In Valencia, a ruined building transforms into a luxury boutique hotel

At the heart of the historic Xerea district, on the emblematic Plaza de los Patos, a long-awaited hotel project is finally taking flight. A formerly dilapidated building, at numbers 28 to 32 Calle del Mar, is being transformed into a boutique hotel, under the management of the SH Hoteles chain. A symbol of the revitalisation of Valencia’s city centre, designed for a clientele seeking refined authenticity.

Valencia, rising capital of high-end tourism

Strong in its heritage and a vibrant gastronomic scene, Valencia has risen to become one of Europe’s leading destinations. In its historic centre, authorities are now favouring small, high-value-added hotels, to the detriment of tourist apartments whose expansion has been regulated. This orientation aims for more qualitative tourism, better integrated into the urban fabric.

Eight years to revive a building

The Ballester group, behind the initiative, acquired the buildings on Calle del Mar in 2018. Eight years were needed to overcome administrative hurdles, obtain licences, and adapt the concept to strict heritage protection rules. The completion of this phase marks a turning point for this project, emblematic of the challenges of revitalising old buildings in the city centre.

A preserved façade, vestiges to be revealed

Protected for its heritage value, the main façade will be preserved, as will the old sign of the « Forn Pastisseria Virgen de la Cabeza », a bakery that marked the district for decades. Interior work has given way to a mandatory archaeological intervention phase, likely to reveal vestiges that could be integrated into the hotel’s final design, enriching its narrative.

SH Hoteles, specialist in historic buildings

Designed as a four-star boutique establishment with around thirty rooms, the hotel will focus on personalised attention and refined gastronomy. Its management will be handled by SH Hoteles, a Valencian chain renowned for its unique properties located in character buildings, such as the SH Inglés Boutique Hotel or the SH Suite Palace.

Our perspective

A few steps from the Centre d’Art Hortensia Herrero, this future hotel will strengthen the cultural ecosystem of the Plaza de los Patos. The gamble on patience and respect for heritage, despite eight years of procedures, offers a model for other European cities facing similar challenges. An address to follow, which will undoubtedly join the good Valencian leads for our readers.

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