Review of the Silken Al-Andalus Palace in Sevilla, Spain
A friendly staff greets you as soon as you drive up to this hotel. The concierge desk is located outside to immediately be there to help out.
After entering the building, a grand central area is thrust upon you with various decorations and art-work. You can tell immediately that the hotel provides a comfortable atmosphere.
The room itself is pretty standard, but they are definitely clean and comfortable. We had an excellent view overlooking the gorgeous pool and outdoor bar.
For parking, we were able to find a spot along the street, right in front of the hotel for free. However, they do offer a parking garage as well for 12 Euros/Day
One thing people will notice is that the hotel itself is not located in the central portion of Sevilla, which is where you'll probably spend most of your time. It is a good 45 minute walk to this area, or a 5 minute bus ride at a cost of 1.20 euros a person for a one-way fare. Cabs do sit right outside for most of the day waiting for fares. A one-way fare into the center of town should cost about 5 Euros, but make sure to negotiate this before you get into the cab.
As long as you don't mind the walk or taking the bus or cab though, I believe this is an excellent hotel for anyone looking to stay in Sevilla.
Showing posts with label Sevilla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sevilla. Show all posts
Friday, May 28, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sevilla - Days 8 & 9
Sevilla has an old world charm to it that you cannot find in Madrid, but is still packed with historical sites and entertainment.
Start your day with a tour of the Torre del Oro, right along Rio de Guadalquivir. This watch tower is now the Sevilla Maritime Museum, with paintings, relics, maps and more.
With entrance to the museum, you can also climb to the top of the tower to get amazing panoramic views of the city. No wonder this was used as a watch tower!
To get to the top of the tower, there are 91 steps that curve around the inside of the tower, some of which are very tight. On the main floor and the second floor are the maritime exhibits.
From here, make your way to the Archivo Generales de Indias. This museum includes Spain's most important archival documents that depict Spain's Empire in the Americas and the Philippines. There is also a letter written from Christopher Columbus to Queen Isabella and his journals of his journeys.
After making your way through the archives, head to the Alcázar Palace. Here, there are gorgeous gardens full of flora and fountains. Easy to get lost in, but perfect for a leisurely walk.
Inside the palace you will see gorgeous marble and tile work throughout. The palace is very elaborate and still the official Seville residence of the royal family. There are also guided tours of the residence held throughout the day. This tour does cost a little extra.
Walk from the Alcázar to the Catedral. This claims to be the largest church in the world. It was built as a 12th-century mosque, and contains the remains of Christopher Columbus.
Attached is the Giralda, the 12-century minaret that is all that is left of the original mosque over which the cathedral stands. You can climb the ramps and stairs to get a view over the city.
The Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, Seville's bull ring, does tours and also holds bull fights regularly. However, tickets sell out early, so plan ahead!
Take a walk to Alameda de Hercules, Seville's Towers of Hercules. There are four of them total surrounded by a plaza filled with musicians, restaurants and shopping.
From here, continue walking to Casa de Pilatos, a 16th-century palace that is now the residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli. There are tours of the residence are held March through the end of September from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the rest of the year from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
For an authentic flamenco show, visit Tablao El Arenal. Reservations are very important as this place is tiny and fills quickly. Many hotel concierge and souvenir shops will make the reservations ahead of time for you.
Reservations can include a drink; drinks, tapas and dessert; or drinks, tapas, dinner and dessert. Shows are held at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night.
Start your day with a tour of the Torre del Oro, right along Rio de Guadalquivir. This watch tower is now the Sevilla Maritime Museum, with paintings, relics, maps and more.
With entrance to the museum, you can also climb to the top of the tower to get amazing panoramic views of the city. No wonder this was used as a watch tower!
To get to the top of the tower, there are 91 steps that curve around the inside of the tower, some of which are very tight. On the main floor and the second floor are the maritime exhibits.
From here, make your way to the Archivo Generales de Indias. This museum includes Spain's most important archival documents that depict Spain's Empire in the Americas and the Philippines. There is also a letter written from Christopher Columbus to Queen Isabella and his journals of his journeys.
After making your way through the archives, head to the Alcázar Palace. Here, there are gorgeous gardens full of flora and fountains. Easy to get lost in, but perfect for a leisurely walk.
Inside the palace you will see gorgeous marble and tile work throughout. The palace is very elaborate and still the official Seville residence of the royal family. There are also guided tours of the residence held throughout the day. This tour does cost a little extra.
Walk from the Alcázar to the Catedral. This claims to be the largest church in the world. It was built as a 12th-century mosque, and contains the remains of Christopher Columbus.
Attached is the Giralda, the 12-century minaret that is all that is left of the original mosque over which the cathedral stands. You can climb the ramps and stairs to get a view over the city.
The Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, Seville's bull ring, does tours and also holds bull fights regularly. However, tickets sell out early, so plan ahead!
Take a walk to Alameda de Hercules, Seville's Towers of Hercules. There are four of them total surrounded by a plaza filled with musicians, restaurants and shopping.
From here, continue walking to Casa de Pilatos, a 16th-century palace that is now the residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli. There are tours of the residence are held March through the end of September from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the rest of the year from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
For an authentic flamenco show, visit Tablao El Arenal. Reservations are very important as this place is tiny and fills quickly. Many hotel concierge and souvenir shops will make the reservations ahead of time for you.
Reservations can include a drink; drinks, tapas and dessert; or drinks, tapas, dinner and dessert. Shows are held at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night.
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