Some cities have a way of creeping into your soul by seducing you with their disarming charm. Seville is one such city that lures you with its history and culture. The Old Town is where you’ll find some of the best hotels in Seville, Spain. However, the city center itself has plenty of good hotels to choose from. Many old houses have been transformed into cozy hotels that have rooftop terraces looking out over the city.
There’s plenty to experience in the city with its old-fashioned street lamps and horse-drawn carriages. A clear standout is the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Christendom. However, the Real Alcázar rivals this splendor with its blend of Moorish and Christian architecture. Quite obviously the top things to do in Seville include explorations of its rich historical architecture and the Flamenco clubs.
Seville is a gorgeous city to explore, but you’ll also find some other beautiful towns in Andalucia well worth your time. If you have time, you should also consider putting these towns on your itinerary.
Where To Stay In Seville
One of the best things about Seville is that it’s quite compact and very walkable which means that no matter where you stay, you’ll be at a convenient distance from the city’s attractions. That being said, there are many hotels in Seville Spain, that are bang in the center of it all.
Barrio Santa Cruz is where you’ll find many of the city’s attractions. This maze of winding streets is centered around the cathedral and is home to many of the best hotels in Seville. There’s a wide range of accommodation to suit all types of budgets and plenty of dining options. First-timers to the city will love this area.
Seville’s former port El Arenal is to the west of Barrio Santa Cruz. It’s where you’ll find many of Seville’s incredible architecture. The historic Plaza de Toros (bull ring) is also in this area. Across the river, you’ll find Triana, the place where Flamenco originated. This upcoming area has a lively nightlife and vibrant tapas bar scene. Seville’s main attractions are a longer walk away but it’s still a good place to base yourself.
Shopaholics will love the Centre with its shopping streets and fashion chains. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area too that will keep you busy. Families looking to put some distance between themselves and the bustle of the center should look at Los Remedios.
Hotel Amadeus
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Music forms a big part of the family-owned Hotel Amadeus in Barrio Santa Cruz. You’ll find musical instruments and memorabilia in various corners of the hotel which add to its charming vibe. There’s even a 16th-century harp on display here. Sitting on a narrow pedestrian alleyway in the Jewish Quarter, you can be assured of a pleasant night’s sleep here. It’s a 10-minute stroll to the cathedral but you’ll find two interesting museums nearby.
Two traditional Sevillano houses make up the hotel. These are set around patios with period décor and antique furniture. As we mentioned earlier, music is the dominant theme here with guest rooms named after famous composers. Simple, classy décor featuring music-themed prints adds to the charm of the rooms. Most en suite bathrooms feature hydrotherapy baths and some even have balconies. You won’t find too many big amenities here but you can enjoy breakfast on the sunny roof terrace or in a small salon on the ground floor.
Hotel Inglaterra
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One of the best hotels in Seville, Spain that puts you in the heart of Seville is Hotel Inglaterra. Located between Plaza Nueva and opposite the City Hall, you’re just 250 yards from the iconic cathedral. There’s a tram stop at the plaza if you’re interested in exploring the Maria Luisa Park.
This is another of Seville’s historic hotels that trace its roots back to 1857. In its heyday, it was the favored destination for many royals. When you enter the stylish hotel you realize why it was such a favored destination. Gorgeous guest rooms are spread over four floors. In keeping with the historic vibe of the hotel, the rooms have touches of historical elements. Wood floors and wooden headboards with the hotel’s crest make them feel quite classy. All come equipped with modern comforts.
Like most hotels in Seville Spain this one also has a vibrant terrace where you can enjoy great views of the surroundings. Several events are organized regularly on the rooftop which also has a bar. Seis Bar Restaurante located in the lobby also has live music, tapas, and cocktails. You can also start your day with a sumptuous breakfast spread at the restaurant.
EME Catedral Mercer
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Architecture buffs will love the EME Catedral Mercer with its location bang opposite Seville’s Cathedral. It’s the perfect location for those wanting to be close to the attractions of the city. However, it’s not just the location that will impress but also the style of the hotel. 14 beautifully renovated 16th-century buildings make up this hip boutique hotel.
Exposed stone walls, high beamed ceilings add character to the guest rooms. The past is beautifully fused with the present with some rooms offering stunning views of the bell tower. It’s a good idea to stay on the higher floors as noise from the streets tends to filter into the lower level rooms.
There are a few excellent amenities for guests at the hotel such as the Thermal and Wellness Center with a heated pool and water jets. It also has a Hammam steam bath and ice fountain. A good rooftop pool offering a stellar view of the surroundings, complete with a bar, and a handful of loungers is a great place to unwind. Al Lado is the hotel’s new restaurant run by chef Paco Perez. If that’s not enough to whet your thirst and appetite you can head to the Corner Lobby Bar.
Fontecruz Sevilla Seises
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It’s a little difficult to locate the Fontecruz Sevilla Seises on a quiet, backstreet in the Old Town. However, it’s just around the corner from La Giralda with plenty of bars and restaurants in the area too. In tune with many of the best hotels in Seville, Spain, this hotel was also a former palace. In fact, the building served as the Archbishop’s Palace in its heyday.
