Great location in city's historic center
Charming, individually decorated rooms, with their own sound and video systems
Gorgeous limestone and marble bathrooms with multi-head rain showers
Roof terrace with plunge pool and drink service
Delicious breakfast
Cultural tours arranged
Free Wi-Fi
Many rooms receive little natural light
Difficult to drive in the area
Street-facing rooms may be noisy at night
The 12-room luxury boutique Corral del Rey is located in two houses several yards apart. The buildings were built as a casa palacio in the 17th century, and have been carefully restored to preserve their architectural history but updated and refurbished to meet the demands of the modern traveler. Located in the center of Seville's historic district, along a winding cobblestone street, the Corral del Rey is packed with romantic atmosphere.
Scene
Tiny, modern hotel with historic touches and a rooftop plunge pool
The Corral del Rey is perfect for couples and travelers who want to explore Seville from a sophisticated, old-world base. The visual mix of ancient and modern that is perfectly balanced throughout the rooms and public areas of the Corral del Rey lends it a timeless romantic feeling. The architecture is interesting and has been carefully preserved, from the atrium patio with Roman columns to the original wood carvings, stone floors, and Spanish tile found all over the premises. Although the hotel has few public areas, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the rooftop terrace with tile plunge pool is a lovely place for an afternoon tea or cocktails. The contemporary art on the walls is curated to complement and enhance the hotel's elegant, ageless vibe.
Location
In the center of the historic district, but still peaceful and out of the way
The Corral del Rey is located on a narrow, winding, cobblestone street in the center of Seville's historic district, but the immediate area is quiet, without an abundance of bars and shops (although there can be a bit of noise at night). The major tourist sights are a short walk away, but carry a map, because the area's streets are confusing, and cellphone GPS doesn't always work. Right next door to the hotel is the flamenco museum, and within blocks there are dozens of tapas bars to explore.
Rooms
Luxurious limestone rain showers, beamed ceilings, artwork, and unusual architectural touches
Rooms at the Corral del Rey are individually decorated, with a carefully balanced mix of classic and modern decor. As an example, one room had a white quilt, streamlined cream sofa with chevron pillows, wood floors, and antique wood furniture. Many don't get much natural light, especially on lower floors. Some rooms have beamed ceilings, and hand-carved wood elements have been preserved, often in their distressed state. The bathrooms are showpieces: marble and limestone, with walk-in showers that have two rain showerheads. Rooms have iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. There are espresso machines, minibars, microwaves, and an assortment of teas. Some rooms have lovely private courtyards or terraces.
Features
Cultural tours, massages, yoga, and a rooftop terrace
The Corral del Rey staff will set guests up with cultural specialty tours to explore flamenco, the studios of local artisans, wineries, private cooking classes, local farms and butchers, an olive oil mill, or bullfighting. Massages, yoga, and Reiki treatments can be arranged at the hotel upon request. A DVD library is available for guests, or they can sip wine on lounge chairs on the rooftop terrace (or even while in the small, pretty plunge pool).