Seville is an increasingly touristic city and full of people who want to get to know it, so don’t worry, its accommodation offered is up to scratch.
Here I will give you some tips so you can find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
Accommodation type
Hotels
This is the traditional option. Normally hotels in Spain are quite good and comfortable. So here I’ve described the different kinds of hotels you can find in Seville:
- You can stay in a hotel chain such as Accor or Melià, located mostly outside the historic center, but comfortable and well connected.
- Another option is boutique hotels, smaller hotels with limited rooms but with the charm of being located within the historic center and therefore many of them are reused historical buildings with an intimate atmosphere.
- Within this category, I would recommend – if you feel like it and your wallet is full – stay in a hotel with history, such as an old palatial house. They are very characteristic in Seville so that you will feel like you are traveling back in time.
Bed and breakfast
They have fewer services than hotels -for example shorter reception hours-. The big difference is the price, since they tend to have smaller rooms with older decoration. They are also usually located in the historic center.
It is a cheaper option than an hotel, so if you’d prefer to stay in one of them, you will save some money.
Apartments and Airbnb
This trend has been growing lately. Nowadays it rivals the large hotel chains due to its services, location and prices.
- The tourist apartments in Seville are regulated by law, which is valid for all of Andalusia, so they must have all the basic comforts of any accommodation, such as a first-aid kit, bedding, towels and air conditioning.
- Most of them are located in a central area close to monuments, and you will find them everywhere. This way you will have the opportunity to live like a local, since the houses are located in urban buildings.
Areas
Since the historic center is quite large, it may be useful to know the best areas to stay.
Inside the historic center
Santa Cruz neighborhood: It is the smallest and most charming neighborhood in Seville. Staying here means enjoying a stay in the most special area of Seville. However, prices are usually quite high and the rooms are small or dimly lit.
City center around the Cathedral: Depending on the type of accommodation, services and views the prices will be higher or lower, since many of them have spectacular terraces or windows.. Staying in this area could be a good option, since you can walk anywhere in the city.
Encarnacion and Alfalfa: Between modern and traditional. It is one of the best areas to stay in Seville, as it is close to both the great monuments and the shopping area. Their history makes them charming places. Prices are still high, but not as high as in the previous areas.
Arenal: The neighbourhood surrounding to the Torre del Oro and Plaza de Toros. This area is full of traditional bars and “Spanish” shops. It has fewer hotels than the previous areas, but a large number of tourist apartments. One of the authentic neighbourhoods of Seville.
Feria, Macarena: It is the most “popular” area of Seville, the least touristy and, despite it belonging to the historic centre, it is the furthest from the great monuments. It’s the most provincial neighbourhood of Seville, with an atmosphere that may not please everyone, but for that reason it may have a special charm for you. Accommodation is usually cheaper, depending on the services they offer.
San Vicente: If you are looking for a quiet area away from tourists, this is it. Here you will find few hotels, but high-quality tourist apartments. Keep in mind this area is quite empty of atmosphere, so the streets will be deserted at night.
Alameda de Hércules: The party and lively area of Seville. For that reason it is full of accommodation of all kinds. It is also fairly close to the monumental area. Of course, consider that the closer you’ll stay to the Alameda, the more noise you can have at night, especially on weekends. However, it is perfect if you are someone who stays up late.
Outside the historic center
Triana: Although it is considered to be outside the historic centre, the reality is that Triana is one of the traditional neighbourhoods in Seville that you cannot miss. Here you can find rooms of all kinds: accommodation with spectacular views of Seville centre and small apartments located in old neighbouring houses. Its charm and proximity to the centre make it one of the best areas to stay.
Nervión and San Bernardo: It is the Seville’s modern and urban area. Here you will find high quality hotel chains. It is well connected to the centre both by metro and tram and also by bike. Walking is also a pleasant way to get there.
Plaza de España’s surroundings: Although it may sound like a great location due to its proximity to this magnificent monument, the reality is that Plaza de España is outside the historic centre, -but not by too much-. The accommodation offered is usually hotel chains, but it is a lonely area, so getting to it at night can be a bit awkward -although always safe-. However it’s nothing that public transport cannot solve!
Images source: 15 – 17 (section 1)
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