Hotel Casa Imperial

The Hotel Casa Imperial is truly a hidden gem. Concealed behind huge Medieval wooden doors on a narrow Seville street, the hotel is packed with charming patios and terraces that give the sense of being in a secret garden. Expect to see details like ivy-covered walls and iron furniture scattered with bright cushions. Step farther into the hotel, and a pretty atrium opens up before you, filled with leafy plants and a central fountain, surrounded by white and yellow pillared archways. A third atrium houses a small decorative pool, and stone stairways edged with colorful tiles lead away to the upper rooms, and to the rooftop terrace with more seating. Mezzanine levels overlook the courtyards, with wrought iron railings and more sunny yellow arches. It's a feast for the eyes and is crammed with decorative touches that appeal mostly to couples as well as some low-key families. 

The Hotel Casa Imperial is located on Calle Imperial, tucked away in a maze of Seville's narrow cobbled streets. The area is a sweet spot for getting around, but also far enough outside of the tourist bustle downtown to stay quiet. Expect a 10-minute walk to Calle Sierpes for shopping and dining, and about the same to the striking Las Setas -- or Metropol Parasol -- for superb city views. Both the cathedral and Alcazar palace complex can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. Santa Justa Station is a 10-minute drive away, and the airport 15 minutes by taxi. The trip to the airport can be done via public transport, but takes over an hour on two buses.

Rooms are done in bright, traditional decor -- think: heavy antique furniture, stone floors, and wrought iron bed-frames. Some admittedly look chintzier or tired, with floral curtains and upholstered chairs, while others have a more convincingly Moorish feel. All offer modern conveniences including air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, and kitchenettes with sinks, electric ranges, mini-fridges, and cupboards. However, the hotel's free Wi-Fi doesn't work in the rooms. Configurations include Double, Triple, and Quad Rooms -- with bedrooms upstairs -- plus Junior Suites, which add separate living rooms and (in some cases) jetted tubs in the bedrooms. Some suites have a small outdoor terrace. Bathrooms are undeniably rustic, perhaps too quirky for many people's tastes. They have blue clay-molded shower/tub combos, brightly colored walls, wooden counter-tops, and gold faucets -- though some of the Quad Room bathrooms are more modern. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Features are limited at the Hotel Casa Imperial. In fact, the highlight is the variety of seating areas, from the leafy garden nooks to the sunny rooftop terrace with views of the cathedral. There is no pool for swimming, and the ponds and water features throughout the hotel are purely decorative, though sun loungers are available for relaxing. The breakfast room has seating both inside and out, and serves a continental buffet breakfast, and there's a bar open on request. Free Wi-Fi is available in the shared spaces, and the front desk is manned around the clock.