Alcazar, Carmona, Spain | (888) 708-2081
Quiet location near historic Carmona, with amazing countryside views
Traditionally styled rooms with balconies; some feature jetted baths
Large outdoor seasonal pool with poolside bar plus kid-friendly pool
Grand restaurant serving food all day, plus a bar menu
Several lounges and an interior courtyard for relaxing
Two large event halls
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Parking on-site
Rural location means a drive to most attractions
Pool only open during high season and accessed by many steps
Some parts of the hotel look a little dated
Wi-Fi can be spotty
The three-and-a-half-pearl Parador de Carmona is a fantastic hotel for travelers looking for an authentic European castle getaway. The far-reaching countryside views are spectacular, and the medieval atmosphere is in evidence everywhere -- from the grandly arched dining room to details like heavy wooden doors. There's a large outdoor seasonal pool, though it's a bit of a trek down the hill, and the restaurant serves food throughout the day, with an additional bar menu and terrace seating. The 63 rooms have a simple, natural style with more antique furniture and balconies overlooking the endless scenery. For those who'd prefer to be closer to the action in Seville, the equally grand Gran Melia Colon is a luxury option that has similar rates and adds a spa.
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Scene
Grand hotel built in a 14th-century fortress, with spectacular countryside views
The Parador de Carmona is housed in a 14th-century Moorish fortress, and embodies much of the historic ambience found throughout Spain's paradores. Most of the exterior walls are original, while the main building has been restored to create an incredible hotel. It's highly atmospheric throughout, with heavy dark wood doors and shuttered windows, stone floors and walls, pretty patterned tiling, and spectacular far-reaching countryside views -- especially from the restaurant terrace. Winding steps and boardwalks lead through the grounds and down to the large pool, where views back up to the imposing castle are superb. The grand dining room has a beautiful arched ceiling with Medieval-style chairs and there's a peaceful, quiet atmosphere throughout. Guests are couples on the whole, though the facilities also attract some families and corporate groups.
Location
Rural setting, a 10-minute walk from dining and attractions in the historic village of Carmona
The Parador de Carmona is located in a quiet spot in the upper part of the historic town of Carmona. There's one restaurant a few minutes away, and it's about a 10-minute walk into Carmona for shopping and dining. It's a 10-minute walk to the Cordoba Gate in the north of the town, and 15 minutes to the Seville Gate from the hotel, though it's a pleasant 20-minute walk through the old town between the two. Expect a longer 25-minute walk to the Roman Acropolis, or 10 minutes in a taxi. Seville Airport is around 25 minutes away by car, and it's about a 45-minute drive into the city for attractions like the cathedral and the Royal Palaces.
Rooms
Traditional-style rooms with carved wood furniture and balconies plus air-conditioning and minibars
Rooms at the Parador de Carmona are decorated in natural colors, and furnished with quality carved wood furniture. There are some nice touches like Andalusian tiling around the stone floors, plus heavy wood doors, both of which nod to the castle's rich heritage. Traditional artwork furthers the effect. However, the star of the show here are the views of the countryside -- beautifully framed by the stone arched windows. Standard Double Rooms have Juliet balconies, while Superior Double Rooms have larger outdoor spaces with seating. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, sitting areas, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are finished in fresh white marble with traditional blue-patterned tiling. All have dual basins, toiletries, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos, with a separate toilet and bidet. Some Superior Doubles have jetted baths.
Features
A large seasonal pool, restaurant and bar, plus two meeting halls
The Parador de Carmona has a large outdoor pool, open seasonally, with loungers and seating, plus a separate children's pool and a poolside bar. It's worth noting that the pool area is located at the bottom of the hill, down lots of steps. The grounds are well worth exploring, with view points and benches scattered around. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast with a good range of hot and cold dishes, plus a lunch and dinner menu, and a bar menu is available both in the bar/lounge and out on the terrace. There are several lobby lounges with sofas -- including the Bermejo Hall, which has a TV. All of these overlook an interior courtyard with more outdoor seating around a pretty fountain. Two large, fully-equipped, and air-conditioned meeting halls are available for events, though they look a little dated. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but can be patchy. Other welcome features are laundry service, a gift shop, and plenty of free parking on-site.
