Palacio de Villapanes
Hotel palacio de villapanes
Aesthetics: 10/10
Gorgeous. From top to bottom. Simply stunning, with great attention paid to retaining original details where possible, and contemporary updates where needed.
Comfort: 8/10
The furnishings were lush and comfy and there was a massive bathtub; I’ve got to knock a few points off for the fact that there were approximately 4,712 light switches in the room - we had to ask for help in figuring out how to turn off some of the lights. At 43, I didn’t think I was at the point where hotel technology would flummox me, but there we are.
Food: 7/10
Food was delicious, with a solid breakfast spread. Had I not experienced the wonder that is Hotel Mercer Sevilla’s breakfast, I’d probably be a bit more generous here.
Bar: 8/10
Great selection of tapas and wine; servers seemed a little harried but perhaps they were unusually busy? Strangely, one of the few hospitality situations where English didn’t suffice (not a problem, just something to note).
Spa: 7/10
The hotel has a small spa facility in the basement with sauna and steam room; you can request a massage or facial.
Service: 10/10
Service was faultless - from directions to last-minute restaurant reservations, the staff was unfailingly kind and helpful.
Price Point:
$$$-$$$$
Worth Going Out Of Your Way For:
I think so…Sevilla has a wealth of great hotels - the Mercer, Hotel Alfonso XIII, Casa de la Juderia, Hotel Casa 1800, Corral del Rey - but Palacio de Villapanes has a unique charm and the setting is distinct enough that, if the Mercer isn’t quite your vibe (or budget), but you want to experience a palace stay, this is an excellent choice.
Narrative:
At the end of a three-week trip, I was ready to be DONE. So I knew our last Sevilla hotel needed to be something special, so I booked us into a suite at Hotel Palacio de Villapanes. Little did I know that we’d end up in the former pigeon coop of the palace, or that we’d have an expansive private terrace affording us a great view of the city’s rooftops.
Friendly and attentive service, as well as a terrific interior courtyard (note to self: return in warmer weather), make this hotel a no-brainer if you’re looking for a choice a bit off the beaten path, but also close to the sights (you’re perhaps a 12-minute walk from the Cathedral and Real Alcazar).
While You’re In The Area:
It’s massive, it’s controversial, it’s an amazing Instagram photo - while in the area, you must check out Las Setas (“the mushrooms,” as the locals have nicknamed it). Officially called Metropol Parasol, it’s a contemporary art installation/market/Roman ruin (in the basement)…it’s difficult to describe, but a must-see, if only for the contrast it provides with the rest of the neighborhood.
