I stayed in MariaJose's comfortable flat over a long stay, 6 weeks, and it was a wonderful experience, made especially so by the warmth and kindness of the family. To explain, the flat is on the 1st floor of a lovely old Cabanyal building, with the family's homemade meals takeaway shop below, and mum and dad living on the top floor. Whilst I was there the shop closed for good as I think mum and dad were retiring. As it was I benefitted from some delicious local food cooked for me by mum (paella, fish stew etc) Their generosity new no limits. In fact on arrival the fridge was stocked with milk, jam, eggs and rioja!
The flat itself is simple, clean and very comfortable. TV isn't great, but that's Spanish media. Sizewise it's great for 2, but my wife and 2 kids stayed, and even that was ok..the sofa bed is large. Wifi works very well. The flat is on a busy road during the day, but at night that's not an issue. The kitchen is well equipped...a broom would be useful perhaps for sand etc.
The area is El Cabanyal, the old fisherman quarter of Valencia. Very atmospheric, historic, lots of bars and restaurants, whilst retaining a villagey feel. Whilst some of it is very poor (if you take a wander through the area), there is a villagey feel to it. It feels like the real Spain, real people, with a vibrant local community and lots of characters.
There is the Cabanyal Market round the corner which is a feast for the senses..delicious fish, paella, hams, fruit and veg. Also there is an insanely cheap street market on Thursday mornings, selling clothes and footwear predominantly. Banks close by, pizza takeaway, corner shops, supermarket etc etc.
Access into town is very easy as the bus stop is right under the window. 1 euro 50 will take you right into the old centre. Or take a tram, the stop again being no distance from the flat.
Then there's the beach..just a few minutes walk away. A huge expanse of the softest sand I've known. Room for everyone, loungers and umbrellas for hire, beach bars, restaurants, and a very long esplanade to wander up and down. It can get windy on the beach but it didnt bother me much.
All in all, it was a very memorable stay. Valencia is a truly beautiful and vibrant city where old Spanish customs walk hand in hand with contemporary culture and liberal European attitudes. El Cabanyal is a great place to stay, and with MariaJose's family's kindness, along with great value for money, and comfort, I highly recommend it.