Review of Hotel Casa Romana, by Maxine Jones

Unusually, it was raining in Seville. Dreams of sitting out on Casa Romana’s roof terrace, a prettily tiled suntrap with a large Jacuzzi and loungers, were quickly quashed.  My 14-year-old son and I were not here primarily for the sun, however. He wanted to practise his Spanish and I was keen to see the sights, all within easy walking distance of the hotel.

This deceptively bright and spacious hotel is situated in a narrow, characterful street in the old commercial quarter. The entrance is low key – a lantern and potted tree on each side, and a marble nameplate. I almost walked past it. Inside is a roomy reception with several lounge areas and a long, narrow cafe bar off to one side. The brightness comes from the square glass roof overhead. Adjoining the reception area is an open courtyard, ideal for lounging on Seville’s mostly sunny days.

The rooms lie off the broad landings around the courtyards, avoiding the claustrophobic corridors of many hotels. On floors around the uncovered courtyard, guests open their doors into fresh air and see the sky, though still remaining sheltered.

The decor is classical and bright with a Roman theme. Walls are dotted with prints and paintings of old Seville. Glass-panelled banisters allow the light to permeate, and Roman-style statues and lamps adorn the wide staircases. My son would often disappear to one of the landings to use his laptop, comfortably ensconced in a strategically placed armchair. There is Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but we found it hard to pick up in the room itself.

In our room the fitted carpet made a change from the more usual floor tiles in this part of the world, and was particularly welcome on the chilly days. Two floor-to-ceiling windows with narrow balconies looked onto the street, but we were not disturbed by traffic. A sophisticated MP3 and CD sound system foxed me but my son soon put it to use.

I’ve tried several Jacuzzi baths but have never rated them very highly before. The one in the bathroom at Casa Romana, however, gives you a real pummelling. You feel you’ve had the full spa treatment, especially in conjunction with the seaweed bath products and loofahs provided. There are also double marble sinks and a roomy, separate shower.

Breakfast is served in the elegant basement dining room. Across the road are two cheaper cafe options. The room service menu is fairly comprehensive and dinner in the dining room is available if reserved in advance. There is a wealth of alternative dining and tapas possibilities in the neighbouring streets. Plaza Duque de la Victoria, at the end of Calle Trajano, has a massive Corte Ingles and several good value lunch and tapas venues.

A five-minute walk down pedestrianised Calle Sierpes brings you to the market at Plaza Nueva, from where you can catch the four-stop tram line to the main bus station. A couple more minutes and you’re at the spectacular Cathedral, towered over by the Giralda, a former minaret. Climbing to the top via ramps is relatively easy and the view well worth it.  Round the corner you have the Real Alcazar with its paradisiacal gardens.

The Casa Romana is a good base from which to visit all the landmarks of old central Seville and is also a comfortable, elegant place just to hang out. Can’t wait to go back and do full justice to the roof terrace.