Just metres from the buzzy shops and cafés of Calle Arfe, between the Gothic Cathedral and riverfront, this four-storey townhouse looks out to a tiny square lined by Seville's iconic orange trees. An open-sided metal staircase topped by a high skylight links the four floors at one end of the building, maxing both space and natural light. The ground floor serves as a vestibule, the first floor embraces a sitting room and small kitchen, while the second and third floors house the two bedrooms - one of which features a lovely shaded terrace facing the square and the city skyline. Grey-blue doors and windows and polished cement floors are juxtaposed by snazzily upholstered chairs, brightly-coloured cushions, paintings by local artists, framed posters and unusual mirrors. The feel is both stylish and homely.
It's a rare treat to have so much space in the city centre. Two couples or a family with teenage kids would be very comfortable here. And even though this is a self-catering house, the young, English-speaking owner Alejandra lives just around the corner and is always happy to share her insider’s knowledge of Seville. This part of the old town feels far less touristy than most - we felt like sophisticated Sevillanos living our best lives!
Highs
- Having your own house plum in the city centre feels like a big Andalucian treat
- Perfect for self-catering with delicatessens and traditional food shops close by
- You’re close to masses of bars and restaurants yet this part of Seville feels far less touristy than the adjacent Santa Cruz area
- You get a lot more space for your buck than in many of Seville’s small hotels
- Personalised guest information and tips from owner Alejandra can lead you to the best of the city’s shops, sights and restaurants
Lows
- You can’t park outside but there are three public car parks close by, whilst taxis can drop you at your front door
- Seville gets madly hot in midsummer, though the house's A/C and exterior blinds help keep the heat at bay
- You're bang in the centre of a very lively city so expect some noise from the streets at night
- No children under 12
Best time to go
Unless you're a real sun bunny, the months to avoid are July and August, when temperatures regularly creep into the forties. If you can handle crowds there's nowhere quite like Seville during its annual Feria and Holy Week (April).
Any time out of season the chances of warm and sunny days are good, so book in late autumn, winter and early spring. The city is unforgettable in late March/early April when its citrus trees are in flower.
Any time out of season the chances of warm and sunny days are good, so book in late autumn, winter and early spring. The city is unforgettable in late March/early April when its citrus trees are in flower.
Our top tips
The Moroccan-style hammam baths of Aire de Sevilla, housed in a grand, 15th-century townhouse, are just a short stroll from the house. Along with the spa circuit and body, hand and foot massages, there's a wine bath and a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the cathedral.
- Boutique Townhouse
- 2 bedrooms
- Self-catering (+ restaurants nearby)
- Children aged 12+ are welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
The two bedrooms have been styled with the same decorative flair as the main living space, fusing contemporary and traditional features. Mattresses, towels and bed linen are all top of the range and there are radiators as well as air conditioning.
The double room is on the second floor with a huge kingsize bed backed by a feature wall, papered in a warm, sunny print by local design firm Gastón y Daniela. Up another floor, the twin bedroom has side-by-side beds, which are also backed by a gorgeous papered wall depicting exotic birds in a jungle-like palette. This room is fronted by a small terrace from where you can watch the comings and goings in the square or grab a lounger from the basement and soak in some sun.
Both bedrooms have small, functional shower rooms with rain showers and compact sinks atop latticed vanity units.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
The small, first-floor kitchen has all you need for basic self-catering and comes with a fridge, double gas hob, microwave, cafetière, kettle and toaster, but no oven. You’re provided with olive oil, salt and pepper, freshly ground coffee, loose leaf tea from a shop that’s just around the corner and bottled water even though tap water in Seville is fine for drinking.
A number of local bars and delicatessens offer a takeaway service, or if you prefer to eat out there are both traditional and trendy breakfast and brunch bars close by, along with stacks of lively bars and restaurants.
Owner Alejandra is a foodie and by following her recommendations you’ll discover the best eateries in Calle Arfe and further afield. We really enjoyed following her tapas trail around the local bars before idling over a nightcap at a stunning rooftop bar.
Features include:
- Fridge
- Hob or stove
- Kitchenette
- Microwave
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Whizz around the city centre on an electric bike, guided or solo.
- Visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral which is right on your doorstep.
- Explore the beautiful palace and gardens of the Alcazar - make sure to book in advance as queues get very long.
- Jog along the river or take a yoga lesson in María Luisa Park.
- Book a morning or afternoon cookery course and learn to prepare a few classic Andaluz dishes, including that perfect summer soup, gazpacho.
- Wander the streets of the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, then laze in María Luisa park in the shade of century-old trees.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Yoga
Kids
Only children aged 12 years and over are accepted. The house is well suited to families with one or two teenage or grown-up kids. There's one double room and one twin room, both with ensuite bathrooms.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Seville Boutique Townhouse is located in central Seville, in the Barrio Arenal district (near the cathedral). All the city sights are easily reached on foot.
By Air
Seville San Pablo (15km) is the closest airport, or you could fly into Jerez (95km) or Malaga (218km). A regular bus service runs into town from Seville Airport, but taxis aren't expensive.
By Car
Driving can be tricky in Seville, but if you want to hire a car there are public car parks nearby (hourly/daily charge).
By Train
The Spanish high-speed trains are excellent: the AVE trains operate on the Madrid-Córdoba-Seville route (it takes only 2.5 hours from Madrid). Many other (slower) routes are available, including trains from Malaga and Granada.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Seville Airport 14.6 km SVQ
Other:
- Beach 76.7 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape