Valencia's Hidden Gem: Exe Rey Don Jaime Unveiled!
Exe Rey Don Jaime: Valencia's Almost-Hidden Hero (With Some Quirks) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Valencia and the Exe Rey Don Jaime hotel, and I'm still trying to sort through the tapas-induced haze. This place… well, it's got potential. It's also got a few things that'll make you raise an eyebrow, which, honestly, is half the fun of travel, right? Let's dive in, shall we?
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Alright, back to reality… and the hotel.
First Impressions: The Good, the Glitchy, and the "Huh?"
The lobby? It's grand. Think polished marble, chandeliers that actually work, and a front desk that's surprisingly efficient. They certainly got the "welcome" vibe down. Check-in was thankfully Contactless check-in/out (bless the tech gods!), which is a massive win in this current climate. Plus, a doorman, always nice for that extra touch. And the elevator? Yes, thank goodness for the elevator. Facilities for disabled guests were advertised, and from what I saw, it seemed pretty legit, which is a huge plus. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property made it feel secure, even if the resolution was about as crisp as my Spanish.
Now, for the quirks. The first thing I noticed? The sheer size of the place. It's HUGE. And that means… lots of hallways, potential for getting lost, and a slight feeling of being in a corporate maze. (Not a bad thing, necessarily, just… a thing).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Thankfully Leaning Positive
Look, I’m lucky enough to be mobile, but I always pay attention to accessibility because, frankly, everyone deserves a great holiday. And on this front, the Exe Rey Don Jaime actually does pretty well. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, definitely. The hallways are wide, elevators readily available, and I spotted ramps where needed. I didn't test out a room myself, but from the descriptions, and the hallways and public areas, it seemed legit. Good to know they are trying their best.
Rooms: A Sanctuary… With Minor Discrepancies
My room? Okay, let’s be real for a second. It was clean. Spotlessly clean. Rooms sanitized between stays, absolutely a relief. The room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch, allowing you to choose your level of germ-phobia. Air conditioning worked like a charm (essential in Valencia's summer heat), and the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. Free Wi-Fi [free] and Internet access – wireless were a lifesaver, although the signal did sometimes drop out in the deepest recesses of the room (which, as a writer, is not ideal when you need to upload a review!). Additional toilet was not available in my room.
Amenities: Spa Day Dreams Died a Slow Death
This is where things get a little… bumpy.
- Spa/sauna – advertised, and the descriptions sound lovely. But and it's a big but, I didn't get to experience it. Time was limited and booked in advance. I'd suggest you call ahead and absolutely book something. Next time!
- Gym/fitness – Yep, there's a gym. Looked decent. I have a personal vendetta against gym equipment, so I steered clear. Your mileage may vary.
- Swimming pool – Swimming pool [outdoor] : The pool with Pool with view looked stunning. It was a welcome relief from the heat.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage – I'm starting to develop a bit of a complex over the spa, but the massages sounded divine!
- Steamroom – See spa, except I was not there.
Dining: A Fiesta of Flavors (and Occasional Confusion)
The Restaurants, plural, are a highlight. The A la carte in restaurant felt fancy and the service was generally excellent. Plus, they have a Vegetarian restaurant! This is a major win. Breakfast [buffet] was a feast. Seriously, the Breakfast [buffet] was a proper event. The Buffet in restaurant had everything you could dream of: Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, fresh fruit, pastries, and enough coffee to keep me wired for days.
Asian cuisine in restaurant was amazing!
Coffee/tea in restaurant was superb!
Poolside bar was also a winner.
Safe dining setup. – felt incredibly safe, with Individually-wrapped food options, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Staff trained in safety protocol. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was observed rigorously.
Cleaning protocols: The commitment to Cleanliness and safety was evident, with Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas.
Room service [24-hour] – Perfect after a long night of tapas!
Snack bar – Convenient when you need a quick bite.
Things to Do and Getting Around: Location, Location, Location!
The Exe Rey Don Jaime's location is a dream. You're within easy reach of everything Valencia has to offer. Walking distance to the old town! I could walk there, which is saying something because, well, I mentioned the paella!
