The Place
This is the largest and best known of the several Seville mansions to have been converted into stunning but affordable hotels during the 1990s. Book well in advance. The interconnected houses, dating from the 17thC, are most memorable for their beautiful mustard-and-green courtyards, awash with pot plants, urns and statuary. The cool main patio, where wicker chairs are set around a tiled fountain under marble pillared arcades, is a strong contender for the prettiest spot in the city.
Bedrooms, with parquet floors and prints of old Seville, are exceedingly tasteful. Many have sitting areas, and much more besides – a pillar here, old tilework there, maybe a private patio (such as Junior Suite 21). Generally, first floor rooms are preferable, since they have french windows opening on to small balconies overlooking the courtyards.
The hotel’s location – in the Santa Cruz or Jewish quarter – is hard to beat: very quiet yet as central as can be. Though only breakfast (good buffets) is on offer, endless tapas bars lie a short walk away. The place is professionally run: for example, if you’re having trouble finding the hotel by car (which is more than likely), you can call a porter to pick up your vehicle and park it for you.