Best hotels in Seville: where to stay by area

Seville is Andalusia's most passionate city: orange blossom, azulejos, flamenco and cool courtyards against the heat, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the magical Barrio Santa Cruz, riverside El Arenal, flamenco Triana, the nightlife of the Alameda, the shopping centre. The historic core is walkable and the tram runs through it, so location matters mostly for the atmosphere of the neighbourhood. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Seville, area by area

Barrio de Santa Cruz

The old Jewish quarter of whitewashed lanes and orange trees, beside the Cathedral and the Alcazar. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants the monuments steps away, with the most atmospheric setting and the highest prices.

• The Cathedral and the Giralda
• The Real Alcazar and its gardens
• The white lanes of the Barrio Santa Cruz
• The Plaza de Espana and the Maria Luisa Park

For monuments and atmosphere, look for hotels in Santa Cruz.

El Arenal

Between the centre and the river, it is the district of the famous bullring and the Guadalquivir riverside. It is the choice for anyone after a central, calmer base, near the monuments and the riverside walks.

• The Maestranza bullring
• The Torre del Oro on the river
• The Guadalquivir riverside
• Steps from the Cathedral

For centrality and the river, see hotels in El Arenal.

Triana

Across the river, Triana is the cradle of flamenco and ceramics, authentic and lively at night. It is the choice for anyone who loves popular culture, tapas and a real atmosphere, a bridge from the centre.

• The market and ceramics of Triana
• The flamenco bars and tablaos
• The riverside Calle Betis
• Views of the centre from the far bank

For flamenco and local life, look for hotels in Triana.

Alameda and Macarena

Young, fashionable Seville, around the Alameda de Hercules and the Macarena Basilica. It is the choice for anyone who loves nightlife, bars and better prices, while staying handy for the centre.

• The Alameda de Hercules, the heart of the nightlife
• The Macarena Basilica
• The Setas, the giant wooden parasol
• Bars, bistros and fashionable spots

For nightlife and value, see hotels in the Alameda.

Centro

The commercial heart around Calle Sierpes and Plaza Nueva, among shops, palaces and tapas. It is the practical choice for anyone who loves shopping and wants everything within reach in a very central spot.

• The shopping of Calle Sierpes
• The Plaza Nueva and the town hall
• The Casa de Pilatos
• Tapas, shops and city life

For shopping and centrality, look for hotels in the Centro.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Seville offers good value, but prices spike during Holy Week and the Feria de Abril.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 90-190 euros a night, far more in spring.
• A dinner for two with wine: about 40-65 euros; a cana (small beer) 2-3 euros, often with a tapa; a coffee 1.50-2 euros.
• Transport: a single tram, metro or bus ticket around 1.40 euros; the centre is walkable.
• Tourist tax: Seville (and Andalusia) charges NO tourist tax; VAT is already included in the price. A levy has been discussed but is not in force. Still, check at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Seville.

Getting there and around

The airport is San Pablo (SVQ), about 10 km northeast, linked to the centre by the EA bus in around half an hour, or by a fixed-fare taxi. In town the historic centre is pedestrian, the tram runs through it and there are a metro line and buses.

A car in the centre is unnecessary, between narrow lanes and pedestrian zones. With a good location, almost everything is on foot.

When to go

• March-May: high season, with Holy Week and the Feria de Abril; gorgeous but crowded and pricey, with orange blossom.
• June-August: scorching heat, often 40-45 degrees, with many locals away.
• September-October: excellent, still-warm weather, ideal for walking.
• November-February: mild and sunny, with pleasant days and lower prices.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The Barrio Santa Cruz for the monuments and atmosphere, or Triana for flamenco.

Do I need a car in Seville? No, the centre is compact and pedestrian, with the tram; a car is awkward.

Is there a tourist tax? No, Seville and Andalusia have none; VAT is already included. A tax is only under discussion.

How do I avoid the heat? Skip July and August with their 40 degrees; spring and autumn are ideal.

Where do I see flamenco? Triana is the cradle of flamenco: look for a tablao or a pena.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the city and perhaps a day trip to Cordoba by high-speed rail.

The best hotels in Seville

Below is a selection of real hotels in Seville among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.