Hi:

I am going to Spain in September, and am trying to choose between 3 hotels. I like boutique hotels with charm and atmosphere, and close to the historic center of town. The three I'm looking at are Dona Maria, Hotel Simon, and Becquer. Anyone with recent experiences at any of these? I've read mixed reviews on both the Dona Maria and Simon -- some wonderful and some awful. And Becquer seems a bit far from Santa Cruz. Suggestions?

I didn't stay at one of those but got back from Seville recently and noticed the Becquer because I was considering it. The location is a bit far from the Santa Cruz area, but what I noticed was the appearance looked like a very run-down HOliday Inn from the 1970s or something. I mean from the outside. The rooms could be comfortable, but if you come upon this hotel upon arrival you will probably scream when seeing it if you think it is a charming boutique hotel. It's not that small, either, over 100 rooms. The location is fairly central for a lot of things, though.

If you want a hotel like that, why not consider the Fernando III which is a more modern 4* hotel, also (like the Becquer), but right in the Santa Cruz quarter at Santa Maria la Blanca plaza. It's not a charming boutique hotel, either, but seems the same idea and a better location. Looks nicer from the outside, also.

Maybe you want something like Casas de la Juderia. I stayed at Hotel Amadeus and could be described as boutique with atmosphere, although not an upper level hotel (2* probably). I think there are a couple that begin with Cases in the name that would be more like what you want, although the Dona Maria could be fine (or Simon, I don't know it).

We were just there a couple of weeks ago and stayed at Las Casa de la Juderia. We really enjoyed it. In the middle of Sanata Cruz and in a setting of gardens, fountains and patios.

We passed the Becquer and found it to be a downtown type hotel on a busy street. Not what we would have wanted.

Here's another vote for Casa de la Juderia. We stayed there last year at the beginning of September. We found it very charming, friendly,and the breakfast was great (lots of selection and good food). The prices were also reasonable and the location was perfect. We only stayed for two nights and wished it was longer since Seville is so beautiful.

Does anyone know of a good web site to look for hotels in Spain, with star ratings and rates? We are thinking of going to Seville next February.

The most complete site we've ever found is:- www.hotelsearch.com Even though the name seems rather general, this site is for Spain only.

I agree with the impresssion of the first poster about the hotel Becquer. I walked by it one day and thought it was horrible on the outside. I stayed at the Taberna del Alabardero which is close to Becquer. Very nice, I think it has only 10 rooms.

Thanks Bedar. That is certainly a good site to look for hotels in Spain.

Hi, I am from SEvill aand i agree with Las Casas de la Judería and the Doña Maria. I also propose: Casa del Maestro and Hotel Boutique Casa Trajano. COnside the idea of seeking for a place with a pool since it is extreemly hot there. Both Doña Maria and Trajana have one.

We had stayed at the Becquer several years ago, and it is definitely not in a category I would classify as boutique--unless rather dated furnishings meet that classification.

It was rather like a dated "Holiday Inn" atomosphere. If we went to Seville again, I would not stay there for the charm of its rooms, nor the "quality" of the restaurant food. However, when I was robbed (purse violently ripped from around my neck by a motorcylist who came up onto the sidewalk), the staff were amazingly helpful and compassionate in getting us police, medical, and financial assistance in order to continue our journey.

Although it is not in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the area was fun for shopping, tapas bars, and good nightlife.

I do not know the hotels you are asking about but two years ago we stayed in Casa de la Juderia and loved it. We first tried the Amadeus (which looked great) but could not book all the nights we needed. Casa de la Juderia was very well located but we had to park our car in a separate garage house, this was not a problem because the car was not needed in Sevilla. The hotel provided valet parking but it still took a while to get it back.

We had a room in the back building which had a wonderfull patio/fountain view. It was lovely, we would stay there again.

marigross - I am staying at Casas de la Juderia in August for one night, and will also have a car. How do you go about getting it valet-parked? Do I just drive right up to the hotel and someone comes out, or should I call in advance? Thanks.

Can anyone suggest some Seville hotels that are within walking distance of Puerta de Jerez & not too expensive?

It's been a few years since we stayed at the Dona Maria, but we were very satisfied with our room, the staff and the location was perfect. It is just steps from the cathedral. Our room (224) was quite large for European standards, nicely furnished and had a great bathroom. Although we have not stayed at Casa de la Juderia, I have heard nothing but good reports about it. I doubt you could go wrong with either hotel and you will love the Santa Cruz area and Seville.

echo168 - They have a little driveway (alley)next to the entrance where they can take the cars.

marigross - I presume that was for me about the Casas de la Juderia? Thank you so much. So I presume I just drive right up to the entrance of the hotel?

Cailin,
No you can't really drive right up to the entrance. It's down a narrow alleyway. Sounds ominous but not really.

As soon as a car stops at the entrance to the alleyway, someone seems to know and comes running out to help.

Hard to explain.

If you go to my web site and wade through the Spain 2004 photos, you'll see one of the entrance to the alleway and a couple more of the gardens and fountains at the hotel.

Sorry about so many photos.

www.travelwalks.com

It's non-commercial.

Thanks Myer.

Just looked at the photos & I see what you mean!!! I don't think I'll be driving down there!

Fantastic photos by the way

Cailin,

Thanks.

We normally prefer to eat breakfast at the hotel to avoid hassles in the morning. Theirs is quite expensive and we didn't include breakfast.

The photo of the alleyway has me standing in a relatively small square with at least 5 restaurants serving both indoors and outdoors.

No problem eating breakfast there.

Thanks - we're not big breakfast eaters anyway - I usually grab a coffee and a piece of fruit and that's about it! Really looking forward to seeing Seville now - especially after seeing your photos. Granada looks great too!