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer – convenient and worth it.
- Car park [free of charge] – Bonus!
- Taxi service – readily available.
Services and Quirks:
- Concierge – Helpful and friendly, always there to help.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service – Super convenient for travelers.
- Cashless payment service – Smooth.
- Family/child friendly is advertised and the kids facilities are advertised.
- Pets allowed unavailable: I have been told do not bring your furry friends, however.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, the Exe Rey Don Jaime isn't perfect. But it's got character. It's got a fantastic location. It's got clean rooms, a killer breakfast, and enough amenities to keep you occupied (if you actually manage to use them all!). Yes, it's a big hotel, but it felt safe, the staff were (mostly) lovely, and ultimately, it delivered a solid Valencia experience.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 (with a slight asterisk for the elusive spa experiences!). Highly recommended, assuming you like your hotels with a side of… well, the occasional unexpected adventure. Go. Eat paella. Enjoy. And tell them I sent you!
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Valencia, Here I Come (Maybe With a Slightly Screwy Plan)
Okay, so Valencia. Sun-drenched shores, the scent of paella, the promise of… well, a slightly chaotic adventure, if my travel style is anything to go by. I've tried to make a plan, but let's be honest, it's more of a suggestion. A loose suggestion. And I'm staying at the Hotel Rey Don Jaime, which, honestly, sounds appropriately regal for the whole thing. Let's see how this royal plan holds up against my usual level of disaster…
Day 1: Arrival and the "Everything is Shiny!" Phase
- Morning (or, the Time I Wake Up After the Flight): Arrive at Valencia Airport (VLC), navigate the slightly confusing airport signage (why are all the signs in… Spanish?!), and eventually find the Metro. Cross my fingers I don't get lost underground. My Spanish is… well, let's say "enthusiastic" rather than "fluent."
- Mid-morning (or, the Time I Finally Arrive at the Hotel): Check into the Hotel Rey Don Jaime. Hopefully, the room isn't a shoebox. I'm hoping for something with a balcony, because, you know, romance. Probably have a mini-heart attack when I see how beautiful the hotel is and then settle down.
- Lunch (or, the Hangry Meltdown Hour): Stumble out of the hotel, ravenous. Find a restaurant near the Plaza de la Virgen. Aiming for something authentic, but let’s be real, I’ll probably end up ordering the first thing I recognize on the menu – probably jamón – and then feel slightly guilty at not being more adventurous. Oh, and I will spill something on myself. It's practically a tradition.
- Afternoon (or, the "Overwhelmed Tourist" Shuffle): Wandering around the Ciutat Vella (Old Town). The cathedral, the Silk Exchange, the Central Market… I'll probably spend most of my time gawking at the architecture, getting hopelessly lost in the narrow, winding streets, and completely forgetting about my meticulously crafted itinerary.
- Evening (or, the "Trying to Look Sophisticated" Dinner): Dinner at a tapas bar. This is where things get interesting. I'll try to order in Spanish, fail spectacularly, and probably end up with a plate of something I didn’t expect. Then, I'll attempt to look like I know what I'm doing with the tiny forks. Wine, I suspect, will be liberally involved. Specifically, a nice local white. Because… Valencia and white wine. Duh. Then, back to the hotel because, let's face it, jet lag is a beast.
Day 2: Paella Panic and a Seaside Dream (Maybe a Swim if Temps Allow)
- Morning (or, "Paella Perfection Challenge"): This is the big one. Paella day. Book a paella cooking class because if I can't cook paella, at least I can fake it. I'm envisioning myself as some sort of Spanish Julia Child, effortlessly tossing rice and saffron. Reality will likely involve me setting something on fire and nearly poisoning myself with too much spice. I'm going to lean into the chaos.
- Lunch (or, the Fruition of Hours of Labor!): Eating the paella! Hopefully, it won't be a complete disaster. Regardless, the whole experience will be hilarious.
