Hotel Argantonio

Cádiz is a city which is still relatively unknown by most tourists. We are quite surprised at this because it is a truly beautiful city. The perfect addition to your trip's itinerary. Prepare to be enchanted!
Cádiz represents the real Spain. It is surrounded by vast, stunning beaches and is famous for its history, rich culture and culinary delights (with fish so fresh it has practically jumped out of the sea, straight onto your plate!).

And it is here, in this unique city, that Las Perlas has found you a most exquisite hotel: Hotel Argantonio!
This small-scale hotel with 15 rooms and 1 suite is situated along one of the narrow alleys in the old city centre. It is housed in a historic building, dating from the 19th century, which has been carefully restored in keeping with the local architecture, combining classical and colonial style elements, and displaying both Arabic and Andalusian influences. The arches, for instance, have been carved by Moroccan craftsmen and the mosaics are real works of art with each little piece having been painstakingly cut and stuck by hand...

The friendly owner's taste really cannot be faulted. Her attention to detail gives this hotel a genuinely warm and friendly atmosphere.
It goes without saying that the hotel also caters for the needs of the modern guest: it has Wi-Fi zones and rooms with internet access, satellite and flat-screen TV, heating and air-conditioning.
All rooms have been individually decorated and are named after historic figures from the city's rich past.
Another quirky touch is that the rooms on the different floors have been decorated in different styles. For instance, the 5 rooms on the first floor have been decorated in Andalusian style, the 5 rooms on the second floor in French style and the 5 rooms on the third floor have been decorated in a rustic colonial style.
And last but not least, for those of you looking for that something extra special on your trip (honeymoon?), there is the suite on the top floor.

Although the hotel does not have its own restaurant as such, you nevertheless have the option to have dinner in the cosy, homely dining room but you have to give advance notice if you want to dine in. And make sure you do not turn up late for breakfast, it is absolutely fabulous!
Finally, you may be interested to know about the siesta service. At a small extra charge, you can make use of your room until 17:00 on the day of your departure. A great and handy service!

Cons:
• Car parking facilities for hotel guests are provided but can be a little tricky to locate (obviously, not when you are armed with our directions!)

Pros:
• Warm and friendly hotel
• Very beautifully restored and furnished
• All places of interest (and there are quite a few) are within walking distance of the hotel
• The siesta service (this is subject to availability so do make sure you check beforehand if you want to make use of this service)
• Warning: you may get seriously tempted to buy some of the decorative objects in the hotel as they are all for sale!

facilities

Hotel

- There is no restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner (only on request).
- Bar.
- Internet connection in every room.
- Children are welcome.
- Two rooms with wheelchair access.
- Lift
- Pets are not welcome.
- The hotel offers a range of different excursions/activities.
- Hotel does not have its own parking facilities. Parking in a public car park.
- Hotel is situated in the old centre of Cádiz.

Rooms

Every room has air conditioning, heating, TV, telephone, minibar and internet connection.
Fully-equipped bathrooms with showers (no bath).
Hotel has a total of 16 rooms, including 15 double rooms and 1 suite.

rates, terms & conditions

surrounding area

Cádiz
The modern part of Cádiz is a busy port. A visit to this city would not be complete without a walk along the quays. The old town is contained by fortifications that rise up from the sea. Within the ring of walls and fortresses there are houses and palaces from the 18th and 19th century, side by side with run-down quarters and squares with plenty of bar and cafes.
The city’s sights include the Castillo de Santa Catalina, a bulwark right on the tip of the small peninsula. In the centre you will find the cathedral, Catedral Nueva, and the Museo de Cádiz on one of the city’s nicest squares, the Plaza de Mina. And then there are a number of interesting churches, the baroque church Oratorio de San Felipe Neri and the Oratorio de la Santa Cueva.

Active
There are plenty of options in the area if you want to be more active, like playing a round of golf, horse riding, walking and cycling.

