Hipotels Sherry Park

The angular, concrete facade of Hipotels Sherry Park is a sign of its old-fashioned style -- despite 2009 renovations -- that continues indoors. An airy, bright atrium-style lobby has faux-leather white and brown couches, two-tone marble floors, wrought-iron furniture, and a grand, brassy chandelier. The buffet restaurant is similarly decorated, with rows of square, white-clothed tables next to orange-brown cushioned chairs, while a more formal a la carte restaurant is still dated but has more character with red-and-gold-striped wallpaper and chair upholstery. The most attractive area of the property is the outdoor pool set amid a green lawn shaded by tall, leafy trees. The hotel attracts a mix of business travelers and tourists, though mostly couples, due to its quiet atmosphere and walking distance from the historic center.

Located in a quiet, mostly residential part of Jerez, there are a number of bars, shops, and restaurants within close proximity to the hotel. However, guests will be a 15- to 25-minute walk from sights in the historic center of town, such as the Alcazar castle and Catholic cathedral. Closer, the Fundacion Real Escuela Andaluza Del Arte Ecuestre, which puts on traditional Andalusian horse dancing shows daily, is a five-minute walk away, while the Sandeman Jerez, which offers tours and sherry tastings, is 10 minutes away. Expect transfers to Jerez Airport to take around 15 to 20 minutes by car, while Seville Airport is 65 minutes away, and Malaga Costa del Sol Airport is just over a two-hour drive.

The 173 rooms are largely old-fashioned though still appealing, thanks to dark-wooden furniture, neutral walls, and rich red accents in throw pillows, floral-patterned bed runners, and armchairs. Some have quaint quilted bedspreads, locally inspired artwork, and more subdued neutral-tone linens. All rooms have sliding glass doors leading to small furnished terraces. Standard Rooms are well-equipped with desks, minibars, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Safes are provided but they require a fee. Bathrooms have attractive beige and brown tiling, shower/tub combos, and bidets, as well as small wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries. Vases with fresh flowers on the counters are a lovely touch. Junior Suites are larger, featuring sitting areas with two couches and a coffee table. Their bathrooms have jetted bathtubs.

Features at the Hipotels Sherry Park are average but sufficient for the clientele of tourists and business travelers. Two swimming pools include an L-shaped one outdoors, surrounded by lots of greenery. A deck is lined with metal loungers and a handful of umbrellas. Indoors is a small heated indoor pool, but a column takes up much of its center and it's only open in the summer months. A sauna is available for a fee, while guests can access a tiny gym with just a few machines for free. Varied international food at the buffet restaurant receives positive reviews, as does the more formal a la carte restaurant serving regional cuisine. Out by the pool is a snack bar that serves drinks and light snacks throughout the day. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free.