La Novieta Boutique Hotel, Valencia: Founder Interview, Story & Local Recommendations
What is La Novieta’s Story?
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Hi Betrand, thanks for coming on! About your story, if you’re able to discuss it a little bit more.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
I was working 25 years in Paris as a Marketing Director. I needed a change, reaching that age that all your friends have kids. So you’re kind of only living on memories and nostalgia. I was living for 40-45 years Paris at that time. I always wanted to live somewhere and always felt very close to Spain. First of all, before the pandemic, I came here to visit a friend and fell in love with the city. The pandemic happened, I spent it in Paris and the second pandemic I had the chance to spend it here in Valencia.
As I was passing by, I saw this house. And I thought to myself “why not” to do something with this house. Initially, if I’m honest, I didn’t think about doing a hotel. I already had an apartment in Ruzafa. I first thought about selling the apartment in Ruzafa and have something bigger here.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
So you were already living here in Ruzafa?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes. I was commuting a lot with my job in Paris.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Second pandemic happened. I said to myself - I have no kids - there is very little risk for me to try. What I didn’t first realise that how this whole place was a wreck. It is also a protected building. So I had to go through all the historical building department - so it turned out that it was going to be a lot more expensive. With the pandemic, prices have gone up a lot.
So at the end, it was much more money to invest. So I said to myself, okay - lets give it a try and make it like a commercial space. So the easiest way for me was to make it into a hotel.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Could you describe to me as well more about what you mean by protected space?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
So the facade, the roof are protected. You really had to becareful.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Do you know what this was before?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
On the parallel street next to this one, it was the former Rail Trail. So it was very close by, the train station. All the ground floors here were storage. They were storing here oil at the time. People were also living upstairs. Olive oil I believe. Before, it was also fields and it was belonging to the family. The family was living here since the 70 - 80s. They expected their sons to take over the house. But it never happened. Then it was occupied by squatters for 30 years. Then after that - they left and it was completely empty. It was a wreck here.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
So at first, it was like a passion project and then you said okay let me take this a little bit further.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes. This is as well why it’s called “La Novieta”. In Spanish it means little girlfriend. So it’s the first girlfriend when you are a teenager.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Aa! So it’s yours too!
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes - like love at first sight!
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Before you came here, did you know Spanish?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
No! At the time - I couldn’t say a word. I am half croatian. At the time, I was learning German, English. But nothing of Spanish. Now I can handle most situations!
What Drew Us to Ruzafa: A Local Neighbourhood with Soul
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Even though gentrification is starting in Ruzafa, But until 7-8 years ago, there was (and is) that buzzing district - you could feel that energy here. There were almost no tourists. It was very good vibes, great energy, nice people, very artistic, the culinary scene was exploding. You had it all! Really nice buildings.
Preservation and Unique Features of the Hotel
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
You mentioned upstairs when I spoke to you - some of the tiles, the beams etc. What parts of this building have you kept?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes - basically all the doors, the tiles, the roof, the handrails, the glass windows are also the original ones (the stained glass windows), the ceiling as well is original and the main entrance door.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Is there anything part of the Hotel that is your most unique feature that you personally like?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
As you can see, I am really into second hand. So I am very good at finding nice pieces.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Yes, the design is beautiful. Orante, but minimal.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes, well, some people feel like I am into maximalism.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Really! I didn’t think so!
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes, I think I’m a good balance between maximalism and minimalism.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
You should come to the UK! It’s really like - wow.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
In Spain, some feel like it’s a lot. But for me, it’s a good balance. I love old stones. And i like to combine old with new. This is from the 50s, this in 18th century, this is the 70s.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
It’s very beautiful and has that elevated feel to it.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes, it gives soul. I love colours. I am really into colours and fabrics.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
And I like your sculptures too. Which you also have outside.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes, I like all kind of art.
Sustainability at La Novieta: Thoughtful Design and Responsible Practices
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
So, as I mentioned, I work in sustainability. You mentioned about preserving different things that are already here. Are there other things?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes, we have solar panels, air source heat pumps, heated floor. Everything is second hand, we recycle everything. The vegetation is cacti - to avoid pumping too much water. The food is all seasonal and local.
Everything you see here - if they’re new - are from local providers (Arkoslight SL - the lighting) is from Valencia. Everything is from Valencia, including the second hand items - to minimise the impact.
Dining at La Novieta: What’s On the Menu
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
What do you serve here?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Guests have a choice if they want breakfast. For Breakfast - 1 drink, 1 orange drink, cheese, fruit, honey granola etc. Usually I make a zucchini or tomato tart. I also do my own croissant and bread.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
The guests are luckily here to have a Parisian making their bread and croissants!
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
They’re happy! They’re not complaining haha!
What Guests Love Most About La Novieta?
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
In terms of your guests, what intrigues them the most about La Novieta?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
That is the Boutique hotel. They have done their home work. They know that I am not in the city city centre. It’s more of an experience. They expect more of a personal connection.
When is the Best Time to Visit Valencia?
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
The Best Season is almost the whole year. On my side - the best is the whole year, aside from July and August. It depends each person.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Yes, when it’s steaming hot and with tourists.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Yes, everyone is different. Honestly from September - June is paradise.
Fall you will having amazing colours in the sky. You have all these amazing sunsets after September. In Winter, you have all the orange trees everywhere. During the day it’s 24 degrees, but for sure at night it drops to 11 degrees, but still - an amazing feeling. In Spring, it’s blooming, people are also very happy, it’s warmer. Basically the whole year!
Things to Do Near Ruzafa: Local Tips and Favourite Spots for Guests
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
Well the City of Arts is just a 10 minute walk. Ruzafa is 1 minute walk. The entrance to the City Centre - by the North Train Station - 10 minutes walk.
You feel like you’re in the countryside.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Yes, it’s so quiet and tranquil.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
It is right! I think it’s great to go out at night here. Very lively and very vibrant here. This is what makes it unique here.
Betrand (Founder - La Novieta Boutique Hotel):
There’s a new concept as well, Veneno House in Ruzafa. It just opened. A nice initiative started from young people - I believe it’s really worth supporting that. Then, there is good restaurants. For example, Dos Estaciones - it’s not a michelin star (it’s part of the Michelin Guide thought!), but it’s that vibe.
Mulitiple meals, very good, very affordable, Spanish.
More casual that I really like - Los Madriles Taberna. It’s closeby Dos Estaciones.
For the best Paella, it’s Goya Gallery.
For a wine bar - La Patrona. It’s owned by an Italian girl. She has a selection of wines that are incredible. She changes her selection a lot and all around Europe. She is very gifted.
Nefelie Kalavrezou (Eco Travel Inspo):
Amazing, thank you so much for having me now!