Hotel V, Vejer de la Frontera, Andalucia - Explore & Book
"When faced with the makeover of a 17th-century Vejer townhouse, Jean Van Gysel gave free rein to his love of eclectic interior design. Whilst many of the building's original features were kept in place - arches, beams, bannisters and wafer bricking - walls were rendered in eye-catching Venetian stucco, muted grey tiles laid in and out, and state-of-the-art bed and bathrooms created. Indoors, antiques from Goa sit alongside funky black and white photos on glass and PVC: this is a hotel that aims to surprise at every turn.
It's the roof terrace that gives this place that extra punch: the views across the city's roofscape are simply stunning and on a clear day you can see all the way across the glittering Atlantic waves to the Moroccan Rif. With genuinely friendly staff, a one-of-a-kind spa located down an ancient water-well, and spoiling bedrooms set around an attractive courtyard, Hotel V more than earns its place in the boutique-is-beautiful rankings.
Highs
Beautiful hotel, beautiful town, close to beautiful beaches... what more could you ask for?
Evenings on the roof terrace with the twinkling lights of Vejer spread beneath you is romantic with a capital R
V is an amazingly quiet retreat, particularly given that you're at the heart of the old town, and the central courtyard with climbing plants and tweeting birds is an oasis of calm
Lovely staff who feel more like old friends: the service here was a highlight of our latest revisit
Spa treatments take place in a subterranean cave!
Lows
Drinks are not currently being served on the roof, but you're welcome to bring a tipple up from the in-room minibars
The hotel isn't the easiest to find, and you can't park outside; staff can help arrange a taxi if you need help with your bags from the square or town car park
Some of the rooms are a little dark, and only a few have views
Space for breakfast in the courtyard is limited, and there's a lack of tables and chairs on the roof terrace for dining up top" - Guy Hunter Watts