took repeated and genuine pleasure from teasing our wandering toddler’s uncontrollable giggles. That gets a big thumbs up from us.
– From US$200
– Prime beach front location
– Lovely grounds, water features and pool areas
– Close to the beautifully futuristic City of Arts & Sciences
– Breakfast was buffet style and although good quality, lacked an a la carte element
– The indoor pool was a bit chilly for winter use
Chris & Hannah
Directors
From the impressive atrium entrance with glass elevators to the nearly 500 works of art dotted around the hotel, Jumeriah Creekside surprises in the nicest possible way. Thoughtful touches throughout the hotel and within the rooms suggest a lot of consideration has been given to making everything easy and convenient for guests.
We stayed in a one bedroom suite which, like the rest of the hotel, was sleek and contemporary in its design. In addition to a large comfortable bed and chaise lounge, the spacious bedroom had a very well set-up desk with AV/ HDMI/ USB points making it particularly useful for business travellers. Just past the walk-in wardrobe was a bathroom well stocked with towels and toiletries and separate toilet and shower and stand-alone bath tub. The suite also had a separate living area and kitchenette and which would be handy for longer stays.
The adjoining Aviation Club has a fully equipped private members gym as well as a host of other sports facilities including a lap pool which are open to hotel guests.
The hotel is located in Deira, in old Dubai, and the rooftop bar, Cu-Ba, has wonderful views over the Creek, towards Burj Khalifa. It’s very close to a metro station and next door to Dubai’s most famous pub, the Irish Village, and the restaurant complex around it. The hotel’s Blue Flame restaurant was excellent but if you fancy eating elsewhere there are plenty of options just outside the hotel.
From the very friendly staff to the scrupulous attention to detail and wonderful artworks, Jumeirah Creekside exceeded our expectations and is a great base near the airport and the historical and cultural attractions of Dubai.
– From US$720 (one bedroom suite); US$280 (superior king room)
– complimentary access to Wild Wadi water park
– complete 24 hour stays from time of check in
– abundance of restaurants just outside the hotel.
– by Dubai standards, the buffet breakfast is disappointing – poorly arranged and not a great selection
– the main pool gets short of loungers at busy times
Steve & Candice
Review Team
Oh how I love a well-lit hotel room. Yes, mood lighting is lovely, but not if you can’t actually see to unpack or read your book.
The rooms at Destiny Hotel are brightly lit and have lots of natural light thanks to big windows (however, all that natural light also calls for dark curtains to help you not wake with the sun …).
A funky modern hotel in the middle of the sleepy town of Baños. I almost feel like I’m in Siem Reap, Cambodia with the bright greens and pinks waking up the bright whites. Music plays in the hallways, but, happily and surprisingly, you can’t hear it in the rooms.
Rooms are very spacious, and have fridges, safes, places to lounge, work, and sleep. On the second floor, there’s a cool bar with a chill-out vibe serving great cocktails (leave time to go up for your welcome drink!). The downstairs restaurant serves a delicious big breakfast (included in rates).
If you’re looking for a modern comfortable stay in Baños, you’ll like the Destiny. Choose a room at the front of the hotel — they have a view toward the main Baños waterfall.
From US$138 (Guestrooms), US$258 (Suites)
– Quiet location in Baños, but still a quick walk to wherever you want to go
– Spacious, brightly-lit modern rooms
– Room darkening shades would ensure a good sleep-in
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
Stylish throughout with excellent restaurants and bars as well as a very cool pool, the Address is a chic haven in Dubai’s vibrant Marina area.
I stayed in an apartment-style premier suite on the 13th floor with magnificent views of the Marina and the hotel’s pool from the private balcony. The suite had a small sitting room with couch and TV although I preferred to laze on the very comfortable bed in front of the second TV or listening to music played from the radio/iPod dock which had excellent sound quality.
The desk in the room was cramped in a corner and in somewhat of an awkward position but came with the room’s own iPad providing hotel information and free internet access in addition to the hotel-wide free wifi.
The bathroom was generously stocked and replenished twice daily and one of the highlights of the suite was soaking in the bath tub looking out at the twinkling lights of Dubai Marina at night.
Down at the infinity pool, surrounded by the towering buildings of the Marina, you’ll find the wifi still works if you want to surf but the loungers are so comfortable you might just doze off in the warm sun. The pool gets busy and it can be a challenge to find an available lounger if you’re not there early.
The club lounge provides breakfast, drinks and nibbles throughout the day. During cocktail hour in the evening, good quality and tasty snacks are also available along with the alcoholic drinks.
The Address is an excellent choice if you want to stay in Dubai Marina while avoiding the traffic congestion closer to the beach area.
– From US$690 (Premier Suite), US$420 (Deluxe Room)
– Fully equipped, full-sized gym
– Marina Mall is attached to the hotel and accessible from the lobby
– Free luxury transfers to/from airport
– Complete 24 hours stay from whatever time you check in
– Slightly disorganised front desk staff
– Slow service in Shades pool side restaurant
Steve & Candice
Review Team