Genteel Home Padre Marchena

Hotel Description

You know what hits you first when you walk into Genteel Home Padre Marchena? It’s this immediate sense that you’ve stumbled into someone’s incredibly well-appointed family home rather than a hotel. I mean, the building itself sits on this narrow cobblestone street in Seville’s old quarter – Calle Padre Marchena – and honestly, if you’re not paying attention, you might walk right past it. The entrance is understated in that quintessentially Spanish way, where the real magic happens once you step inside.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you know Seville at all. You’re deep enough in the old town to feel like you’re living among the locals (there’s this fantastic little bakery two doors down that most tourists never find), but you can still walk to the Cathedral in about eight minutes. The streets here are narrow enough that you barely hear any traffic, which is golden when you’re trying to sleep off a long day of wandering around in that brutal Andalusian heat. I stayed here during Holy Week once – probably the busiest time of year – and while the main tourist areas were absolutely packed, this little pocket stayed relatively peaceful. The thick walls help too; these old buildings know how to keep things quiet.

What really sets this place apart though is the attention to detail that feels genuine rather than forced. The rooms have this mix of traditional Sevillian touches and modern comfort that actually works – I’m talking about things like the hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms and these gorgeous wooden shutters that you can close completely to block out the afternoon sun. The staff genuinely seems to know the neighborhood; when I asked about where to get the best jamón ibérico nearby, the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward the tourist places but actually drew me a little map to this hole-in-the-wall place on Calle Hernando Colón where locals go. Small thing, but it matters.

The whole vibe is sort of like staying at your sophisticated aunt’s house – everything’s thoughtfully chosen and well-maintained, but it doesn’t feel precious or untouchable. You can actually relax here. The common areas have this lived-in elegance, and there’s usually decent WiFi throughout (crucial when you’re trying to figure out Seville’s somewhat chaotic bus system). I will say, if you’re someone who needs a pool or a full-service concierge, this isn’t that kind of place. But if you want to feel like you’re actually experiencing Seville rather than just visiting it, and you appreciate the kind of thoughtful hospitality that comes from people who clearly care about what they’re doing, then this is exactly where you want to be. Plus, at this price point for a 4-star in the heart of the old town, it’s honestly a bit of a steal.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $133. Apartamento de 1 dormitorio sin terraza with 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $197. Apartamento de 2 dormitorios sin terraza with 2 single beds, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $217. Duplex Two-Bedroom Apartment with Terrace with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Terry from Portugal – 4 June 2025 (9/10)

  Close to the Cathedral and other attractions. The apartment was clean, the WiFi and TV worked fine. The host met us in person so there was no drama finding the keys in a lock box or fumbling with a lock box combination to get in the apartment.

• Steve from United States – 4 June 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment itself is a wonderful 2 bedroom/2 bathroom place. We travelled with our elementary age children and it was great for them to have their own room and bathroom. The apartment is in a fabulous location 5 minutes walk from the largest cathedral in Europe and Real Alcazar is a minute past the cathedral. The bullfighting ring is an 8 minute walk the other direction from the apartment. We enjoyed cooking one dinner in the apartment, two breakfasts and one lunch. Our children have dietary allergies so it is nice to cook sometimes while traveling. We also used the washing machine, which worked well. We would stay here again!
  
  What could be improved: The young lady who meet us to hand us the keys does not seem to enjoy her job. She was cold and seemed annoyed to have to let us in although it was around 5pm. When we wanted to ask questions she seemed bothered (maybe she was just having a bad day). Other than that brief interaction, the apartment itself is wonderful and a fabulous location to walk to the main attractions of Sevilla.

• Leah from Spain – 2 May 2025 (9/10)

  The location is fantastic to cathedral. Quiet street. Very clean and staff were helpful and accommodating. Two bathrooms which was perfect. Easy to find and parking 7 minute walk.
  
  What could be improved: Not a dislike but…..Just something to note: this apartment is on the first floor and there are only stairs.

• Louise from United Kingdom – 12 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location . You can walk to everything you would want to see or do within 5 to 20 mins . Two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms
  
  What could be improved: The parking suggested is a fair walk away which doesn’t make luggage drop off easy but if no car don’t worry . Staircase steep to access the property which could be an issue if not able for narrow stairs .

• Jan from Portugal – 6 April 2025 (9/10)

  I normally do not do reviews, but this will be an exception. We has such a perfect stay that I want to spread the word.
  
  Contact with the property was perfect. We were met at the agreed on time by a friendly and informative host and the apartment had absolutely everything we could wish for. No luxury, but a great place for a short stay, and on a quiet street, in an apartment with plenty of space.
  
  But the star of the show here is the location. If you ever go to Seville, this place is just perfect. Thanks for a great time. Ciao from Faro, Portugal. Yin and Jan.
  
  What could be improved: No real coffeemaker. It had been broken by previous guests.

• Caroline from Montenegro – 28 December 2024 (9/10)

  Great position, the communication was very easy and i loved having someone to show me in. The property had everything i needed for my stay

• Jocelyn from United States – 15 December 2024 (7/10)

  The location was excellent! My only comment would be I felt like I was an inconvenience when it was time to get the keys. Many phone calls and texts – and yet we had to wait at the property for 15 minutes before being let in after a long day of travel.
  
  What could be improved: I wished we could have had a later check out.

• Mark from Canada – 17 November 2024 (9/10)

  This is a great apartment in a great location. It’s ten or fifteen minutes walk from everywhere a tourist might want to visit in Seville. There are restaurants, bars, the Cathedral, the Alcazar – all nearby. The apartment is well equipped, with a kitchen, great beds, wonderful shower. We had a great time here. Highly recommended.

• Susan from Spain – 7 October 2024 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Little things missing (tea towel and more plates)

• Alejandra from Canada – 22 September 2024 (9/10)

  We appreciated the fact that Loreto was at the property waiting to meet us and hand over the keys. We also loved how the instructions to the house were given to us in person as opposed to via message.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities