Caro Hotel Valencia: Exclusive Interview, Story & Local Recommendations
What is Caro Hotel’s Story?
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Hi Inés, it's really lovely to be talking to you currently, we are at the Caro Hotel and I would love to know a bit more about your story of the hotel.
Inés Roca (Caro Hotel):
Yes of course, This hotel is very unique because it’s the only historic monument hotel here in Valencia and well just this building has a lot of history. It starts from the Second Century when the Roman Circus was here in Valencia and we have the ruins of that Roman Circus, we have stones that were part of the finish line. So that’s where it starts. But later on it continues, for example in the 13th century we also have the remains of the Arabic Wall that’s round the Old Town and it’s a very important part of the story in Valencia. The most recent thing is that from the 19th century this building was a Palace of the Marquis of Caro. That is why the name of the Hotel is what it is.
They made the Hotel, but respecting everything that was found. Everything that we have here, the part of the wall or all the other things are the original as they found them.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
That’s amazing. That’s amazing. The level of preservation needed for that - that’s incredible.
Inés Roca (Caro Hotel):
Yes, there was a lot of work to build the hotel, respecting everything, but it’s nice to preserve these things so they don’t get forgotten.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Yes, of course. Immediately when you enter the Hotel you see that. It’s a very visible kind of aspect for any guest when they come in.
Inés Roca(Caro Hotel):
Yes, it’s like a kind of Museum also. A lot of people come to us and say “can I come inside and just have a look?” Well it’s part of the history of Valencia, so of course we let them in.
Other unique features that guests love?
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
You mentioned this level of uniqueness - in terms of guests. What would you say are other areas of uniqueness or other features that are unique that guests would love?
Inés Roca (Caro Hotel):
This Hotel is special, because ultimately it is unique. It’s something from so many different centuries that you are being part of the story of Valencia when you are here.
It’s not a Hotel where everything was built from zero, it’s part of the story and there’s no other thing like this. No other place that has the Arabic Wall from the 13th century or Stones from the Roman Circus from the Second Century. So that makes it feel like a special place.
But also what makes it special here is that every room is different from each other. There are no standard rooms that are all the same. Every room has different features from different centuries and every room has its own story.
I think it's also nice when it’s not only the hotel, but also in your room, you know you're in a unique room with a different story.
It’s also a Boutique Hotel - we have the common areas, the whole reception, the bar, the terrace of the bar that has a pool and we also have the restaurant - it’s used as a breakfast room or meeting rooms also.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
That’s amazing. The Palace that this was - essentially each room is kept to what each room was previously. That’s incredible.
What Makes This a Thoughtful, Responsible Stay?
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Could you also tell me a little bit more about - obviously we are talking a lot about the history and the culture here - but anything else in terms of sustainability? Any other things that conscious travellers would love to know?
Inés Roca (Caro Hotel):
Sustainability is one of the main values at Caro Hotel - it was this year we got a recognition in sustainability. We won an award this year. We are always taking actions to make the Hotel as sustainable as possible. For example, we don’t have any plastic bottles. Also we check our systems and maintenance so they don’t waste too much energy or water.
The Hotel is also always trying to innovate. For example, some processes of the Hotel to use more technology - within the system.
For guests in the room, there’s more technology too — like direct access to the hotel’s WiFi and a WhatsApp number where you can easily make requests. The goal is never to replace people or service - because that’s a very important part here of the Hotel, that’s what the guests value the most.
But it’s an addition, an extra help. It’s interesting, because you hear with Hotels like: “no, in the future, technology will be used in the Hotel and people won’t be needed in the Hotel. A machine is going to do your check-in ..”. We are trying to use that technology, not to remove people but as a help. One thing compliments another.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Absolutely and when we talk about sustainability and even the luxury experience, a key thing is that personable service and that experience and you are able to connect with the people of the Hotel and that brings you closer. Also, it brings you closer to the destination and the location of where you are at.
Inés Roca (Caro Hotel):
Yes, it’s a way to bring more value and a way to make the experience better and easier. If we can help with that direct connection, it’s easier if you want or need something.
Always, we are trying to compliment something - never trying to take it away.
We are also seeing how technology can be introduced in the Hotel to help our staff. For example, with the people working in the kitchen. I don’t know what it’s called in English but “exoesqueletos” (supportive exoskeletons), for their posture and body.
So when you’re working for so long and you’re standing and not sitting. They need extra support to help them.
Best Things to Do Near the Hotel – Recommended by the Team
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Great. We are just outside of Barrio Del Carmen. What would you recommend for guests that come here and that you absolutely love?
Inés Roca (Caro Hotel):
Here in the Old Town, I would say The Cathedral - it’s amazing to see. Central Market is also a beautiful building and has an amazing atmosphere inside. It’s very authentic - I like it a lot.
Those two are my favourite. The Tower of Serranos is part of the story and also part of our story. Because - if the Wall continued and continued it would have arrived at those Towers around the Old Town.
Why Guests Fall in Love with Caro Hotel
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
When guests come here, what would you say is their most memorable or favourite thing about Caro Hotel?
Inés Roca (Caro Hotel):
First - when they come here, as mentioned - they know they are not in a typical Hotel and they are in a Hotel with a lot of history.
This is also a boutique Hotel and they value the service a lot here. We are very personalised, we focus a lot on each guest. What everyone needs. You are not just one room number. We take care a lot and make them feel at a lot of Hotel.
Hotel Team Background and Culture
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
May I ask, are you from Valencia?
Inés Roca (Caro Hotel):
I am not originally from Valencia, but I have been here already for 8 years - so yes, more or less.
Here, there are people from Valencia for their whole life and there are also people from other cities in Spain - like me, but have been here for a long while - and other people from other countries.
It’s also great to mix culture, makes you more open.
This Hotel, the guests that we usually have are from other countries so it’s nice having a possibility to meet working people from other countries. In both ways, it makes you be more open and knowing their cultures and can empathise a lot with the guests.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Exactly, as guests as well can meet as well other locals, other Spaniards, other people from other areas of the world.
Thank you so much Inés for your time!