The Vibe: City palace.

The Area: In Cádiz’ city centre, with its narrow streets and sunlit plazas. A 10 to 15 minute stroll leads to the city’s many treasures and its namesake bay and the ocean’s esplanade, a stand in for Havana’s Malecón (just visualize some 1950s Chevrolets) – which was modeled after Cádiz.

The DNA: Although considered Europe’s oldest city, Cádiz has long flew under the radar. But a new elan makes the pretty city shine once again. An example is Casa Cánovas, the city’s first boutique hotel. Entrepreneur Carlos Gómez Puhlmann (who’s wife is from Cádiz and which decorated the hotel) found an 18th century noble, yet dilapidated, mansion in the atmospheric centre of the city. Cádiz really lacked an authentic and intimate place to stay, so after a thorough renovation, which kept the building’s original details – like the typical Andalusian patio -, the Casa Cánovas was born. Black polished concrete floors, anthracite woodwork, velvet furniture, checkerboard marble, and historical and contemporary furniture set the tone. There is a wonderful living room/lounge off the patio, and a third floor terrace. A new restaurant/bar will open soon.

Suite-Me-Up: There are ten guestrooms distributed over four floors, each with its own personality. All come with luxurious, distinctive decor and the basics done exceptionally right: fabulous mattresses, power showers and silent air conditioning. Although not the largest, the “Mirador” room has a private terrace (with an outdoor tub) plus access to the lookout tower and terrace with spectacular 360° degrees views over Cádiz.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 10 rooms (15-40m2) (161-431 sq ft) • hotel opened: August 2021 • interior design: LUZIO, Ninfa Delfin • bathroom amenities: Ortigia • parking possible nearby (charged) • pets not allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible