Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace

Enthralled by its 'special kind of light,' Sorolla was to immortalise Valencia's warmth and colour on canvas. It occupies the Iberian Peninsula and is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. Today, set in the heart of the city in a peaceful, leafy plaza with only the sound of a quietly tinkling fountain, the Hotel Astoria Palace provides first-hand experience of the 'luminous city. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla Its total surface area is 504,788 sq kms Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. ' Enjoy breathtaking views of the Renaissance cathedral, the bustling market and the many squares as you sip an aperitif on the hotel's splendid terrace. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Share the traditional Valencian joy of celebration in the wonderful Vinatea Restaurant as you sample authentic paella prepared by the hotel's master chefs. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating Civil War (1936-39). The hotel is ideally and centrally located in the heart of the city. In the second half of the 20th century, it has played a catch-up role in the western international community. Step out of the front door and you are in the midst of the historic centre, the shopping, entertainment and business districts. Continuing concerns are large-scale unemployment and the Basque separatist movement The diversity and contrast that go to mould the character of Spain are likewise in evidence in its cities. Manises Airport is 8 km away (15 min by taxi or bus). Celts, Iberians, Phoenicians and, at a later date, the Greco-Roman civilisation laid the first cornerstones of urban settlements which, to this day, bear the marks of their passage through time During the Middle Ages, Arabic, Jewish and Christian cultures, singly and through a process of mutual cross-influence, gave rise to the birth of cities which have come to house an historical-artistic heritage of incalculable proportions Tradition alone does not suffice Modernity too is essential, and this was something certain Spanish monarchs –Charles III for one– managed to successfully apply during their reigns in order to beautify townscapes, like that of Madrid, with parks and landmark monuments, thereby instilling the city with a spirit of renewal.