AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott

I asked on my second day to cancel and refund breakfast for the rest of my stay, since waiting so long each morning was a waste of time. The staff refused, saying it was included in my package, even though that package cost more than the one without breakfast. Breakfast ends at 10 AM, and the restaurant is far too small for the number of guests. Every morning the line was huge, and it took about 30 minutes just to get seated. That’s unbelievable for a hotel. Very disappointing.

The staff are super nice and speak English, and the area feels very safe. You can walk to the City of Arts and Sciences, and it’s an easy taxi ride to Old Town. The rooms are narrow and very small, though they’re nice enough. I’d have given four stars if smoking were banned on the terrace. My son and I went outside to read, and every table around us had someone smoking. We ended up breathing it in, and what could’ve been a lovely breezy evening was ruined. I wish Marriott would show more consideration for non-smokers instead of giving in to people who smoke without caring about the effect on others. If they want to smoke, they should go stand in the street. I’m really sick of this policy, and I won’t give a business a great review if I’m made to breathe smoke I didn’t choose. I’m a lifetime Platinum Elite member, and this ruined the stay for me.

Breakfast was a mess, with too many people for the restaurant and service that felt slow and haphazard. For a short stay in Valencia, though, the hotel worked well. It’s close to public transport, right in the newer districts, and near the museums and opera house.

The food and drinks were good, and the staff were friendly and helpful. I stayed for a few days around the Valencia Half marathon. They made good arrangements for runners on race day, and the hotel is about a 30-minute walk from the start and finish. If you’re running the Valencia half, this is a good place to stay.