Family
The beaches near Cádiz are the most suited for swimming.
Between Cádiz and El Puerto de Santa María you will find the Aqua Sherry water park with 17 different slides.
In Cádiz you can explore the tourist centre in a horse-drawn carriage.
You can also head for the zoo in Jerez de la Frontera, or check out that city's horse riding school.
In Tarifa you can catch a boat that will take you whale and dolphin spotting. In August and September you can even spot orcas here.

Nature
The Parque Nacional de Coto Doñana on the other side of the water can be reached by boat from Sanlúcar de Barrameda (54km; 55min).
This park is one of Europe’s largest swamp lands. This area is especially important for birds. Over 250 bird species have been spotted here, half of which come here to over-winter, such as the spoonbill, stork and the particular favourite of most visitors, the flamingo.
The best time of year to visit this park is winter or spring. In the summer and autumn the swamps are dry, although that is when visitors get excited about spotting deer, boar, buffalos and otters. With a good guide and some luck, you might even spot a lynx.
Between Tarifa and Arcos de la Frontera you will find Los Alcornocales nature reserve. This area is made up by cork tree forests, easily recognized by the painted trees.

The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Jerez de la Frontera (40km; 40min):
Jerez is the sherry capital of the world. A tour of one of its bodegas (Sandeman, Pedro Domecq, Gonzalez Byass) is not only good fun, but you will also learn something. How to distinguish fino from amontillado or oloroso sherry, for example.
Jerez is also famous for its horse riding school, the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Escuestre. Apart from visiting a show here, visitors can also attend lessons and tour the stables.
Other sights include the inviting cafes on the Plaza Asunción and the old town hall from 1575, Casa de Cabildo Viejo. The San Mateo quarter is famous for its flamenco bars, and is also where you will find the official flamenco centre: Centro Andaluz de Flamenco.

Vejer de la Frontera (57km; 50min)
A lovely white village that is 10 km inland, sitting dominantly on top of a hill above the main road between Gibraltar and Cádiz. Vejer has a medieval centre, with very steep streets and alleys, beautiful whitewashed houses, ramparts and a Moorish fortress.

Medina Sidonia (47km; 50min)
The white village of Medina Sidonia (between Vejer de la Frontera and Jerez de la Frontera) is imposingly nestled on a hill surrounded by grain fields. The village’s most striking monument is the Santa María la Coronada church in the higher part of the village. This village is known for its traditional sweet biscuits with honey and almond, alfajores. You can purchase these delights from the bakery on the Plaza de España, among other places.

Arcos de la Frontera (67km; 1h):
Arcos is one of Andalucía’s finest little towns; it often serves as a base from which to explore the pueblos blancos (white villages); its entire medieval centre has been declared a Historic Monument. In Arcos you should just stroll around its cobblestone streets, past small whitewashed houses, its many squares and its patios. Arcos’ oldest building is the Castillo, a dilapidated castle that is strategically situated on top of the hill. From the town walls you have a great view of the Guadalete valley. Other sights include the churches Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción, Iglesia de los Jesuitas and the Iglesia de San Pedro.
The town hall, the ayuntamiento on the Plaza de Cabildo, is also worth a visit because of its fine mudejar-style ceilings.

And you can, of course, head for one of these world famous cities for a day trip:
Seville (125km; 1h30min):
The capital of Andalucía is a compact city with a rich past. Most of its major sights are in or near the city centre on the Guadalquivir river’s left bank. And they also know how to party and have a good time in this city of flamenco and tapas.
As you wander through the old Jewish quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, through a maze of white streets and patios, you should not forget to take in the imposing cathedral, the Moorish bell tower, La Giralda, and the royal palace Real Alcázar.
You can unwind in the María Luisa park, where you can spend the hottest part of the day under orange trees and palm trees.
The museum Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Spain’s best museums of art, is a real must. And then there are its magnificent palaces and other sights, such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (bull ring); Casa de Pilatos and the Torre del Oro.