Curated by Katy

In the heart of the vibrant Ruzafa neighborhood, behind a 19th-century facade, lies the urban oasis YOURS. Here, minimalistic design, great lighting, and craftsman details create a soothing and sophisticated escape from the busy streets of Valencia.

While YOURS was under construction, I watched the progress from the street, walking or riding by weekly to observe the transformation. Knowing the owners, Daphne and Wouter, from before the project began, I could only imagine what they would create. Chatting on a rainy day in the neighborhood over a cappuccino, Daphne described to me all that the intimate boutique hotel would be. For months, I chomped at the bit to see the outcome...

Inside the 19th-century stone entryway lies a minimalistic oasis in the heart of Valencia's colorful and eclectic Ruzafa neighborhood. At YOURS, cool beige linens and walls are paired with sleek wood details that create an atmosphere of absolute calm. Plants and local ceramics add life to the spaces, bringing warmth and softness to the contemporary design and layout. In the courtyard, surrounded by palms, is a small lap pool, a welcoming sanctuary after a busy and potentially hot day in the city.


At a glance

Location: Valencia, Spain

Price: from €129

Rooms: 12

Suitable for: People with disabilities

 

Nearest Airport(s): Valencia Airport (VLC): 20 minutes by cab

Arrive by: Cab or public transport

Open: Year Round

Check in: 3pm Check out: 11am


The Hotel

From the very start, the hotel's owners made deliberate choices to collaborate with local businesses. Working closely with an architectural firm from the neighborhood, they reimagined the centuries-old space into the 12-room hotel it is today.

 

Rooms

The hotel's 12 guest rooms include a range of suites, lofts, apartments, and a penthouse, all designed in a minimalistic style that feels serene. Mediterranean white walls and streamlined wood are the backdrops for the interior spaces. Guest rooms boast comfortable modern amenities like luxurious beds and linens, which are all locally sourced. In the bathrooms, you'll find rain showers and natural, eco-friendly toiletries by the socially conscious Marie Stella Maris. In addition, each room is equipped with a balcony, perfect for catching the Mediterranean breeze and the last rays of the sun.

 

Details

Design features from Valencian furniture brand Viccarbe and lighting company Arkoslight were selected to highlight local makers. In addition, botijos adorn nooks in each room. These ceramic jars were locally made and are inspired by the traditional vessels originally designed to keep water cool for Spanish farmers in the fields centuries ago. They are stunning and sweet and can be purchased from the boutique in the lobby. While the property is contemporary, each carefully selected detail gives YOURS an unmistakable craftsman touch and welcoming vibe.

Food and drink

There is no restaurant on-site, but there is an excellent cafe in the communal lounge. There, you can enjoy a made-to-order breakfast sourced with seasonal, local ingredients. Coffee is provided by Bluebell Coffee Roasters, one of our favorite bean providers, cafes, and female-owned/operated businesses in Valencia. Besides a delicious cup, the small menu includes options like fresh juices, avocado toast, and homemade granola. After a day out exploring, one of the friendly staff will be happy to serve you a beverage you can lazily sip in the courtyard by the pool.

 

The area

Ruzafa, a bustling neighborhood outside the historic walled center of Valencia, was named for the Arabic word for "garden." Today, a solid artistic and cultural scene has bloomed in the area. It is a hub for creatives, workers, immigrants, expats, and life-long locals. At the center of the district is the legendary Mercat de Russafa, which has been the pulse of the neighborhood's everyday life since opening its doors in 1957. You'll also find more contemporary spaces like art galleries, design studios, and cafes lining the streets. And the gastronomic scene is unmatched, with local mom-and-pop establishments side-by-side with a variety of Michelin star eateries. Hip and vibrant, this is a great neighborhood to soak up Valencia's authentic and alternative sides.

 

The Visionaries

After falling in love with Valencia upon first visiting in 2013, Dutch owners Daphne and Wouter dreamed of building their own boutique hotel from scratch. In 2017, after searching for the perfect site, they found the old laundry service building which would become YOURS. Working with local designers throughout the process, they transformed the space into what it is today. A uniquely contemporary property operated with the core values of authenticity, hospitality, and design.

When Daphne and Wouter aren't there (and often even when they are), Kris will be at your service. Kris is another Dutch transplant and knows the city well. She has worked with the owners for years in hospitality before opening YOURS and runs it with the same high-quality, guest-first mentality.

Good to know

When you enter YOURS, you might wonder what smells so lovely. Well, it's the candles burning that they had custom crafted and poured by local artisans. Even better, they sell these candles so you can take the serenity of your stay back home with you. Good Trips travelers receive one complimentary.

Ruzafa is unmistakably one of our favorite Valencia neighborhoods. It is also one of the most lively, with some bars, restaurants, and discos staying open until the wee hours. Don't worry, though, as the neighborhood (and Valencia) is safe, and YOURS is quiet once you cross the threshold.

YOURS loves little ones, but this is an adult-only stay.

Good Trips perks

Signature YOURS scented hand-poured soy wax candle

Promo code: GOODTRIPSXYOURS


 

Sustainability in practice

Behind every detail of YOURS is a well-thought-out decision. The boutique hotel and its staff are committed to transparent and sustainable hospitality practices. Wherever possible, single-use plastics have been eliminated from the hotel. YOURS uses refillable glass bottles inside the hotel to provide guests with filtered water and reusable laundry bags for collecting linens. Cleaning supplies and toiletries are selected with the environment in mind. In outdoor spaces, you'll find native plants, and the high-quality coffee, fruits, and vegetables the kitchen uses for breakfast come from a local provider.

  • Generate greater economic opportunity and benefits for locals

  • Support community projects and initiatives

  • Fair wages are paid to employees

  • Local businesses are promoted to guests

  • Respect the cultural authenticity of the host community

  • Inclusion, respect, and equality are central within the workplace and relationship with the community

  • Culturally aware and sensitive, engendering respect between travelers and locals

  • Provide meaningful connections between travelers and locals

  • Contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance

  • Conserve built and living cultural heritage and values

  • Involve locals in decisions that may directly affect them

  • Site selection protects and respects the local surroundings

  • Waste is reduced or refused, recycled, or composted; zero-waste is ideal

  • Low-to-no plastic use

  • Low-to-no toxin cleaning supplies

  • Low water consumption / water conservation

  • Food is local, seasonal, humane, and organic (and beyond) when possible

  • Bedding and furniture are free from or use minimal toxins in production

  • Toiletries and cosmetics are organic and free from toxins

 
 

Book with promo code GOODTRIPSXYOURS for special incentives.

 

 

Katy Hoogerwerf

Katy is a New Orleans native who grew up shaped by the art, design, music, and famously good food her hometown is known for. Her passion and expertise lie in finding design-led conscious businesses and sharing them with you.

 

 

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