Our next and last stop was the port of Cadiz from where we were to sail to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.I chose the hotel Barcelo on Avenida de Andalucia as it was one street back from the beach and 5 kms to the port.On arrival we were upgraded to a Junior suite complete with a settee and armchairs and a double bathroom which had two sinks so that you could clean your teeth at the same time as your wife,husband or partner.There’s a novelty, no fighting for the bathroom.
We were also offered the choice of dinner being included in the room price which we took up as it was €45 per room which we thought was a good offer.Three course 'a la carte' with drinks extra.
We were able to eat at 7.30 pm instead of the usual 9.30pm (as is the case in southern Spain).The receptionist rang the chef who was happy to oblige.
As it was off season and not the height of the summer, we benefitted from a good room rate and the upgrade.The reason given for the upgrade was that we might come back again in the future or tell our friends how good the hotel was.
We had lunch of 'bocadillos (baguette size sandwiches) in a café overlooking Victoria beach- all freshly made and cheerfully served.There are plenty of cafes in this area all overlooking a wide expanse of golden sand.
The hotel has its own underground car park but you will need help from the bell boy as the entrance is very narrow and they have a car lift system which they operate all in a very confined space.We had to wait on the road outside the car park while the bell boy came to assist us which we felt a bit incomfortable about as it was a no parking zone and there were one or two local police around ready to pounce on the unwary motorist. . After lunch we set off from the hotel down the Avenida de Andalucia in search of the ferry port as we wanted to know exactly where we had to go the following day to catch the ferry from Cadiz to Las Palmas .The number 1 bus takes you to the port from outside the hotel but we decided to walk for the exercise and to see a little of the town.We found the port and saw where we had to go to catch the ferry.It is always a good idea to do a bit of research before you actually sail, as there is nothing worse than racing to a ferry and not knowing where you have to go catch it!
The ferry port was full of cruise liners which made an impressive sight and these bring prosperity to the town as the passengers disembark and spend money in the shops and restaurants.The port is overlooked by Cadiz old town where there is plenty to explore but this must be done on foot as the streets are narrow and it is no place for a car.
We had booked the Transmediterranea Acciona ferry to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria which would leave the following day.We found the ferry office and embarcation point which was well signposted so we felt confident that we would be able to drive straight in.to catch the 5 pm ferry.
After a restful night in our big comfortable beds, we had breakfast and paid the bill which was which was an amazing €132 for the four of us i.e. €33 each .The Junior Suites, dinner and parking (€20) all included as were our drinks- beers,wine and coffees.
A pleasant stay in a city hotel close to restaurants, the beach and the ferry port.
