Palacio Garvey

Reviewed by Michael Soffe


SWEET, MEDIUM OR DRY ..............

If you are looking for a wow factor Hotel in the middle of this delightful city made famous by “sherry”, then look no further than Palacio Garvey. Opened in 2005, this reformation of the sherry family “Garvey’s” palatial home is an exemplary lesson of how to mix the old with the new. Passing through the antique entrance doors you will be stunned by the cool, chic restoration with elaborate use of contemporary works of art, glass and classic furniture. Space and light are a feature of the Hotel and the glazed central patio courtyard is filled with wicker sofas and chairs, vibrant coloured scatter cushions and plants. A wonderful place to taste your first sherry on arrival in Jerez.

Stone walls ( some of them part of the old city walls) intermingle with white painted walls and works of art invade every nook and cranny. There are several seating areas in the Hotel and these again are decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary furniture.

The 16 bedrooms, 7 Doubles and 9 Junior Suites are remarkably large and light considering they are in a coverted old palace. I loved the classical music playing discreetly from the CD players as I entered each bedroom – nice touch! All the rooms are different, but all verge on “funky”. Leather or rattan furniture, effective use of striking works of art, highly polished wooden floors and chrome are the order of the day. What comes to the fore is the use of simple, clean lines used by the interior designer. The bedrooms are beautifully equipped, many with seating areas and sofas. Some of the Suites have terraces or balconies. Bathrooms are sumptuous and elegant with wonderful hand basins and baths – all have hydromassage baths and power showers. There is a free mini-bar. Facilities include satellite plasma TVs, heating, air-con, WiFi, safe, bathrobes and slippers. There is one room especially adapted for wheelchair users or for those with mobility problems.

Breakfasts are served at your leisure in the restaurant, La Condesa, and I do mean “at your leisure” - unusually there is no time limit. This too is an “eye catcher” with its bright red furnishings and paintings. Lunches and dinner are also available with an “eye catching” menu too – a mix of Mediterranean cuisine with an international twist. As with all areas of this Hotel, presentation is given high priority in its dishes. The restaurant leads onto a small terrace, an ideal place for tapas, olives and a fino, amontillado or manzanilla – you will be a sherry expert by the time you leave!

I have to mention the service at the Hotel which is of a very high standard. The receptionists (who always seem to be smiling) act as concierges and are happy to arrange visits and tastings at the numerous sherry bodegas. They can also arrange tickets for the Andalucian Equestrian School, a dazzling two hour display of horse-riding. They are several flamenco shows in Jerez and again reception will advise.

An ideal Hotel for those who want a grand historical building, beautifully converted and with an excellent location. A dream of a Hotel for a city break just 15 minutes from Jerez airport by taxi.