Hotel Casa Vina de Alcantara

A small country hotel near Jerez

Casa Viña de Alcantara lies concealed in a deeply wooded garden of palms, cypresses, myrtle and bay, a delightful country house boutique hotel where the tall trees and abundant greenery soften the heat of a Spanish summer. Built originally as a shooting lodge in the late 19th century, the Hotel Casa Viña de Alcántara remains in the Gonzalez-Byass sherry family and managed by one of the family.

Click on the picture above for more photos

It almost goes without saying therefore that you'll be offered an excellent glass of fino, or a smooth amber oloroso if you prefer.

The extensive lands around the hotel are a real treasure, where the lovely mellow swimming pool lined with natural stone lies in a verdant lawn, and guests can take short walks in the woods or long ones out through the vineyards and down around the lake which is a magnet for ducks and other waterfowl.

The décor of the house reflects touches of arts-and-crafts blended with traditional Andalucian style and some surprising English elements, befitting of the anglophile owner. Downstairs, the polished limestone floors give a light and airy feel, while the oak parquet on the upper floors is richer and more sonorous. There are painted wooden dados, rich natural hardwoods, and a scattering of antique furniture, paintings, and family mementoes.

Nine comfortable bedrooms are warmly decorated in muted colours. Some have steep beamed ceilings, and all the bathrooms are really special: lots of crisp white marble, thick soft towels and invigorating showers.

Casa Viña de Alcantara is an oasis of fine living. It’s location close to Jerez makes it ideal for visiting the great sherry bodegas of the city, the ancient port of Cadiz, the pueblos blancos on the inland hills and the long sandy beaches of Spain’s Atlantic coast.

Restaurant:

Breakfast is English-style with some Spanish touches, like eggs fried in olive oil and fragrant honey from hives in the nearby hills. An appetising start to the day, served in gracious style.

Although there is no restaurant for lunch and dinner at Alcantara, there are plenty to choose from in the close vicinity.

A Word From the Owner:

"This house was built by my great-grandfather in 1890 and has been in our family ever since. Today it is a pleasure to share its special ambience with the discerning guests who stay here. Join me for a 'copa'."

Hotel Amenities:

IN THE HOTEL	IN YOUR ROOM
Honesty bar Breakfast Room Lounge Swimming pool Lawns Wooded gardens Walks Car park	Telephone Air-conditioning Heating

Nearby Amenities:

Beaches. The nearest beaches are those around El Puerto de Santa María, Rota, Chipiona and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Playa La Puntilla, Playa Santa Catalina, Playa de la Costilla, and Playa Chipiona come recommended. If you want to venture further afield, there are some great beaches near Conil de la Frontera too, south of Cadiz.
Horse-riding (Jerez is almost as famous for horses as it is for sherry!)
Golf (Montecastillo, a spectacular championship course only about 1 km from Casa Viña de Alcantara)
Motorsport. The Jerez circuit is host to the Moto GP, Formula 1 winter testing, and more.

Places to visit:
Jerez. To see the sherry bodegas, of course, and we'll particularly mention Gonzalez-Byass, though there are others of course. While there, don't miss the Alcazar, the cathedral and the gypsy quarter. Also, there is the Feria de Caballo (Horse Fair) in May.
Cadiz. A sort of Spanish Venice without the canals.
Coto Doñana National Park. A huge area of wetlands, ideal for bird-watchers and other nature lovers.
Pueblos Blancos. The white villages of Andalucia are in the mountains to the east. Just drive off and see what you find.
Inland Lakes. Near Arcos de la Frontera there are several huge man-made lakes (reservoirs) that add yet more beauty to the mountain scenery.

What We Say:

Gonzalo del Rio y Gonzalez-Gordon has created another stunning hotel, this time making use of a hunting lodge on the family estate. I am entranced.

Customer Feedback:

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Room Rates in Euros (2010)
	Normal Season	Special Season
	Rest of the year	29 Apr - 2 May (Moto GP)
Double/Twin Room	€ 160	€ 260
Prices are per room per night ( 2 people) including breakfast All prices are "plus VAT" (7% until 30 Jun 2010, 8% from 1 Jul) All rooms have private a en-suite bathroom Some "no smoking" rooms are available Single occupancy at normal room rate Extra bed : No extra beds are available, maximum two people per room Not suitable for children under 12 years A credit card number is required to guarantee a reservation. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required with bookings for high season Click Here For Currency Converter

Cancellations:

Cancellation must be received in writing (fax or e-mail) no later than 30 days before arrival. Later cancellations, early departures and no-shows will be charged the full amount.