FEATURED Sevilla hotels

Situated on the banks of the slow moving Guadalquivir River, the charming historic city of Seville is the cultural and financial capital of Andalucia, in southern Spain. Seville provides tourists and holiday makers with the quintessential Spanish experience where, flamenco dancing and music, bullfighting and fiestas are a way of life. The inherent joy and lust for life of the city's inhabitants is infectious and results in a city with a vibrant street life and holiday atmosphere the year round. Many Seville hotels are restored and converted old town house or mansions arranged around a typical Andalucian courtyard and ensure a complete Seville experience that is not to be missed.

Surrounded in myths and legends including its founding by Hercules, Seville has had a long and illustrious history. Many civilizations, including the Romans and the Moors have left their mark on the city with their ancient relics and architectural styles still evident today. The magnificent 15th century Cathedral of Seville is one of the largest churches in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The famous landmark former minaret, now bell tower, the Giralda is steps away and a climb to the top provides great views over the city. The Alcazar Palace built in the 14th century is a stunning example of Moorish art while the Town Hall, museums and art galleries provide an insight into bygone times. Around the Cathedral is the Barrio Santa Cruz and with its winding cobbled medieval streets, quiet squares and courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom, restaurants, quaint shops and cafes, is a major tourist destination.

Seville is well-known for its vibrant approach to life and the Seville hotels provide the perfect opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Andalucian culture. With the advent of spring, the city prepares itself for Holy Week or Semana Santa as it is known and this is celebrated in grand style and tradition. Following this, the annual "Feria" is held. This celebration of joy is expressed through plays, parades with men on fine horses, dancing in brightly colored gypsy dresses and wining and dining in the city's squares and streets. Many visitors flock to Seville hotels during this time so booking is usually a good idea.

The array of Seville hotels is enormous and ranges from budget accommodation in the old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz and the district of Triana with comfortable beds, air-conditioning and courtyard views to high quality luxury hotels located in the historic center of town. All are conveniently situated for guests to enjoy and participate in the lively nightlife including clubs and bars. A tradition in Seville is to go from tapas bar to tapas bar and make a meal of all the wonderful delicacies on offer.

Budget and mid-range Seville hotels include convenient hostels and rooms in typical Sevillian 18th and 19th century houses rich in traditional culture and heritage. Amenities include internet access, TV with satellite channels and some have balconies. Many are located on noisy streets but if it is a bit a peace and quiet guests want, they can always find a hotel in a quiet square or a back street.

One of the most luxurious Seville hotels is the Hotel Alfonso XIII which was built in 1926. Though refurbished and renovated it has retained its historic link to the past while successfully blending modern high tech appliances and all the facilities required by modern guests. A converted early 20th palace, the San Gil Hotel in the Old Quarter or the collection of old houses that is now the Las Casa de la Juderia provide stunning alternative up-market accommodation.

Guest rooms provide stunning views over the river or the rolling hills above or the Cathedral. Some open onto the central courtyard where meals are served under orange trees in typical Andaulcian style while balconies provide a private space to enjoy the fresh early morning air or a quiet sun-downer before a night on the town.

Many decorative styles are evident in luxury Seville hotels including Baroque, Castillian and Moorish styles while mid-range hotels make use of refreshing Mediterranean décor that includes fresh while linen and splashes of color. Moorish lamps, wooden ceilings and antique furniture provide atmosphere while a working desk ensures the demands of business guests is met. Drinks and snacks and a coffee maker are also provided in some rooms.

Lovely marble bathrooms with separate bath and shower with a rainforest head include characteristic Sevillian tiles. Top-class bath amenities, bathrobes and slippers and a hairdryer make these bathrooms a wonderful place to relax and unwind.

Amenities and facilities included in Seville hotels include smoking and non-smoking rooms, disabled-friendly and gay-friendly as well as pet-friendly hotels. 24-hour room service is available at luxurious hotels while services include laundry, ironing and dry-cleaning, child minding and baby-sitting and packed lunches for a day at the beach or in the country.

Business guests are also well-taken care of and many of the more luxurious hotels include flexible well-equipped meeting spaces that can be used for small events or large functions. Business centers too, include fax and photocopying facilities for all guests. A roof top swimming pool and fitness center ensure there is plenty for guests to do between meetings, shopping or sightseeing.

Seville hotels allow guests to immerse themselves in typical south of Spain Mediterranean culture and provide easy access to the famous tourist attractions the city offers. With the fabulous climate and variety of hotels available, all guests are guaranteed a holiday of a lifetime and are sure to be back as soon as possible.