As part of my accessible hotels series, I'm going back to a few of the hotels I've visited since becoming disabled but hadn't yet started blogging when I visited them. One that stood out for me, was NH Hotel Valencia Center. This particular hotel was probably the best hotel I've stayed at in all of my visits to Spain both before and after I became disabled. The NH Hotel Valencia Center is a 4 star hotel situated within a few minutes stroll of Valencia's Old Town.
The suite itself although not tagged as accessible, does have features such as a seat in one of the showers, grab rails, and is spacious enough to navigate around as a wheelchair user. The double sink, toilet and shower combo with walk in dressing area is a big plus in this room. The bedroom is also massively spacious with a TV and super kingsize bed, there is another TV in the living area with Nespresso machine and fully stocked minibar (Minibar is chargeable but reasonably priced).
The hotel has lifts to all floors except the rooftop swimming pool and also has a lift out in reception to aid getting into the restaurant which offers a gorgeous buffet breakfast with plenty to choose from, in fact the buffet was bigger than any I've ever seen at a hotel during breakfast service. The swimming pool is unfortunately on the rooftop with 2 flights of stairs between the nearest lift and the pool however, if you know how stubborn I am, you'll know that I got myself up there by doing a classy bum-shuffle up the stairs - hence the rooftop photos! Even better, is that there is a rooftop bar serving drinks and snacks, meaning that you don't have to drag yourself back down the stairs if you want a drink or bite to eat! The pool does not have a hoist but I found it easy to get in and out of due to the close proximity of the sun-loungers to the poolside. One side of the pool is shaded if you do not want to be in direct sunlight and part of the bar area is also shaded off. Despite being in the middle of the city, the rooftop is a very quiet oasis of calm which is a massive bonus considering that this hotel is one a very few to have a swimming pool in Valencia.
The hotel is within easy reach of the rest of Valencia, including the city of arts and sciences. There is a bus station next to the hotel as well as a taxi rank with good accessibility. There is also a shopping centre nearby with a good choice of shops, restaurants and of course, my favourite department store in continental Europe - El Corte Inglés which translates into The English Court for those not familiar with Spanish. There are also quite a few pharmacies nearby, all whom have English speaking pharmacists.
One big tip I do have for this hotel however, is that you absolutely must make sure you park in the underground car park if driving. There are disabled bays down there and a lift takes you up to street level. There are parking touts in operation who will park you up on the street, and you will get a ticket from the enforcement officers. Please ignore these people and head straight to the underground car park if you go. The good news, is that hotel guests get discounted parking in this car park so don't be put off by the charges that you see at first.
Look out for my next 2 posts over the coming few days about the French hotels, and the Brittany Ferries crossings from Poole-Cherbourg and back!