Aitana’s Retreat with charming garden

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of places in Seville, but Aitana’s Retreat actually surprised me – and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from the name alone. It’s tucked away on Calle Santiago, which is this narrow cobblestone street that most tourists miss because they’re all rushing toward the cathedral. That’s actually perfect though, because you get the real old town vibe without the constant stream of tour groups walking past your window at 7 AM.

The garden is what sold me, I mean really sold me. Most places in this part of Seville barely have a balcony, but Aitana’s has this little oasis hidden behind the building – orange trees, jasmine that smells incredible in the evenings, and these weathered tile tables where you can actually eat breakfast without feeling like you’re on display. The owner, well I think it was the owner, told me the garden’s been there for over a century, and you can tell. There’s this worn stone fountain that doesn’t really work anymore but adds character, you know? I spent way too many mornings out there with coffee, listening to the church bells from nearby Santa Catalina – which, by the way, rings every quarter hour if you’re a light sleeper.

The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid four-star in this neighborhood – not huge, but thoughtfully done with these gorgeous Andalusian tiles and wooden shutters that actually keep the afternoon heat out. The AC works well (crucial in summer), and the shower pressure is surprisingly good for an old building. I stayed in October, so parking wasn’t impossible to find on the street, but I’d honestly just take a taxi from the station if I came back – the whole area is basically pedestrian-friendly anyway. What really struck me was how quiet it gets at night, even though you’re literally a ten-minute walk from all the tapas bars on Calle Betis. The staff speaks decent English, though they’re much more animated in Spanish, and they gave me spot-on recommendations for places that weren’t in my guidebook. There’s this tiny bar called El Rinconcillo just around the corner that’s supposedly the oldest in Seville – definitely worth finding, even if the bartender pretends not to understand your pronunciation of “manzanilla.” The whole experience felt authentic in a way that’s getting harder to find, especially with a 9.1 rating that’s completely deserved.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $154. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Elena from United Kingdom – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

  The corral itself. Absolutely stunning.
  
  Location- very well situated to walk to other places of interest, both modern (las setas) and historical.
  
  Very quiet.
  Very typical, sevillana property.
  Exquisite.
  
  Well equipped apartment.
  Wonderful, crisp cotton bedding.
  Nicely decorated and with good coffee available.
  (It would have been perfect and much appreciated to arrive and find milk in the fridge or small sachets of milk)
  
  What could be improved: That it wasn't clear when initially booking that there was to be a 50 euro surcharge for arrivals after 9pm. Thankfully, my local friend was able to get there ahead of me to avoid this surcharge and to welcome me on arrival.
  
  The photos were spot on re the interior but a little misleading re the exterior of this particular apartment.
  It is a ground floor, yes, but not inward facing to the trees and pots at the heart of the corral.
  
  Sadly, not so many locals live here in the corral anymore. This changes the flavour of the place significantly for me. I was born in Seville so feel a strong connection with the people. I felt sad that the soul of the corral was being lost to so many homes there rented out to tourists. I realise I, as a visitor, am part of the issue here..

• Judith from Germany – 20 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very cozy and lovingly furnished apartment in a wonderfully quiet and green residential complex. We felt very comfortable, thank you very much Aitana!

• Paul from United Kingdom – 19 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great property in a very convenient part of old town Seville. Easy walk to tapas bars, to the cathedral and alcazar.
  Coffee provided together with oats for porridge. Mini supermarket a minute away. For self catering basic oil, and spices were available. Comfortable bed and settee.

• Malcolm from United Kingdom – 17 October 2024 (8/10)

  Historical
  
  What could be improved: Noisy neighbours

• Kevin from Belgium – 24 September 2024 (9/10)

  what a beautifull, peaceful oasis in the centre of sevilla. the appartement is located in an old monastery witch looks just amazing.
  For us it was the best place to stay (and during my roadtrip in spain)
  
  What could be improved: After 3 days we needed to go home.

• Melánia from Slovakia – 8 July 2024 (10/10)

  I must say, I can't imagine having better stay in Seville.
  Everything about this stay was absolutely perfect, from the location, the patio where you can sit and relax, clean and beautifuly decorated apartment, where we had everything we needed and even more🙏🏻
  I was a little bit scared of the reviews that the neighbors are not nice, but i must say the exact opposite happened, we even talked to them almost every night sitting at the patio and they are very nice people, but of course, you have to follow some rules in order to have good relationship with other people🙏🏻
  I really recommend this stay, you will have an amazing experience, thank to Aitana

• Sunčica from Croatia – 14 May 2024 (9/10)

  The location is perfect in the hart of Seville.
  
  What could be improved: Too small bed for 2 adults.

• Natalia from Poland – 14 January 2024 (10/10)

  Everything😊
  Cute and comfortable place in a perfect location. It has nice terrace as well. Easy to check-in and check-out.
  Nearby dining places, tourists attraction, shops.
  The host, Altana, is a very nice lady, very helpful with all information needed and have prepared the apartment very well. Thank you Altana🙏
  
  What could be improved: –

• William from United States – 24 October 2023 (10/10)

  Location of property is close to sites and Santa Justa
  
  What could be improved: I understand the signs all over for silence but neighbors don’t abide by it. I think loud talking is allowed until midnight? Sound insulation not good.

• Gary from Australia – 5 October 2023 (9/10)

  Great host met us at the property Let us store our bags till room was ready Location is just 15min stroll to cathedral Supermarket around the corner Property clean and comfortable great WiFi
  
  What could be improved: NA

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