Evidence of its historic past is visible in the 15th century stone columns and arches in the breakfast bar. The hotel has a more modern vibe though with framed black-and-white photos of Hollywood stars and pop-art style artwork in the guest rooms.
Though the hotel does not have an onsite restaurant, breakfast is a good spread. If you’re hankering for a snack during the day, the roof terrace bar has a small snack menu. The Pura Vida on the rooftop is a space that brings locals and visitors together to enjoy food and drinks. Of course, the pool with its loungers, wooden deck, and flowing white drapes is a big draw too.
Palacio De Villapanes
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Palacio De Villapanes is another repurposed 18th-century mansion located on a quiet street in the eastern part of the historic district. Although it’s a little removed from the main tourist areas, they’re a short stroll away. Most of the sights are a 15-minute walk from here.
The mansion was the home of the Villapanes noble family for almost three centuries before it was sold and converted into a hotel. However, it stands out from the many converted boutique hotels in Seville Spain with its classy, aristocratic vibe. Many of the original architectural elements such as the high ceilings, marble columned patios, and the huge family crest on the grand staircase add to the grandeur of the hotel. Though many contemporary additions have been made to the palace, the elegant atmosphere of the yesteryears is visible in the guest rooms. The six suites stand out with their marble fireplaces and coffered ceilings.
There’s a small plunge pool on the rooftop terrace which is functional in summer plus a poolside bar. You’ll also find a gym and a small spa in the basement. Los Rincones Del Marques, the hotel’s onsite restaurant offers a delectable Mediterranean spread complemented with an exquisite selection of wines.
Casa Romana
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If you want to put some space between you and the historic area, Casa Romana is the ideal place. It’s further away from the historic center but close enough to explore. A 15-minute stroll away from the cathedral, the hotel sits in one of the older parts of the city. Shopaholics will love the location though as the top shopping area of the city is a five-minute walk from here.
Most boutique hotels in Seville, Spain are built in the traditional Andalusian style with an interior courtyard. The reason being that many are refurbished Casa Romana combines adjoining 18th-century mansions to provide a total of 26 guest rooms around two patios. Classical statues, reliefs, and pedestals that decorate the public spaces are a nod to the Roman-era Seville. Guest rooms feature high ceilings with soothing neutral tones. Deluxe Rooms come with street-side Juliet balconies while a few Superior Rooms are outfitted with enclosed outdoor patios.
Like most of the boutique hotels in Seville, the lack of space means that they’re not big on amenities. The terrace space, Roof has a good bar with seating, an ideal place to enjoy the view. It also features and a Jacuzzi. On the lower floor, you’ll find RoomZero, another chic area where you can enjoy a drink. Breakfast is also served in this basement space for an extra fee.
Mercer Sevilla
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Seville is bursting with attractions, and the El Arenal area where the Mercer Sevilla sits is one of the best places to experience some of these gorgeous spaces. Although the street where the hotel sits isn’t too attractive, there’s a pretty square at one end. The cathedral and shopping area are five minutes away while the Real Maestranza bullring is almost at your doorstep.
A traditional 19th-century Andalusian palace, Casa Palacio Castelar became the Mercer, the second five-star Grand Luxe hotel in Seville. Remnants of the hotel’s past are visible in the curved marble staircase, wrought-iron balconies, and grand arches. Guest rooms are limited with just 12 rooms spread over two floors. The rooms on the first floor are spacious with lofty ceiling while the ones on the second-floor feature shaded private terraces. You’ll find plenty of modern comforts in all the rooms.
Service here is top class, beginning with a welcome glass of cava and a mini cake during check-in. A stainless steel rooftop pool with a wooden deck is a great space for unwinding. You won’t be able to do much swimming in the long, narrow pool though. However, the views over the rooftops and a smooth cocktail from the bar will definitely make the rooftop experience worthwhile.
Another place at the hotel where you can enjoy a drink is at the Hall Bar in the central courtyard or at the Fizz Bar. Dining is top-class at the Maria Luisa Restaurant where you can savor the cuisine of the south.
H10 Casa de la Plata
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The H10 Casa de la Plata maintains the charm of the Old town district of Seville, with an atmosphere of constant energy and activity from the surrounding shops. However, unlike many of the hotels in the Center which have rich histories, this hotel is a newly built four-star hotel. The hotel sits in a large pedestrian area which is great for shopping and sightseeing but a little inconvenient if you have luggage. Since it’s a pedestrian-only area, it’s a two-minute walk from where the taxis drop you off to the hotel. If you can work around that small inconvenience, it’s a good place to base yourself.
Public spaces exude urban chic with a mixture of leather sofas and embroidered cushions. You’ll find custom-made wall and floor-tiles from Triana, the famous ceramic tile barrio of Seville in most of the hotel’s public spaces. Luxurious guest rooms come with a wide range of amenities. They’re well designed with Andalusian inspired touches and quirky pictures.
Guests can indulge in a selection of light dishes and drinks at the Lobby Bar while the buffet breakfast is served in the Magallanes Restaurant. The outdoor courtyard with its Andalusian pond is a good place to unwind. There are also two meeting rooms and space for private events.
