Senator Parque Central Hotel

Luckily enough to have a friend who lived and worked in Valencia, the two of us headed off back to the enchantment of this modernist city to stay in the central and impeccable hotel, Senator Parque Central. We had booked two luscious and spacious rooms kitted out with huge king size bed; I couldn’t resist collapsing on the crisp sheets and stretching across the width of the bed and best of all… it was all for me! The room was decorated neutrally and was flooded with abundant natural light. The marble bathroom was pristine and glossy with bath and shower, and marble sinks.

My friend and I were placed conveniently next to each other, we agreed on a short Spanish siesta and then we would wander about the town in search of the famous Valencian paella for dinner! As we wound our way through the narrow streets, my friend recounted her memories of the place, of this charming yet slightly bizarre city with their yearly celebration of Las Fallas, when they burn down huge sculptures made by the community to represent the new beginning of spring. Although it was getting late and dark, it seemed as if the streets were becoming ever more alive, and I caught myself thinking that perhaps I could become accustomed to this Spanish way of life. It seems that life takes a slower pace and there’s more time to relax and spend time in the company of friends and family—so that is exactly what I was doing!

Satisfied with deep red wine, juicy paella and finished off with some sweet “Horchata” (a milk ground from earth almonds and water) partnered with the traditional “Fartons”, a sweet sponge cake, we wandered back to the hotel, were greeted by the late night staff and retired to our bedrooms for a great night’s sleep.

The next morning we ate breakfast at the hotel, filling ourselves from the wide range buffet before heading back into the enthralling clutch of Valencia. Today we planned to see the Cathedral, dine on some juicy steaks by the park and then take a ride through that splendid, verdant ribbon-like park. Valencia’s park that winds its way throughout the city was once a river. This river was diverted because of being prone to flooding and causing danger for the community. This means that the river bed was then transformed into the beautiful wavy green line that now cuts through city. It was a feature that I loved about the city and my friend also had her own admiration for it, it was here where she used to have her refreshing morning jogs.

Before lunch we stopped off at a churros stall that was mixing fresh churros and chocolate and others lathered with different flavoured toppings. Our stomachs full again we continued on our old town tour but after lunch and the cathedral, I was wondering if we could indulge in another delicious Spanish siesta! With endless hours of daylight here, we could spend the evening in the park and seeing the modern Arts and Sciences centre, whilst still popping back to the Senator Parque Hotel for a cheeky nap!

Tomorrow was already decided, we would indulge in fresh Valencian oranges on the beach and in the Valencian sun!