the area is mostly ok is the short answer ! if you like spain then Jerez is ok and its a short train ride to El Puerto de Santa Maria and or Cadiz. Jerez is a relatively small town and most of the entertainment is sherry-centric in one form or another so don't expect much. I like El Puerto, one of my favourite places in spain. If you have a car then thats where I'd stay, the increased choice of restaurants/seaside is worth the drive. If you are having to rely on taxis or public transport then Jerez is really the necessary option. During the middle of the afternoon don't expect a taxi from the terminal. The cars are there but the drivers aren't. HTH.