Hotel Villa Jerez

Bustling Jerez de la Frontera, no stranger to international visitors, hums with a subtle energy all its own. If you find yourself in this city which is located about 20 minutes by car northeast of the port of Cadiz, there's little question you've come for one (or all) of the following: sherry, horses or Flamenco. For hundreds of years the most famous bodegas in the world have sent their legendary libations to the farthest corners of the earth, and the city displays the wealth which returned with a taste and style all its own. On the plains and among the rolling hills surrounding the city, fine ranches and magnificent Andalucian steed can be found. And in the once-smoky clubs down little side streets, you can still hear the stirring gypsy guitars, plaintive voices and the sound of palmas clapping in rhythm to the cantes. Prosperous secondary cities demonstrate a character and confidence that comes with proud heritage, and Jerez is modern, well-maintained, sophisticated and historic all at the same time. Hotel Villa Jerez, which opened in 2002, is one of those properties which allows you a window into how the other half lives, a former mansion of the Domecq family converted to a luxury hotel of only 18 rooms set in a private landscaped compound, tucked away in an outstanding residential neighborhood about 2km from the city center. It is at once classical, modern, private and discrete, operated in a traditional style. During the winter, Villa Jerez is primarily a business hotel; in the summer tourists take advantage of its comforts. There's an airy calm to the place, and its spacious rooms and marble baths bespeak quiet elegance, and the atmosphere of old money. Credit is due to the Hoteles Andaluces chain for the intelligent renovation, since the property maintains a residential feel which is most welcome. Particularly pleasant is the pool and gym area, whose scale is perfect, and reflects the intimacy of a place not for everyone. This is complemented by a fine restaurant, with a lovely kitchen, and the added bonus of a fine collection of local sherries. Much like a home, guests pour their own drinks from the sherry bar, on an honor system. Factor in a high service consciousness and long-duration employee retention, and one begins to understand why the property feels the way it does. The unobtrusive staff somehow evidence a personal involvement with guests, and this warm style explains the high quotient of repeat visitors which Villa Jerez enjoys. One business client comes back every week. Little extras like breakfast made to order accented by a classic buffet, the possibility for leisurely lingering on the comfortable terrace and the property's relaxed atmosphere add to the allure. A number of attractive promotions fill out the bill: romantic weekends starting at €235/night, which include fruit basket and Spanish champagne; a bodegas tradicion package enticingly priced at €240/night, which includes a sherry and tapas tasting with experts and a visit to an important collection of Andalucian paintings (where you will see works by Zurburan, Velazquez and Goya); and custom offerings for February Carnival, Easter, and Autumn (Game season!). This property sleeps 34, and is often booked in its entirety. The two fully-equipped meeting rooms make this an excellent choice for group events. Jerez is quiet in the winter months, even though temperatures are mild. That would be an ideal time to stay a few days, take some sun by the pool and wander the ancient streets in search a coffee and some of those singular pastries for which this city is also justly famous.(From our inspector, Stanley Moss)