YOURS
Curated by Katy
In the heart of the vibrant Ruzafa neighborhood, behind a 19th-century facade, lies the urban oasis YOURS. Here, minimalistic design, great lighting, and craftsman details create a soothing and sophisticated escape from the busy streets of Valencia.
While YOURS was under construction, I watched the progress from the street, walking or riding by weekly to observe the transformation. Knowing the owners, Daphne and Wouter, from before the project began, I could only imagine what they would create. Chatting on a rainy day in the neighborhood over a cappuccino, Daphne described to me all that the intimate boutique hotel would be. For months, I chomped at the bit to see the outcome...
Inside the 19th-century stone entryway lies a minimalistic oasis in the heart of Valencia's colorful and eclectic Ruzafa neighborhood. At YOURS, cool beige linens and walls are paired with sleek wood details that create an atmosphere of absolute calm. Plants and local ceramics add life to the spaces, bringing warmth and softness to the contemporary design and layout. In the courtyard, surrounded by palms, is a small lap pool, a welcoming sanctuary after a busy and potentially hot day in the city.
At a glance
Location: Valencia, Spain
Price: from €129
Rooms: 12
Suitable for: People with disabilities
Nearest Airport(s): Valencia Airport (VLC): 20 minutes by cab
Arrive by: Cab or public transport
Open: Year Round
Check in: 3pm Check out: 11am
The Hotel
From the very start, the hotel's owners made deliberate choices to collaborate with local businesses. Working closely with an architectural firm from the neighborhood, they reimagined the centuries-old space into the 12-room hotel it is today.
Rooms
The hotel's 12 guest rooms include a range of suites, lofts, apartments, and a penthouse, all designed in a minimalistic style that feels serene. Mediterranean white walls and streamlined wood are the backdrops for the interior spaces. Guest rooms boast comfortable modern amenities like luxurious beds and linens, which are all locally sourced. In the bathrooms, you'll find rain showers and natural, eco-friendly toiletries by the socially conscious Marie Stella Maris. In addition, each room is equipped with a balcony, perfect for catching the Mediterranean breeze and the last rays of the sun.
Details
Design features from Valencian furniture brand Viccarbe and lighting company Arkoslight were selected to highlight local makers. In addition, botijos adorn nooks in each room. These ceramic jars were locally made and are inspired by the traditional vessels originally designed to keep water cool for Spanish farmers in the fields centuries ago. They are stunning and sweet and can be purchased from the boutique in the lobby. While the property is contemporary, each carefully selected detail gives YOURS an unmistakable craftsman touch and welcoming vibe.
Food and drink
There is no restaurant on-site, but there is an excellent cafe in the communal lounge. There, you can enjoy a made-to-order breakfast sourced with seasonal, local ingredients. Coffee is provided by Bluebell Coffee Roasters, one of our favorite bean providers, cafes, and female-owned/operated businesses in Valencia. Besides a delicious cup, the small menu includes options like fresh juices, avocado toast, and homemade granola. After a day out exploring, one of the friendly staff will be happy to serve you a beverage you can lazily sip in the courtyard by the pool.
The area
Ruzafa, a bustling neighborhood outside the historic walled center of Valencia, was named for the Arabic word for "garden." Today, a solid artistic and cultural scene has bloomed in the area. It is a hub for creatives, workers, immigrants, expats, and life-long locals. At the center of the district is the legendary Mercat de Russafa, which has been the pulse of the neighborhood's everyday life since opening its doors in 1957. You'll also find more contemporary spaces like art galleries, design studios, and cafes lining the streets. And the gastronomic scene is unmatched, with local mom-and-pop establishments side-by-side with a variety of Michelin star eateries. Hip and vibrant, this is a great neighborhood to soak up Valencia's authentic and alternative sides.
The Visionaries
After falling in love with Valencia upon first visiting in 2013, Dutch owners Daphne and Wouter dreamed of building their own boutique hotel from scratch. In 2017, after searching for the perfect site, they found the old laundry service building which would become YOURS. Working with local designers throughout the process, they transformed the space into what it is today. A uniquely contemporary property operated with the core values of authenticity, hospitality, and design.
When Daphne and Wouter aren't there (and often even when they are), Kris will be at your service. Kris is another Dutch transplant and knows the city well. She has worked with the owners for years in hospitality before opening YOURS and runs it with the same high-quality, guest-first mentality.
Good to know
When you enter YOURS, you might wonder what smells so lovely. Well, it's the candles burning that they had custom crafted and poured by local artisans. Even better, they sell these candles so you can take the serenity of your stay back home with you. Good Trips travelers receive one complimentary.
Ruzafa is unmistakably one of our favorite Valencia neighborhoods. It is also one of the most lively, with some bars, restaurants, and discos staying open until the wee hours. Don't worry, though, as the neighborhood (and Valencia) is safe, and YOURS is quiet once you cross the threshold.
YOURS loves little ones, but this is an adult-only stay.
Good Trips perks
Signature YOURS scented hand-poured soy wax candle
Promo code: GOODTRIPSXYOURS
Sustainability in practice
Behind every detail of YOURS is a well-thought-out decision. The boutique hotel and its staff are committed to transparent and sustainable hospitality practices. Wherever possible, single-use plastics have been eliminated from the hotel. YOURS uses refillable glass bottles inside the hotel to provide guests with filtered water and reusable laundry bags for collecting linens. Cleaning supplies and toiletries are selected with the environment in mind. In outdoor spaces, you'll find native plants, and the high-quality coffee, fruits, and vegetables the kitchen uses for breakfast come from a local provider.
Generate greater economic opportunity and benefits for locals
Support community projects and initiatives
Fair wages are paid to employees
Local businesses are promoted to guests
Respect the cultural authenticity of the host community
Inclusion, respect, and equality are central within the workplace and relationship with the community
Culturally aware and sensitive, engendering respect between travelers and locals
Provide meaningful connections between travelers and locals
Contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance
Conserve built and living cultural heritage and values
Involve locals in decisions that may directly affect them
Site selection protects and respects the local surroundings
Waste is reduced or refused, recycled, or composted; zero-waste is ideal
Low-to-no plastic use
Low-to-no toxin cleaning supplies
Low water consumption / water conservation
Food is local, seasonal, humane, and organic (and beyond) when possible
Bedding and furniture are free from or use minimal toxins in production
Toiletries and cosmetics are organic and free from toxins
Book with promo code GOODTRIPSXYOURS for special incentives.
Katy Hoogerwerf
Katy is a New Orleans native who grew up shaped by the art, design, music, and famously good food her hometown is known for. Her passion and expertise lie in finding design-led conscious businesses and sharing them with you.
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