Seville is loud. It’s vibrant, orange-scented, and occasionally overwhelming, especially when the crowds thick around the Cathedral. But then you walk into Hotel Simon Seville Spain, and the volume just... drops. Honestly, it's weird. You’re steps away from the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, yet you’ve suddenly entered a space that feels like a 1700s merchant’s home because, well, that’s exactly what it was.
Most people visiting Seville get sucked into the trap of booking ultra-modern "boutique" hotels that look like every other IKEA-furnished room in Europe. Don't do that. You didn't fly to Andalusia to sleep in a room that feels like a startup office in Berlin.
The Reality of Staying in an 18th-Century Manor
This isn't a Marriott. If you’re looking for a gym, a spa, or a robot that brings you room service, you’re in the wrong place. Hotel Simon Seville Spain is basically a living museum. The centerpiece is a stunning central patio. It’s covered in those classic Sevillian tiles—azulejos—that have been there longer than your grandparents have been alive.
The architecture is the draw. Period. We are talking about high ceilings that make you feel tiny and a marble staircase that probably has more history in its cracks than most modern neighborhoods. The building was originally the mansion of a wealthy local family before it transitioned into a hotel in the early 20th century. Because it’s an old manor, every room is different. Some are huge. Some are "cozy" (which is travel-agent speak for small). But they all have that heavy, wooden furniture that feels permanent.
You’ve got to appreciate the mahogany.
It’s not perfect. The floors might creak. The elevators are... let's call them "vintage." But that’s the trade-off for staying in a place on Calle García de Vinuesa that actually has a soul. You’re living in a piece of the city’s architectural evolution.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
Usually, "central location" is code for "you won't sleep because of the tapas bar downstairs."
While Hotel Simon Seville Spain is undeniably central—you can basically touch the Giralda tower if you lean out the right window—it manages to stay surprisingly quiet. It’s tucked just far enough down a side street to avoid the main pedestrian thrum. You’re essentially in the El Arenal neighborhood. Historically, this was the port area, the gateway to the New World. Today, it’s where you find the best fried fish (pescaíto frito) at spots like Freiduría La Isla, which is a three-minute walk away.
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Think about the logistics for a second.
You can walk to the Alcázar in five minutes.
The Maestranza bullring? Five minutes the other way.
The river? Ten minutes.
It makes the "mid-day siesta" actually possible. You don't have to commute back to a hotel in the outskirts. You just duck into the cool, marble-filled lobby when the Seville sun gets too aggressive. That’s a luxury that five-star hotels further out can’t offer, regardless of how many thread-counts their sheets have.
The Design Aesthetic: No, It’s Not "Outdated"
I’ve heard people call the decor "old-fashioned." That drives me crazy.
It’s authentic. There’s a difference.
The Hotel Simon doesn't try to hide its age. It leans into it. You’ll find brass fixtures, ornate mirrors, and heavy drapes. It reflects the Sevillano aesthetic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s a mix of Baroque leftovers and Romantic-era sensibilities.
- The patio is the heart.
- The light filters down from a glass ceiling.
- Plants are everywhere.
- The marble stays cold even when it’s 40°C outside.
It’s basically a masterclass in pre-air-conditioning climate control. Those thick stone walls do more for your comfort than a buzzing AC unit ever could. Though, for the record, they do have actual AC now. We aren't savages.
Understanding the Value Proposition
Let’s talk money because that’s why most people look at Hotel Simon Seville Spain. It’s arguably one of the best value-for-money stays in the historic center.
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You’re getting a "Grand Hotel" vibe for the price of a budget chain.
Why? Because they don't have a rooftop pool. They don't have a Michelin-star restaurant on-site. They provide a clean, historic, incredibly well-located place to sleep and a continental breakfast that is... fine. It’s functional. But you’re in Seville—go eat a tostada con tomate at a corner bar for three euros instead.
There is a specific kind of traveler who loves this place. Writers. Historians. People who like to imagine they’re in a Graham Greene novel. If you need a USB-C port next to your bed and a smart mirror, you will be miserable here. If you want to wake up and see hand-painted tiles and hear the distant bells of the Cathedral, you’ll love it.
Dealing with the "Old Building" Quirks
You have to be realistic. Old mansions weren't designed for 21st-century plumbing. Sometimes the water takes a minute to get hot. Sometimes the Wi-Fi is a bit spotty through three feet of solid stone. This is the reality of staying in the Casco Antiguo.
If you want the "real" Seville, this is the cost of entry.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Since you’re staying at the Simon, you have an advantage. You can hit the major sites before the tour buses arrive from the Costa del Sol.
- The Cathedral at Opening: Get there at 10:45 AM. You're already there, so you're first in line.
- Postigo del Aceite: An old gate in the city walls nearby. It’s a great spot to watch the world go by.
- Bodega Morales: This is one of the oldest bars in the city, founded in 1850. It’s practically around the corner. Order the valdepeñas wine and some manchego.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you’ve decided that Hotel Simon Seville Spain is your vibe, here is how you actually make the most of it without any travel-agent fluff.
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First, request a room facing the interior patio. While the street-facing rooms have balconies—which sound romantic—the interior rooms are where you get that dead silence and the view of the architecture. It’s much more atmospheric.
Second, skip the hotel breakfast. Walk out the front door, turn left, and find any bar where locals are standing at the counter. Order a café con leche and a pitufo. It’ll cost you a fraction of the price and taste ten times better.
Third, walk everywhere. You are in the most walkable part of Europe. Put your phone away and just get lost in the winding streets of the Santa Cruz quarter nearby. The Simon is your North Star; as long as you can find your way back to the Cathedral, you can find your hotel.
Finally, check the festival calendar. If you’re coming for Semana Santa (Holy Week), this hotel is ground zero. The processions pass right by the area. It is intense, loud, and beautiful. But book a year in advance. Seriously.
Staying here is about choosing character over convenience. It's about acknowledging that a creaky floorboard is a small price to pay for waking up in a building that has seen the rise and fall of empires, the discovery of new worlds, and the endless, slow rotation of Sevillian life.
Get your bags. Forget the Marriott. Go stay in a palace.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the official availability for your dates, as the Simon often fills up with repeat guests who book months out.
- Map out the walking route from the Plaza de Armas bus station or Santa Justa train station; a taxi is easier with luggage, as the narrow streets can be a maze for the uninitiated.
- Look up the "Setas de Sevilla" (Metropol Parandol) for a sunset walk—it’s a 15-minute stroll from the hotel and offers the best contrast between the old city you’re sleeping in and the modern city Seville is becoming.