Valencia for under £100 a night . . .

Spain’s third largest city offers diverse architecture, buzzy nightlife — and delicious paella

Apologies to gaudi and other devotees of Barcelona, but Valencia is every bit the equal of the Catalan capital when it comes to buildings that stop you in your tracks. spain’s third largest city is also one of the most exuberant, blending daring designs with superlative seafood, sensational street art and the greatest paella you’ll ever taste.

Where to stay

■ Rooms Ciencias

SOME locals claim this place is a mere hostel. Not a bit of it. It’s a superb value hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the City of Arts And Sciences complex. Rooms are white, minimal and Scandi in design, while the staff are a font of local knowledge, encouraging you to use the (cheap and safe) bus network rather than taking cabs. B&B doubles from £90, roomsciencias.com

■ Ad Hoc Monumental

THERE’S nothing monumental about the size of this bijou, late 19th-century townhouse. Close to the gardens on the dry Turia riverbed, there’s a rickety charm about the curled ceiling beams, tiled floors and patio garden. oozing old Valencia character, it’s on a side street that’s surprisingly quiet for somewhere so central. B&B doubles from £92, adhochotels.com

■ Primus

THE exterior of this huge complex screams corporate tedium. But inside is vastly more creative, with a spooky, galactic-sized reception area, with indoor and outdoor pool, plus late checkout of 2pm. B&B doubles from £91, hotelprimusvalencia.com

■ Melia Plaza

THERE aren’t many european cities where a room bang in the centre is yours for under £100 but melia Plaza manages the feat with panache in a wedding cake building with an outdoor terrace with knockout views over the city.

Breakfast is a mighty £30 extra, so walk across to Placa de l’Ajuntament for a huge jamon Iberico bocadillo at the Beher cafe for £4.20. B&B Doubles from £99, melia.com