“A palace in hiding”

On arriving here at dusk, we were struck by three things. Clearly visible in the distance was a Mordor-like factory of some sort, quite elegant in its way, adding a motif of smoke and flame to the evening sky. Closer up was what, at first and many subsequent glances, looked like a pair of massive... more

On arriving here at dusk, we were struck by three things. Clearly visible in the distance was a Mordor-like factory of some sort, quite elegant in its way, adding a motif of smoke and flame to the evening sky. Closer up was what, at first and many subsequent glances, looked like a pair of massive, oddly-shaped, white warehouses with an ineptly-drawn sketch of a woman, left unfinished because of the arrival of the police. In front of these was a weird and depressingly municipal-looking footbridge. This and the warehouses (which were set in a vast skateboarding area) turned out to be the Oscar Niemeyer centre, a modernistic palace of art whose designer doesn't seem to have noticed that, rather than contrasting with the surrounding light-industrial landscape or commenting on it in some enlightening and eye-catching way, it merely continues it. The third thing was that we couldn't see the hotel even though the satnav insisted we were parked right by it. It's on a street that just doesn't look as though you could hide a hotel in it anywhere. Eventually I noticed the discreet glass doors with their even-discreeter sign and we were home and dry. A hidden hotel, a cultural centre disguised as an Argos warehouse, and to continue the theme, Aviles, despite its unprepossessing exterior, turns out to have a beautiful casco viejo, or old town, with cobbled squares, enticing narrow streets, and more cafés, bars, and restaurants than even Mr. Creosote could empty. This, and the Niemeyer centre, are two great reasons to visit Aviles. The Hotel Palacio Valdes is a third reason. It's clean, comfortable, and realistically-priced, with a bar that sells my favourite Spanish beer, red Mahou, at 1.90 euros the bottle, so that's a great start to the evening, especially when you arrive tired and thirsty but are not allowed to leave the hotel until everyone's done faffing around upstairs. The breakfasts are okay, if a little dominated by bready things, but given the hotel's central location and the warm friendliness of the staff (and the local people in general), I can confidently recommend this place.

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“Good affordable option near city center”

Stayed for 1 night during my Camino Norte hike. Spacious rooms, bathrooms with hairdryer, and I even had a small balcony overlooking the Niemeyer culture center. 2 min by foot to the main square. Reception closes at 9pm but they seem to have a call option 24/7. Overall an enjoyable stay

“Comfortable and quiet hotel”

The room was comfortable with a nice balcony right in front of the pedestrian walkway that leads to the Oscar Niemeyer centre. It's quiet and very well located (without parking space) and the staff was nice.

“Clean hotel next to center of town”

Overall: 4 stars; recommend staying if you are in this town. Hotel room: 4 stars; very clean and clean floors and bed sheets. Looks like hardwood floors but they are laminate and have some wear/tear on them. Lift ceilings so be careful not to hit your head if you are tall. Loved the skylights... more

Overall: 4 stars; recommend staying if you are in this town. Hotel room: 4 stars; very clean and clean floors and bed sheets. Looks like hardwood floors but they are laminate and have some wear/tear on them. Lift ceilings so be careful not to hit your head if you are tall. Loved the skylights that opened though for fresh air (stayed on 4th floor). Bathroom: 4 stars for being clean and newer tub/toilet Breakfast: wasn't included in our room price but they do have a standard breakfast buffet w hard boiled eggs. Croissants are more like danishes. Location: 5 stars; next to Niemeyer and city center

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