Hotel Casa 1800
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Like we mentioned earlier, you’ll find many hotels in Seville Spain bang in the heart of the iconic Santa Cruz neighborhood. Hotel Casa 1800 is one such property that not only has an enviable location near the famous monuments but also outstanding decor. It’s just a stone’s throw from two of Seville’s iconic monuments, the Cathedral and Alcazar. Situated at the edge of the Jewish quarter, the hotel is also close to some of the most traditional tapas bars in Seville.
Elements of the hotel’s past as an opulent mansion beautifully blend in with the contemporary decor. There’s a dash of opulence too in the touches of gold and pendant lights. The chic lobby with its large murals and panoramic prints of Seville’s historic past is a precursor to the elegant guest rooms. Exposed brick walls, tactile velvet curtains, and wood parquet floors enhance the style to the rooms. Six of the rooms stand out for their extra touches such as a private terrace with a hot tub.
Depending on the package you choose, breakfast is included in some deals. There’s also a free self-service afternoon tea. Other amenities that you can look forward to at the hotel are a decent-sized pool and a spacious roof terrace.
Casa del Poeta
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In the heart of Barrio Santa Cruz, Casa del Poeta is an 18-room picturesque upper mid-range hotel surrounded by a majority of the most beautiful and historical attractions in the city. Not immediately accessible by car, the property is situated two blocks from Alcazar Royal Palace, down a cobblestone alleyway. Taxis will not be able to drop you off at the door as this is a pedestrian-only area. Despite this, it’s still one of the best hotels in Seville, Spain if you want to be close to the attractions. While the iconic cathedral is a five-minute walk from here, shops, restaurants, and bars are just 10 minutes away.
The restored 17th-century house cozy reflects the typical Sevillano style with an arcaded patio surrounded by the rooms. Unlike other properties though, the patio does not have a roof, which makes the space even brighter. This area is a green haven with potted ferns, ivy, and wicker chairs. Decorated with simplicity and elegance, the spacious guest rooms feature a range of amenities for your comfort. The attached bathrooms are on the smaller with baths in the standard rooms.
Begin your day with homemade products and fresh orange juice served for breakfast (for a fee), while in the evening you can enjoy a wonderful selection of single malt whiskeys, brandies, and gins in the romantically decorated red and gold bar. For lunch and dinner, an extensive menu from the hotel’s sister Italian restaurant is on offer. Live guitar music on the patio every night sets the right tone for the evenings. Alternatively, spend the evening at the rooftop deck with its wonderful views of the city. It’s an excellent place to relax.
Hotel Alfonso XIII
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Hotel Alfonso XIII is part of the Luxury Collection of Marriott hotels in Seville Spain. The hotel traces its roots to 1929 when it was commissioned by the King of Spain to host international dignitaries during the Exhibition. It opened on the same day as Her Royal Highness Infanta Isabel’s wedding. The wall near the front desk showcases the iconic photographs captured during the opening.
Sitting an eight-minute walk away from the historic quarter of Santa Cruz, the hotel puts you in proximity to Seville Cathedral and Alcazar. Just outside the hotel, you’ll also find a tram stop which makes it easy to explore other parts of the city.
The hotel holds the distinction of playing host to several dignitaries and royals including Princess Diana, Prince Rainer and Grace of Monaco, and kings of several countries. It’s easy to see why. The opulent interiors with crystal chandeliers, picture patterned marble floors and mirrored wooden lifts are a testament to its elegant past. When it opened, the hotel was the grandest hotel in Seville, Spain. Quite naturally, the guest rooms still reflect this grandeur with elegant contemporary decor with distinctive Andalusian and Moorish touches. You’ll also find several lavish suites, the standout being the Reales Alcazares Suite.
Dining options are aplenty beginning with the gorgeous colonnaded Andalusian-style courtyard Restaurante San Fernando. Here you can feast on a selection of modern takes on Spanish classics. The poolside restaurant is great for light snacks and is exclusively for in-house guests. In addition to this, you’ll also find a tapas restaurant and a bar. For those who like to be on top of their fitness regime, there’s a state of the art fitness center and swimming pool.
Recommended Restaurants/Bars in Seville:
- Sangria Tasting with Rooftop Views – Enjoy four different kinds of sangria at a stunning rooftop restaurant. You’ll also learn the art of making sangria and also get to bite into classic tapas dishes.
- Abantal – This Michelin star restaurant uses high-quality fresh produce to create delectable Andalusian cuisine. One of the highlights is the seven-course tasting menu.
Recommended Activities In Seville
- Cathedral and Alcazar Guided Tour – Get the inside scoop on two of the must-see monuments of Seville on this guided tour. This 3-hour tour of the Santa Cruz district will give you a deeper insight into these historic sights.
- Plaza de Espana – One of Seville’s most impressive landmarks lies inside the Maria Luisa Park. This massive plaza is a treat for the eyes with its balustraded balconies of a Renaissance Neo-Moorish-style building. Boating along the canal that runs along the perimeter of the plaza is an excellent option.
