Apartamentos Altamira

The location is the big draw. Historic Seville is about a 15-minute walk away, and there are plenty of restaurants and sights nearby. The alley and plaza can be lively during the day, but late at night and early in the morning the noise isn't much fun. Don't bring a car. If you're driving, leave it in a public lot and walk over. We'd been in Spain for a few weeks and wanted a break from eating out and time to do laundry. Cooking here was awkward: the kitchenette had just one pot and one pan, and they couldn't both fit on the small two-burner stove. There's a little two-cup stovetop coffee maker, so bring ground coffee rather than pods. There weren't any wine glasses, which seemed odd. The photos showed a washer, but one wasn't listed as an amenity, and we wrongly assumed it would be there. We should have checked. The apartment itself feels worn from renters and hasn't had much extra care from the owner. A curtain rod was coming off the wall. It was clean, though not deeply cleaned. We found that out when we looked behind the couch for a plug. It felt managed as a rental, and the kitchenette wasn't enough for what we needed.

From the apartment, you can walk through local businesses to the church and castle in about five minutes, though the shops and tapas along the way may slow you down. There's a flamenco place just to the left, with a show that's a must-see. The restaurant in front is owned by the building's owner. The marble-floored apartment feels like home and has everything you could need. When you leave, tourists might think you're a local.

Everything we needed was in this modern, clean, comfortable apartment, and the hosting was excellent. It's right in the heart of Seville's Jewish quarter, Barrio de Santa Cruz. The cathedral and the Royal Palace Real Alcazar are only a few minutes away on foot. I highly recommend Apartamentos Altamira.

Taxis go right past the door, and the location is about as good as it gets. The apartment is outstanding for the price, with an efficient layout, a full kitchenette, and a washing machine.