- Afternoon (or, the "Beach Bliss Attempt"): Head to Playa de la Malvarrosa, Valencia's main beach. I envision myself strolling along the sand, feeling the sun on my face, effortlessly graceful and elegant. The reality will probably involve me getting sand in every crevice of my being, struggling to put my beach umbrella up, and possibly tripping over a rogue volleyball. But hey, the sea! The salty air! Bliss.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (or, "Sunset and Snacks"): Find a chiringuito (beach bar) and watch the sunset with a drink (likely a horchata, the local tiger-nut milk drink – I'm trying to be cultured, okay?). Maybe order more tapas, because, why not? The beach is never the wrong choice… even if I arrive covered in sand.
Day 3: City of Arts and Sciences (Or, My Mind Blown)
- Morning (or, "Architectural Wonders"): Explore the City of Arts and Sciences. This place… it’s like something out of a sci-fi movie! The Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema), the Oceanogràfic (aquarium), the science museum… I’m going to feel like a kid again. Prepare for lots of "oohs" and "aahs." I will definitely get a little teary-eyed at the dolphins or the whale exhibit.
- Lunch (or, the "Quick Bite That's Probably a Little Overpriced"): Grab lunch near the City of Arts and Sciences. Expect to pay a premium. Tourist trap alert! But the views will probably be worth it. Try to avoid the obvious "tourist" restaurants – go for something a little more obscure, even if it means wandering a bit.
- Afternoon (or, "Shopping Spree (or, the Attempt Thereof)"): Head to the Colón Market for some shopping! (if the wallet allows). Browse the shops, buy some souvenirs (probably a ceramic plate or, god forbid, a bullfighting figurine) and maybe get a little too carried away. Then, probably have to negotiate the prices because I have a very bad poker face.
- Evening (or, the "Trying to Be Fancy" Finale): Dinner at a restaurant with a view, perhaps overlooking the Turia Gardens. Dress up (slightly). Drink something expensive. Reflect on my slightly shambolic, but ultimately wonderful, Valencian adventure. Then, prepare for the inevitable packing panic before the flight home.
- This itinerary is a suggestion, if I don't do all of it. That's fine! It would be awesome to do it all, but it would be great nonetheless.
My Valencia Reflections (Possibly Rambling):
Okay, so that's the plan. Emphasis on “plan.” I'm sure it will be wildly different once I'm actually there. I'm already anticipating the language barrier struggles, the inevitable wrong turns, and the general feeling of being a bewildered tourist. But that's part of the fun, right?
I'm excited! A little scared (flying is still a thing), but mostly excited. I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere, eat all the tapas, and maybe, just maybe, learn how to cook a decent paella. Or at least not burn the kitchen down. Fingers crossed.
And you know what? Even if I end up mostly lost and covered in sangria, it’ll still be an adventure. And that? That's what really matters. I'll try and post some photos from the hotel! Wish me luck!
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Valencia’s Not-So-Secret Secret: Exe Rey Don Jaime…Unveiled (Mostly!)
Okay, spill it. What *actually* is the Exe Rey Don Jaime? Is it fancy? Is it…dumpy?
Alright, alright, settle down. The Exe Rey Don Jaime is a hotel. A *hotel* hotel, in the heart (ok, maybe just *around* the heart) of Valencia. Fancy? Ehhh, depends on your definition. It’s not the Ritz. It's not *awful*. Let's call it…comfortably understated. Think solid mid-range with a dash of charm attempting to break free. I'd say it leans towards functional rather than flamboyant. My first impression? Slightly beige (color, not attitude). The lobby is…well, it’s a lobby. It *exists*.
And the dumpy part? Well, let me tell you a story…
Tell the Story! Is the story any good?
Fine, fine! So, the first time I stayed there, I was dragging a suitcase the size of a small car. I’m talking, the wheels were practically begging for mercy. I hauled myself in, sweating like a… well, like someone who’d just lugged a mini-fridge across a cobblestone street. The elevator? A charming little beast. Let’s just say it sounded like a disgruntled robot slowly ascending to the heavens. I, sweating, waited. The room? *Decent*. Clean, which is always a win. But… there was a slight *musty* smell. Like a grandma's attic mixed with a hint of optimistic air freshener. The windows? They looked out onto a…wall. Sigh. But, hey, it had a bed.
