Hotel Cervantes

Housed in a traditional 19th-century building with a yellow facade and a wrought-iron door topped with cute painted tiles, Hotel Cervantes is packed with local charm. Rooms and common spaces are spread over several small buildings set around quaint courtyards with plants, wrought-iron patio furniture, and gurgling fountains, and the vibe is peaceful and relaxing. Both interiors and outdoor areas are peppered with tons of traditional Andalusian touches, such as yellow walls, arched doorways with white frames, terra-cotta tile floors decorated with painted tiles, and stained-glass windows or skylights. Rates are decent for the location, but there is little to the hotel beyond its charming decor and architectural style. There is no full restaurant on-site and the small bar only serves a few drinks, which keeps the property quiet after breakfast. The hotel's attractive design and competitive rates draw mostly couples on a budget, but some rooms have a sofa bed, which is convenient for families. 

Hotel Cervantes is located on a narrow one-way street with tiny sidewalks in the historic center of Seville. There are a good number of bars, restaurants, and shops within a few blocks, and Sierpes -- the city’s most famous shopping street -- is just a three-minute walk away. The famous Alameda de Hercules, Europe’s oldest public garden, is also less than five minutes from the hotel. Although it is not in the very heart of the action, many major attractions can be found within a 15-minute walk, including the Cathedral and its famous Giralda Tower, the Basilica of Macarena, the Real Alcazar, Casa Pilatos, Torre del Oro, and Maestranza bullring. Other top historic sites, such as Plaza de Espana, the Archaeological Museum, and Triana neighborhood can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. Santa Justa train station is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, as is the airport.

The hotel has 48 functional rooms, all decorated in a simple style that combines basic wooden furniture with yellow walls and generic artwork. Wood floors and small lights make rooms homey, while flowery curtains and arched doorways in some rooms add local charm. Although a tad dated and compact, rooms are comfortable and tidy, with either two twins or a double bed, small work desks, spacious closets, and armchairs. Triple rooms are a little bit bigger and feature a sofa bed. Each room is equipped with a fully stocked minibar, heating, air-conditioning, and a small flat-screen TV. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there is no extra charge for use of the in-room safe. Bathrooms vary in style, but most are small and feature shower/tub combos, bidets, and a small range of basic toiletries. On the downside, there have been some reports of cleanliness issues.

The hotel lacks a full restaurant, and the only meal available on-site is breakfast, which is not included in the standard room rate. The morning spread offers little variety -- with just a few pastries, fresh fruit, two types of cereal, some meats and cheeses, and orange juice made from concentrate -- and most guests find it overpriced. There are several lovely courtyards with seating, plants, and fountains, and one of them is occupied by the hotel bar, which has a basic drinks menu and a handful of chairs and tables. The hotel offers underground parking on-site for a fee, but spots are limited and some guests have reported difficulties parking due to the small size of the spaces. There are a few other parking garages in the area, but most have high daily rates.