Hotel Utopia
Benalup-Casas Viejas, Spain
Hotel Utopia
Calle Dr. Rafael Bernal, 32, Benalup-Casas Viejas, Spain
Ranking: Hotel Utopia is ranked 2nd out of 5 accommodation options available in Benalup-Casas Viejas.
Classification: 4 Star Hotel
This establishment is more than a hotel, more than a hostelry and more than a museum: it is a town within a town. Evoking the thirties and set amid gardens, patios and terraces facing the "Alcornocales" nature reserve, the family friendly hotel is an amazing maze of small old houses, which offers outstanding cultural and leisure options. The hotel is set back in time, where forgetfulness and memory meet the thirties; one of the more exciting periods of the 20th Century. It is an absolute must for those travelling to Cdiz, as it offers the opportunity to discover the beautiful south. The fully air-conditioned hotel comprises a total of 16 rooms, and facilities include: a lobby with 24-hour reception, a hotel safe, a cloakroom, a caf, a bar, a theatre, a restaurant, conference facilities and Internet access. Room and laundry service are available for a charge. There is also a garage available (fees apply). This city hotel is located in the southern half of the province of Cadiz, in the centre of the "La Janda" region. It is a strategic enclave located in the middle of nature, yet less than half an hour from the best beach in Cadiz. From the top of "Grullas"", next to the small lake, guests can contemplate the valley formed by the Barbate River and the "Los Arcornocales" mountain range. In this area guests will find various characteristic tree species and wild animals such as eagles, boars and deer. In the "Tajo de las Figuras" guests can see pre-historic cave paintings and archaeological discoveries. "Tajo de las Figuras" is the most important cave group in southern Spain due to the number, quality and the variety of cave paintings which were discovered there. The area is a perfect combination of nature and sport, mountain and sea, and relaxation and culture. The hotel rooms are characterised by the following names and themes: Poetas, Estrecho, Tanger, Republica, Utopia, Art Dec, Jazz, Tango, Cabaret, Paris, Casas Viejas, Ilustracin, Paquebot, Estrellas, Vanguardias and Zeppelin, making the hotel one of the most unique and top quality establishments in Spain. Four artists and various furniture designers from different countries were hired to create unique rooms and stylishly decorate the hotel with spectacular frescos and collages on the walls and ceilings, as well as a selection of artefacts from the thirties. All this, combined with natural surroundings, tranquillity and an atmosphere of culture, turn a night at this hotel into a marvellous dream. The rooms all come equipped with an en suite bathroom, a hairdryer, a direct dial telephone, a television, a radio, Internet access, a double or king-size beds, individually adjustable air conditioning and heating, a safety deposit box and a balcony or terrace. Utopia Hostelry is situated next to the hotel. It is a spectacular covered 6 m high area where guests will find a street and a square inspired by the city of Paris in the thirties, a theme and museum house, a stage and a restaurant. Artistic frescos, Art Deco ceilings and a wide variety of elements from the thirties feature in this hostelry. Leisure and culture options are offered to guests throughout the year, ranging from tasting the hotel's varied delicious menus, featuring the best products and based on the best traditional recipes in the world, to enjoying performances whilst drinking something in the bar. Next to the "Utopia Hostelry" guests will find the thirties exhibition room containing temporary and permanent exhibitions. Guests will especially enjoy the 1,500 documents and original pieces from the period featured in the permanent exhibition. These elements will help guests get to know Spanish history better, especially regarding its Second Republic and its world context. The hotel also offers guests an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers. The "La Fonda" restaurant is reminiscent of a cabaret or a thirties bohemian caf in Paris. "La Fonda" theatre-caf is a surprising place. It is a mix of sensations to be enjoyed with all 5 senses. The Sevillian Chef Alberto Barrera is inspired by the best traditional and modern recipes of the world. A selection of the best products from Galicia to Cadiz, the best Galician seafood, Iberian meat, Retinto beef, fish from the Bay of Cadiz, as well as delicious international dishes are all served in "La Fonda", which offers the option of ordering la carte or opting for the special menu, which serves different food every night. This is complimented by the extensive selection of wines which are over twenty years old. Dinner is a unique experience here, with the added value of jazz sounds, melancholic tango or theatre shows. It is a place where culture, leisure and gastronomy come together. From Seville Airport (146 km) or Jerez de la Frontera Airport (53 km): Follow directions for "Cadiz" (road A4). From "Jerez de la Frontera" follow directions for "Los Barrios" (road A-381). Take the exit "Medina Sidonia" (road A-393). Follow signs for "Vejer de la Frontera" and then follow signs for "Benalup-Casas Viejas". From Malaga Airport (176 km): Follow directions for "Algeciras" (road A7). At the traffic lights in Guadacorte, continue in the direction of "Jerez de la Frontera" about 30 km and then follow directions for "Benalup-Casas Viejas". Check-in is from 12 am to midnight. Check-out is from 7am to 12 am.
