On an unremarkable street in an unremarkable town lies a rather fine hotel. Enter into a large covered courtyard, being briefly distracted by the chatty caged bird before finding reception in the right hand corner. Efficient check-in and a helping hand with luggage, no tip expected. Wander the gardens, noting that the pool is open only in summer and appears not to be quite so glamorous as it appears on the website, tucked under some trees. Take tea on the terrace and wander into town.The crisis has hit this corner of Spain too. Shops have closed, the streets seem tired, and a week's strike by garbage men has left rubbish piled high and malodouring on the pavements. Romerijo - the town's famous fish restaurant - is as good as they say. But the guide books are over enthusiastic about Puerto Santa Maria - it really has little to offer beyond some ancient edifices and a couple of streets of restaurants and bars. The catamaran to Cadiz seems the best option, and makes for a fun day out. As does Jerez, barely 20 minutes away. Or Conil, 45 minutes down the coast, still laid back despite contniuing development. For God's sake avoid Novo Sancti Petri - a massive resort that proves hell can be built on earth. But back to the hotel, our suite is large and comfortable, if feeling a bit dusty, and the restaurant, if formal, proves good value - try having two starters instead of a main if you have inevitably had too large a lunch elsewhere. Shame about the rock festival while we were in town - three nights of Wannabe Ted Nugents til midnight, or even 2 am one night, take the edge off a peaceful sleep. As do rather hard mattresses that dig into the tops of your feet if you sleep with them over the end. So perhaps best avoid rooms 18/18A and 17 on the street front, although the double glazing is good enough in normal circumstances. But despite the above, we liked it here, it's a good base to explore the region, even if PSM isn't much itself. Jerez would be the best alternative. Cadiz is better enjoyed as a day trip from elsewhere, and in this regard PSM scores well as a setting off point.

Lovely old house with comfortable, delightful public spaces. Rooms are also original with new bathrooms. Found rooms rather overbearing, dusty and a little too old for comfort! Our small suite had 2 TV's - they were colour but only just! Lovely gardens. AT the expensive end for what you get - especially in El Puerto de Santa Maria which is not the most exciting place around. Nice breakfast buffet.

On a golfing trip we chose this hotel as we were unconvinced by the all incl golf packages offered elsewhere. This hotel is a conveniently a short drive to a number of courses and from the airport at Jerez. Hotel is quite lovely, furnished with antiques with a stunning reception area. Al fresco breakfast provides Spanish local food of high quality. Service is thorough and unobtrusive. Most rooms seem to be suites with a generous sitting area, fridge and extremely well fitted bathrooms. The hotel gardens are a mini Alhambra in themselves although the pool was a bit leaf riddled whilst we were there. The hotel is a short walk from the myriad of fish/seafood restaurants which adorn the waterfront and no more than 5 mins from the railway station. All in all a bit of a gem.

Just back from a week in Spain (Seville, Jerez, Cadiz and Puerto.and this was my favourite hotel. Old world charm and 18th century antiques and artwork. Quiet hotel situated a nice easy walk from the town centre. Very large room and giant bathroom. Breakfast was good (the usual tasty iberico hams, fresh fruit, juice, cereals, breads). Only offered one coffee though which was a shame. Nice gardens. Small, freezing looking pool, not really big enough for swimming lengths if that is your thing. Found it very clean. Friendly staff. Would definitely return. Only slight downer was the fact would have to pay for WiFi - partner did have to use internet briefly and was 50c for 7.5 mins...for 5 star would expect free WiFi (as did others we stayed in on this trip). Didn't eat in the restaurant - looked quite pricey and lots of great options in town...can recommend El Bocoy Calle Placilla, 11500 Puerto de Santa María, Spain - was our favourite, very tasty and great value