We have been to Valencia several times — once for a basketball tournament, once as a proper family trip — and stayed in two of the hotels on this list. The other eight are ones we shortlisted, checked and would book, and I have said clearly which is which, because I would rather you trusted the two than half-believed all ten.
Valencia is one of the easiest cities in Spain to do with children. It has a beach, a riverbed turned into a nine-kilometre park, and one of the best aquariums in Europe. Where you stay changes the trip quite a lot, though, and the three main areas suit very different holidays.
Which area of Valencia should you stay in with kids?
This is the decision that actually matters, and it comes before choosing a hotel.
| Area | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| City of Arts and Sciences | Families doing the Oceanogràfic and Science Museum; easy access to Turia Gardens | Modern, a bit spread out, less atmosphere in the evening |
| Malvarrosa / the beach | Beach holidays, older kids, summer | 20–30 minutes from the historic centre |
| City centre / Ciutat Vella | First-time visits, walking everywhere, restaurants | Fewer pools, older buildings, smaller rooms |
Our take: if it is your first trip and the children are school age, stay near the City of Arts and Sciences. You are walking distance from the aquarium, the Turia gardens run right past you, and the centre is a short tram or taxi. If it is July or August and the beach is the point, stay at Malvarrosa.
How we chose these — and which ones we have slept in
Being straight about this, because “top 10” lists rarely are.
We have stayed at two: Ilunion Valencia 3 and the Ilunion Aqua. Those two entries are a real review — what the rooms were like, what worked with our kids, what did not.
The other eight are a researched shortlist. For each one I checked the same things a parent needs: whether it genuinely has family rooms or connecting rooms, whether there is a pool and whether children can actually use it, how far it really is from the attractions, and whether the “family-friendly” label means anything beyond marketing.
Where a hotel is excellent but not right for young children, I have said so rather than quietly leaving it off — because knowing what to avoid is as useful as knowing what to book.
1. Ilunion Valencia 3
Based on our Ilunion Valencia 3 review (link: Ilunion Valencia 3: A Complete Review), this hotel is a fantastic choice for families. Located in a central area, it offers spacious family rooms, a kids’ pool, and proximity to local attractions. The welcoming atmosphere and family-oriented services make it a great place for parents traveling with kids. The location also provides easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural sights, making it an excellent base for exploring the city.
2. Ilunion Aqua 4
For those who want to stay near the City of Arts and Sciences, Ilunion Aqua 4 (link: Our Valencia Experience at Ilunion Aqua 3) is a perfect choice. The hotel offers family-friendly rooms, great dining options, and a convenient location close to the Oceanographic and Science Museum. Its proximity to major attractions and the beautiful Turia Gardens makes it an ideal location for families exploring the city.
3. Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort
Area: Malvarrosa Beach · Best for: A beach holiday with the hotel as the destination
Five-star, directly on Malvarrosa, with multiple pools and direct sand access. This is the splurge on the list — if the plan is to spend most of the week between the pool and the beach rather than sightseeing, it is the one that makes that easy.
4. Hotel Malcom and Barret
Area: Near the centre · Best for: Mid-range, good transport links
Modern design hotel close to public transport, which matters more in Valencia than people expect. Good for families who plan to be out all day and want somewhere straightforward to come back to.
5. Hotel Sorolla Centro
Area: City centre · Best for: Budget, walking everywhere
Central, affordable, walking distance to the Mercado Central and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. No pool. This is the one for a short city break where you are out from breakfast until bedtime and the room is just somewhere to sleep.
6. Exe Rey Don Jaime
Area: Opposite the Turia gardens · Best for: The rooftop pool
The rooftop pool is real and it is the reason to book here — Valencia is hot and a pool with a view at six in the evening is worth a lot with children. Opposite the Turia gardens, reasonably placed for the City of Arts and Sciences, about 3 km from the historic centre.
7. The Westin Valencia
Area: Near Turia Gardens · Best for: Luxury with outdoor space
Five-star in a quiet part of the city with a large garden, which is unusual and genuinely useful with children who need somewhere to run that is not a road.
8. Hotel Balandret
Area: Malvarrosa Beach · Best for: Beachfront without the resort price
Steps from the sand, smaller and less expensive than Las Arenas, with a good restaurant. The beach-holiday option for families who do not want a full resort.
9. Hotel Caro
Area: Ciutat Vella (old town) · Best for: Older teenagers, design and history
I am keeping this on the list but changing what it is doing here. Caro is a 26-room hotel in a restored 19th-century palace built over Roman ruins and 12th-century Moorish walls — the only designated historical landmark hotel in Valencia, and a beautiful place to stay.
It is not a family hotel. Children are welcome and extra beds are available for a fee, but it caters more to adults, and the pool is a small plunge pool you cannot swim in.
If you have teenagers who would find sleeping on top of Roman ruins genuinely interesting, it is wonderful. If you have a seven-year-old who wants a pool, book something else. I would rather tell you that than let you find out at check-in.
10. Hotel Primus Valencia
Area: Near City of Arts and Sciences · Best for: Pool plus the aquarium
Large rooms and an outdoor pool, close to the Oceanogràfic and the Science Museum. On paper this is the most straightforwardly family-shaped hotel on the list after the two Iluniones.
Conclusion
Valencia is a wonderful city for family vacations, offering a variety of hotels that cater to the needs of parents and children alike. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront property, a hotel near major attractions, or a place with special amenities for kids, the options above will make your family’s stay in Valencia memorable and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best area in Valencia for families to stay?
The areas around the City of Arts and Sciences and Malvarrosa Beach are great for families.
Do hotels in Valencia offer kids’ entertainment?
Some hotels offer kids’ clubs or entertainment programs during summer. Always check the specific amenities before booking.
Are family suites common in Valencia hotels?
Yes, many hotels offer family rooms, connecting rooms, or apartment-style options.
Is breakfast usually included in hotel stays?
It depends on the booking platform and rate. Many hotels offer breakfast-inclusive deals, especially on official sites.
