We are staying at the Casa Imperial in Sevilla for four nights the end of March. Has anyone stayed there? Any suggestions for nearby restaurants or sites to see? We are also staying at the Palace in Madrid. Same question - has anyone stayed there? Suggestions for nearby restaurants and sites to see. Thank you!

Can't anyone offer any info please? <BR>

ET, <BR>You'll be in the lap of luxury in both of your hotel choices, and you'll love the Palace's location, within easy walking distance both of the Prado and of Old Madrid, and the recent refurbishment (to the tune of $40+ milliion) has left it in stunning shape. I haven't stayed at the all suite 17th c mansion Casa Imperial, but a friend did in Nov. and loved it, and it's received rave reviews from both the American and Spanish travel press. It's location, behind the Casa de Pilatos, is not as convenient as that of the Palace, but Seville is a most walkable city, and it's a pleasant 15-20 min. stroll from the Imperial to the Santa Cruz district and area around the cathedral where you'll find many dining options. <BR> <BR>My favorites in Madrid within a 15 min walk of the Palace are the Belle Epoque style Cafe del Espejo on the Recoletos section of Castellana Boulevard (with a beautiful glass pavillion for drinks/tapas out front), Paradis Madrid (Catalan cuisine-great crema catalana) on Marques de Cubas, down the street from Am Exp-2 min from Palace), the atmospheric taverns of Botin right below the Plaza Mayor/Arco de Cuchilleros (yes, always jam packed with tourists but opens early at 8 p.m., has dependable roast lamb, very fresh fish and strolling trouvadors, "Las Tunas", come in at night-skip the flan and ask to sit either below in the caves or on the third floor), and a bit further down, the Viejo Madrid, Julian de Tolosa, Posada de la Villa and Casa Lucio (the King's and Banderas/Griffith duo's fav.- but not for those allergic to smoke!) on the Cava Baja, also Casa Paco (for steaks) further down at Puerta Cerrada. <BR>Near the Royal Palace/Royal Theater (one of the prettiest places to be at night) we like the Taberna del Alabardero (with a branch in Seville-one Michelin star), and the Belle Epoque Cafe del Oriente (same owner) which has several dining options, casual to exp and great people watching on the outdoor terrace. Also El Buey for more great steaks (Plaza de la Marina Espanola), Casa Marta (Santa Clara #10) and the new dining venue in the Royal Theater itself. <BR> <BR>In Seville I'm sure your son now has his favorite tapas bars (Modesto and Casa Ramon in the Barrio Santa Cruz, Enrique Becerra near Plaza Nueva and Bodeguita Romero near La Maestranza bullring are ours), but for formal (and exp) dining the Egana-Oriza (Basque) with a beautiful conservatory dining room across from the U. of Sevilla, Fabrica de Tabacos building can't be beat (also has exquisite, sophisticated tapas at the bar). The Corral del Agua in the Barrio de Santa Cruz is a favorite of many visitors, and if you have time, I'd suggest afternoon tea at the Alfonso XIII-an elegant experience. <BR>Also in the evening a drink and tapas on the terrace of one of the riverside restaurants (Rio Grande or Kiosco de las Flores) across the San Telmo bridge in the Triana section makes for a memorable time. <BR>Hope this gives you some ideas.

Wow, Maribel, thanks for one of the great postings of recent times. I've printed it out for reference during my trip including Seville and Madrid in September.

Maribel, <BR>you are awesome...