The hotel is located somewhat off the center of town, but most restaurants and shops can be easily reached by 10 minutes walking.

What we liked: The hotel is located next to the jetty of the catamaran service to Cadiz, so it's the obvious choice if you plan to visit Cadiz by boat. Several rooms and the rooftop area have a nice river view. There is a pool on the roof terrace.

What we didn't like: Our room as well as another room we had access to were quite worn with many burn holes in the carpet, numerous spots on the walls and furniture, and defective electrical wiring. The breakfast buffet, although sufficiently large, was of low quality and some items weren't refilled long before the end of breakfast time. As there were constantly new buses with package tour groups arriving in the hotel and other groups departing, the lobby and the public spaces were often crowded.

In conclusion, for individual travelers there are probably better choices in El Puerto de Santa Maria unless you plan to use the catamaran service to Cadiz.

We went to the Hotel Santa Maria for our honeymoon and loved the place.
Reception staff don't smile as much as you might expect them to, but are very helpful and friendly nevertheless. For example, when we arrived at our room I went back down to reception to request a room with a view and a balcony, and explained that it was our honeymoon. The guy at reception clicked his PC mouse a couple of times, took my key off me and gave me another one. Voila! New room, sea/river view and a happy bride!
Small-ish hotel, over 3 floors, but still has a rooftop outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace. My wife loved it!!
Location is great - not too noisy, near enough to walk easily to the centre. Directly opposite the front door is an amazing courtyard restaurant, El Arriete, where you can eat alfresco. The prices are very good indeed, and it's open til at least midnight.
Rooms are quite stylish, big enough, but not huge. Very clean.
Satellite TV, hairdryer, electronic room safe (free) and very good air-con but no kettle.

The staff was always very friendly and helpful. Very nice and big rooms, very cleaned. Good breakfast. Pool in the top floor and garage (paid by day). As it's on a side street is very calm and quiet, at the same time close enought of restaurants and bars.
Good value for money.

It was thwe 1st night of 2008. We payed €60.00 for a couple and a 9 years old daughter. Great room, large and clean. Very nice stuff. Excellent buffet brekfast. (really great!) It`s difficult for me to understand why this was only 3 stared hotel. Everything was perfect.