The Hotel Bodega Real in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain gives tourists that opportunity.
Located just minutes from the bustling city center of El Puerto de Santa Maria, the Bodega Real was born from a bodega of Crianza and other fine Spanish wines and is now a tourist destination that boasts of luxury, culture, decadence and class.
The old bodega has retained all of its former elegance, including the wooden framework and the authentic 'bodega' look and feel, yet it also beholds the modern amenities that make for a splendid stay in one of the 52 rooms that the Bodega Real has to offer.
Main entryway and ground level hallways
The lobby bar, built into the arches and wooden framework of the former bodega, is perhaps the most exquisite area of the hotel. There you'll be spoiled with a friendly staff on hand to serve you (VFC's Favorite) Tio Pepe, or your favorite drink of choice, along with a nice selection of Spanish Tapas.
The leather couches and small lunch tables placed underneath the original arches of the bodega add to the already relaxing ambience that you will certainly feel from the second you walk into the hotel.
The lobby bar also offers free internet service.
Lobby Bar and Lounge
The rooms are extremely comfortable and quaint. The junior suite comes with two double beds (put together and called a king sized bed), a pull out couch, table and chairs. The floors are all hardwood and the mini bar is stocked with Cruzcampo and other beverages of choice.
The one amenity that you will not find at this hotel is an iron. When asked about the lack of irons, the hotel staff informed us that irons were too much of a fire risk since the entire inner-frame of the hotel was made from wood. Understandable, yet inconvenient. They do offer a laundry and dry cleaning service, however, if you have a day to wait for your clothes.
The Junior Suite
According to the hotel staff, the summer of 2009 will arrive with the grand opening of an outdoor pool to go along with the already offered rooftop jaccuzzis. A modest gym will also be available at that time.
The center of the hotel has been transformed into an elegant courtyard where you're able to relax in the Spanish sun, in the same spot where barrels of wine used to sit.
From there you can admire the architecture and the art of the former bodega that has been transformed into a Spanish cultural masterpiece.
As if all of this were not enough, the vinegar bodega across the street is still active and gives off the sweet smell of vinegar throughout the day, adding to the 'bodega' experience.
Vinegar Bodega Across the Street From the Hotel Bodega Real
The Hotel Bodega Real is one of the best hotel experiences I have ever enjoyed and I would reccommend it to anyone. You're within minutes of downtown Puerto where an array of bars, cafes and restaurants line the streets, each one offering its own unique charm and Spanish experience.
Currently the hotel is rated four stars, but a fifth may be on the way once the pool and the gym open.
Regardless of what the stars say, I say spoil yourself and enjoy this little taste of Spanish culture and luxury.
Also, look for internet deals that may be more affordable than booking with the hotel itself. Booking.com is what we used.
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