And that bed... that bed was a champion. Seriously, I’m a light sleeper, and I crashed so hard that night, I dreamt I was a sentient pillow. So, maybe the lack of sunlight was a blessing in disguise – I'd have been up at the crack of dawn!
What’s the location like, geographically-speaking? Is it near the beach? Or is it, like, in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, location, location, location! This is where the Exe Rey Don Jaime actually scores some serious points. It's *pretty* darn central, which is a huge bonus, especially if you're a tourist like… well, like *me*! You're within easy walking distance of some seriously cool stuff: the Turia Gardens (gorgeous!), the old town (gorgeous, too), and some truly killer tapas bars (gorgeous AND delicious!).
The beach? Not *right* there, but a manageable tram ride away. So, no, you're not waking up with sand between your toes, but a quick trip and you’re soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Think of it as a strategic, non-beachfront, central pivot point for your Valencia adventures.
Breakfast? Is it a proper continental? Or something…worse.
Breakfast, oh *breakfast*. This is where my feelings get…complicated. It *is* a buffet, after all. Buffets are a beautiful, messy compromise. You get quantity, but the quality can be…variable.
The Exe Rey Don Jaime's breakfast? It’s…adequate. There’s the usual suspects: cold cuts that look a bit too uniform (are they *all* the same brand?), pastries that are sometimes fresh, sometimes…slightly stale, and the obligatory scrambled eggs. And, oh, the coffee! It’s that slightly bitter, slightly watery, “I need five cups to awaken” kind of coffee. Look, it’ll fill a hole. But don’t go expecting gourmet. I once even ate a single, forlorn-looking sausage. It tasted like...a sausage. But it served a purpose.
My advice? Load up on the fruit (when it's ripe), embrace the ham, and then go find a proper coffee shop outside. Seriously. Your tastebuds will thank you.
What about the staff? Helpful? Or…hiding?
Ah, the staff. This is where the Exe Rey Don Jaime *really* shines. Honestly, the staff are great! They’re generally super friendly and helpful. They speak decent English (my Spanish is… well, let's just say pointing and smiling is a core component of my "conversations") and they're patient with clueless travellers like me. They're always ready to offer directions, recommendations, and the most important thing of all… a smile! I once tripped over a suitcase in the lobby (clumsy, I know). They rushed over to help, and even *managed to stifle their laughter*! That, my friends, is a sign of true professional grace.
Look, they're not going to be offering you personalized concierge services and drawing you bath. They are fantastic at finding tourist information, helping out with a taxi or just generally being *nice*. The staff are actually the best part of the whole experience! Or perhaps the bed.
The Pool! Does it have a pool?
Yes, there is a pool. Don't get *too* excited. You're not going to be swimming laps. It's more of a...dipping pool. A place to dangle your feet and pretend you're relaxing. It's on the roof, which gives you a somewhat nice view of the city. But it's not huge. Expect to share it. The sun loungers? Get there early. I mean, really early, or you will be sat in the scorching Spanish sun. If you are lucky, you will get some shade, and it's a pretty nice escape from the bustling city.
I've never actually *used* it. Because, you know, laziness. But it looks…okay. Clean, at least. And the thought of a rooftop pool in Valencia is undoubtedly a bonus. Just keep your expectations realistic. It's the kind of pool you dream about while sweating in a stuffy bus, not the kind you use all the time.
What's the *best* thing about the Exe Rey Don Jaime? And the worst?
Okay, here’s the hard truth, the *unvarnished* truth. The *best* thing? The *location*. Seriously, being able to step out the door and be *right there* in the heart of things…that’s worth its weight in gold (or churros, which is what you'll want to buy). You can walk everywhere, lose yourself, and then find your way back easily. Absolute magic! I actually got lost once (shocking, I know). But I just wandered back to the hotel. It’s a safe, comfortable anchor in a city full of delicious possibilities.
The *worst*? The…well, the overall feeling of slightly… *meh*. It's not a destination in itself. It’s not going to blow your mind. It’s a place toLuxury Stay Blog
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