El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique

The El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique Sevilla is filled with antiques and folk art. Its central courtyard, with a red, terra-cotta tile floor, small fountain, and arched timbered columns covered in climbing greenery, is a lovely spot to read or relax with wine or coffee. The hotel was originally a private home, and its white masonry and bright-orange trim and black casement windows evoke the Andalusian style. Vintage and antique-framed mirrors and colorful paintings line the hotel's walls and corridors, and several of the windows have carved-wood shutters. The ruby-red dining room with an atrium ceiling with chandeliers and delicate greenery is striking. The rooftop terrace, with a large whirlpool, pierced tin lanterns, and a view of the Giralda Tower, is where guests gather in warm weather. While the hotel draws mainly couples, families, groups of friends traveling together, and solo travelers find their way here too.

The El Rey Moro is on Lupe de Rueda, a pedestrian-only street in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, one of the most picturesque areas of historic Seville. It's a few minutes' walk to several major attractions, and to restaurants and shops. The Museum of Los Vulnerables is a two-minute walk, and the Seville Cathedral is a four-minute walk from the hotel. The Moorish Palace and the Royal Alcazar of Seville are about a 10-minute walk away, while the Plaza de Espana and Maria Luisa Park are about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The Seville Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of the Countess of Lobrija are less than a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Palacio Arzobispal is a 25-minute drive. Seville Airport is about a 20-minute drive.

The 20 rooms at El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique Sevilla are colorful, continuing the antiques-and-folk-art look seen in common spaces. Each room is individually decorated, often with fine vintage pieces. Some have emerald-green accent walls, which contrast sharply with the light-gray damask wallpaper on other walls. Rooms are spacious, and their high ceilings have exposed beams. Some have arched windows overlooking the courtyard, while others have square, shuttered windows with views of the cobblestone streets. Painted or carved wood headboards and hand-stitched bed throws add to the atmosphere. Niches hold books on local history and nature. Junior Suites have chandeliers and separate sitting rooms. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free bottled water. Most bathrooms are covered in stylish glossy brown tiles and have bidets, but they're small and sinks are oddly shallow. Guests have complained that the curtains on the tub/shower combos don't always keep the water out. Higher-end rooms have much larger bathrooms with soaking tubs with glass doors, or glass-door showers. Old-fashioned, wall-mounted hairdryers and the hotel's own brand of toiletries are provided. 

The El Rey Moro Hotel includes several nice touches. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with free coffee and biscuits or a glass of the regional orange wine. The hotel rents bikes at no additional charge and offers a walking tour. There's a rooftop terrace with a whirlpool, which guests can reserve for 30 minutes at a time. The breakfast buffet, which costs extra, includes yogurt, fruit, bread, and eggs cooked to order, and the hotel's restaurant specializes in Andalusian and Mediterranean fare, including tapas. The property also has an elegant bar, and a lovely courtyard with bright blue wrought-iron tables with mosaic tops and chairs. There's a computer off the lobby for guests' use, and a meeting room that can seat up to 40 people. The airport shuttle can be booked for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.