Where to stay in Seville
An inside guide to the best places to stay in Seville, based on years of living there with relatives visiting.From cosy hotspots in the centre of town to fortress-like luxury in the hills. Here are the best places to stay in Seville.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE
Disclosure – booking through these links may earn us some small commission at no extra cost to you.
There’s no doubt about it: Seville is one of Spain’s most exciting cities, a place with intoxicating heat, history, architecture and food.
A stay in the centre means you’ll never be far from a tapas bar and the chance to dance, whereas out of town places provide staggering views across the Andalusian countryside.
Luxury accommodation can bring you right into the heart of the city, with several hotels occupying historic buildings in their own right. Dine in the courtyards of former mansions, surrounded by Moorish fountains and overlooking the cobbled streets outside.
Choosing Where to Stay in Seville: Pretty Isn’t Always Practical
Despite being one of Spain’s biggest cities, the main points of interest cluster together near the historic centre and so this isn’t a place where you’ll need a car or spend time worrying about the the metro.
With that said, the gorgeous Old Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets and uneven surfaces does make it difficult for wheeling along suitcases and sometimes impossible for taxis to drive along. Only stay right in its heart if you’re happy carrying your own luggage for 50-100 metres or so in the heat. Otherwise, great options close to but not in the centre include the Alfonso and the Hotel Dona Maria.
Related: Live Like A Local in Seville
Equally, in a city where dinner starts at ten and theatre at midnight, if you want a quiet night’s sleep and an early night, it may be best to stay out of town at the Parador.
Sleeping in an icon: The Alfonso XIII
If you don’t stay here, at least decide to dine here. Built by King Alfonso XIII to “give court guests the most luxurious hotel,” it combines stylish wealth with Moorish influences and is itself a landmark of the city. Fully renovated in 1912 and a member of Grand Luxury Hotels, The Alfonso XIII is also within walking distance of everything you’ll want to see.
Rooftop Bar, Calle Sierpes Shopping and Easier Access: Casa Romana
For a solid starting point, try the Casa Romana Hotel Boutique renowned for its Roman columns, rooftop bar and great location. From here, you’re in easy walking distance of the Calle Sierpes shopping street and equidistant from chilled out Plaza Alameda and the central buzz of the Cathedral and Santa Cruz. Rooms come with wifi, televisions and air conditioning, with white fluffy robes as a thoughtful extra touch.
Quiet, Historic Chic: Palacio Villapanes
For a more upmarket experience, hide behind the wrought iron gates of the Palacio Villapanes (doubles from €169) in a quieter part of town. A rooftop solarium and underground spa provide everything you need to make the most of the heat. The first class service, gourmet twists on traditional dishes, lavish monochrome bathrooms and widescreen TVs make this one of the top places to stay.
Perfect for an Andalusian Road Trip: The Carmona Parador
If you don’t mind driving in and out of town, consider staying in the Carmona Parador (doubles from €130) Perched on a clifftop, this 14th century fortress provides formidable views across the Andalusian plains and houses a collection of tapestries and antiques on the inside. The restaurant focuses on seasonal dishes, while the bar has one of the most picturesque courtyards in the region. (As an aside, I love the concept of the Paradores. State owned hotels that preserve historic buildings and provide guests with somewhere to stay. Sustainable tourism at its best.)
Related: No8Do – Seville’s Secret Code
In the Heart of the Action
The EME Catedral Hotel (doubles from €170) caused quite a stir when it burst onto the Seville scene, with its pulsing modern bar, Japanese restaurant and stylish range of rooms just across from the cathedral. Overlooking the Giralda itself, rooms at the EME include Bang & Olufsen TVs and sumptuous rainshower bathrooms, guaranteeing a chic stay in Seville.
For a more traditional yet high class stay within a few flamenco steps of the cathedral, try the rooms at the sumptuous Hotel Doña Maria (16 doubles from €117) Heavily patterned wallpaper and striped velvet linen decorate the rooms of this former palace. As far as rooftop terraces go, not only does the Doña Maria have the best view of the Giralda, it also comes with a small yet reviving pool.
Finally, the eclectic yet fascinating Hotel Fontecruz Sevilla Seises (17 doubles from €135) provides spacious rooms with edgy, modern furniture in a hotel characterised by exposed brick walls and the remains of Roman mosaics found in the basement.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Seville Cheat Sheet
Casa Romana Hotel Boutique, 15 Calle Trajano, tel: +34 95 491 5170
Hotel Palacio Villapanes, 31 Calle Santiago, tel: +34 95 450 2063
Parador Carmona, Calle Alcazar, Carmona, tel: + 34 95 414 1010
EME Catedral Hotel, 27 Calle Alemanes, tel: +34 95 456 0000
Hotel Doña Maria, 19 Calle Don Remondo, tel: +34 95 422 4990
Hotel Fontecruz Sevilla Seises, 6 Calle Segovias, tel: +34 95 422 9495
Travel Tips for Seville
Check out this southern Spain itinerary and plan your own road trip through Andalucia.
Where to Stay in Seville
Triana is a nice place to stay with plenty of tapas bars and local character. However, it is ever so slightly further from the city centre and other attractions than districts like Santa Cruz. See here for a guide on where to stay in Seville.
What to eat in Seville
Tapas bars and restaurants crowd around Triana market and along the shores of the Guadaluquivir. They’re great for fresh food and people watching and, as in many places in Andalusia, you won’t be hurried along. See also my guide to the best tapas in Seville and where to eat.
What to buy in Seville
Triana Market makes a good spot to stock up on authentic Seville souvenirs, such as ines rosales, mantecados, jamon, olive oil and, of course, fresh fruit and veg.
Triana’s workshops also sell those famous ceramics. Authentic mementos and some cheery tourist fare.
