The Best Places to Stay in Cádiz During Carnival

Casa Caracol offers fun, budget accommodation right in the heart of the carnival celebrations. The reception and shared dorms are just off one of the Old Town’s largest squares, while private doubles are available in the Pirates’ House (Casa Pirates) in an alleyway next to the cathedral. Either way, you’re bound to meet other travellers and get caught up in the partying when staying here: superb communal spaces in both buildings, including spectacular roof terraces, are all part of the Caracol experience.

This funky hostel is just a five-minute walk away from the shabby-chic fishing quarter of La Viña, where you can see some of the carnival’s best street performances. Cádiz Cadi offers shared accommodation at competitive prices and imaginatively decorated communal spaces in which you can meet other guests or relax in front of the TV. To really get into the spirit of carnival, you could even try writing your own couplet (one of the witty, satirical songs performed during carnival) on the in-house piano.

Boutique Convento is arguably Cádiz’s most beautiful hotel, so if you want to stay here during carnival, you need to book well in advance. It is housed in an elegant 17th-century convent that would be a tourist attraction in its own right were it not a hotel. The rooms are spread over two floors around its central courtyard, and on the second level there are gorgeous communal lounges. Convento’s location in the old residential barrio of Santa Maria means you’re close to the action, but will nevertheless get peace and quiet at night.

The rooms at Hotel La Catedral – located, as its named suggests, right opposite the magnificent 18th-century Santa Cruz cathedral – are all themed around a notable person, artwork or historical monument of Cádiz. It’s perfectly appointed if you intend to do a little sightseeing as well as celebrate carnival, as all the city’s historical attractions are within an easy 10-minute walk. To watch the partying unfold on Plaza de la Catedral, head up to the roof terrace; although it’ll be too cold to use the Jacuzzi, you’ll have a great view of the street performers below.

Patagonia Sur is a stylish, modern hotel just down the road from the cathedral, so you’ll be in the thick of the partying if you stay here during carnival (although guests do say that the rooms are well soundproofed). The coolest bookings for Cádiz’s annual extravaganza are the single and double loft rooms, which have their own private rooftop terraces: ideal spots for a break from the celebrations, or to watch them from above. Patagonia’s friendly staff are also on hand to ensure you get the most out of the city and its carnival.

The cheerful Summer Cádiz Hostal is in the old fishing barrio of La Viña, where revellers head to enjoy the best chirigotas – groups of street artists who perform the satirical songs for which Cádiz carnival is famous. Its accommodation comprises shared dorms as well as single and twin bedrooms, while facilities include a well-equipped kitchen, lounge and roof terrace. And for when you’re not enjoying the nearby street performances, take advantage of the bike rides and pub crawls arranged by the staff.

Casa Morada offers clean, budget accommodation in a quiet corner of old Cádiz, a short stroll from the port and the beautiful spaces of the Genoves Park with its giant old rubber trees. The rooftop terrace has a small but well-equipped bar, making it a great spot to meet other carnival-goers before hitting the streets, and there is a kitchen with all the mod cons for self-catering guests. Playa Caleta, Cádiz’s quaint fishing beach, is just 10 minutes away on foot if you fancy a stroll and a break from the partying.