Santa Cruz is the true centre of Seville. Draw a ring around the incredible Gothic cathedral and you’ll find it filled with winding, cobbled alleys, small squares with flowery balconies and traditional cafes, restaurants and tapas bars. If you choose to stay in one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz you’ll be right in the heart of things, but also spoilt by roof terrace views and plenty of choice when it comes to cafes, bars and restaurants.
Santa Cruz is bordered by the Real Alcázar, the Calle Mateos Gago, the Calle Santa María La Blanca, and the Jardines de Murillo - some of Seville’s headline sights, as well as Santa Cruz’s. The Giralda, which was once a minaret, also belongs on this ‘must-do’ list.
By Nicolas Vollmervia Flickr
Santa Cruz was the old Jewish quarter, and, rather conversely, has some of Seville’s oldest churches - when the Jews were expelled from Spain all the synagogues were turned into churches. But the labyrinth of streets is the same as it was when it was the Jewish quarter - their narrowness and the bijou size of the squares were designed to protect the inhabitants from the sun of a Sevillian summer. If you’re interested in this part of the area’s history make sure to visit the covered passageways of the Juderia.
As well as being central, historic, extremely atmospheric, beautiful and smelling heavenly - there are a lot of orange trees here - Santa Cruz is also said to be the birthplace of literary bad boy, Don Juan Tenorio - you can see a statue of him in the Plaza de la Alianza.
The Most Luxurious Hotels in Santa Cruz
- Casa 1800 is a luxurious hotel with 33 rooms arranged around an elegant central courtyard. The decor is perfect - think opulent chandeliers, exposed stone and four-poster beds. You are in the vibrant heart of town with a rooftop terrace and pool offering spectacular views.
For Location
- The EME Catedral Hotel is a sumptuous hotel with an amazing roof terrace with views of the cathedral. The decor is stylish and there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant and a luxurious spa.
- Smaller and simpler, the Alminar hotel is just across the quiet, pedestrianised way from the cathedral - we’re talking 50 metres away. That does mean the cathedral views from the bedroom’s balconies might be a touch detailed, but it’s pretty amazing. The decor is minimalist and the rooms are large and well laid out.
For great value
- The Hotel Elvira Plaza is a charming, boutique hotel with nine, chic, whitewashed rooms with large windows opening out onto the street of a very central, but tree-lined plaza. There are two restaurants, and rooms start from just under £100 per night.
- Also just under £100 per night, the Hotel Dona Maria is a well located townhouse hotel with 62 traditionally elegant rooms and suites - some suitable for families, just a five minute walk from the Alcázar of Seville. The hotel has an elegant sitting rooms, an exotic courtyard gage’s and a rooftop pool with cathedral views.
For a unique stay!
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- The Hotel Amadeus & La Musica is a 30 room, family-owned hotel with a musical theme. Beyond the regular music recitals and decor with a musical bent, there’s a roof terrace with panoramic views, whitewashed walls, wooden shutters and Moorish furnishings.
If you haven’t found your idea of the best hotels in Santa Cruz on our Guru’s list of the 7 Best Hotels in Santa Cruz, you could:
The 7 Best Hotels in Santa Cruz