Hotel Alonso de Monroy

Esteban made a huge difference after an awful start to my stay. My car had been broken into in Seville, where all my valuables were stolen, and after a 3.5 hour drive I reached the hotel at 11 p.m., exhausted. I’d prepaid for two nights. In the morning, I needed to check the damage and sort through the clothes and shoes left in my SUV, which I’d set up like a closet for the trip. Esteban, a young man who I believe is named Gonzalez too, was asked to help after I requested a broom for the broken glass and some cardboard boxes. He works in the restaurant and was called over because he knows a little English, though we mostly used Google Translate. He checked on me several times over the next 24 hours and spoke with me in the café. His warmth and humanity while I was dealing with the destruction and heavy losses meant a great deal. I wanted to recognize how proactive and helpful he was. Hotel Alonso de Monroy should recognize and mentor him. He has the potential to be a first-rate hotelier, and in my view his abilities are being underused in the on-site café. I’m an American woman traveling around Spain in my own vehicle, and this well-reviewed hotel was on my route to Madrid. It looked quite high-end when I arrived, a pleasant surprise, and my room was well-equipped and beautifully clean. The bed and bedding could’ve been more comfortable, but it was still excellent value. It’s right off the motorway, next to a petrol station, a 24-hour restaurant and a well-stocked shop with plenty of practical supplies. I’ve had some horrific experiences on the road this past week, but arriving at a welcoming, well-run hotel and being treated with such care by one empathetic, proactive, gifted staff member made a world of difference to this road-weary visitor. Muchas, MUCHAS gracias to Esteban and Hotel Alonso de Monroy for showing what hospitality means.