Plaza de Refinadores

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Plaza de Refinadores? The moment you step inside, there’s this immediate hush that makes you forget you’re literally in the heart of Seville’s old town. I mean, you’re right on this tiny cobblestone plaza that most tourists walk past without noticing – it’s tucked between Calle Mateos Gago and the cathedral area, so you get all the energy of the Barrio Santa Cruz without the chaos of the main drags. The building itself has that classic Andalusian thing going on, but honestly, it’s the staff that makes the difference here. They actually seem to know the neighborhood inside out, not just the obvious stuff like “the cathedral is that way” but real intel like which tapas spots the locals hit after 10 PM and where to find parking that won’t cost you a fortune.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid four-star in this part of town – not massive, but thoughtfully laid out with these gorgeous tile floors that keep things cool even in July. Some face the plaza (which is surprisingly quiet given the location), others look toward the narrow side streets where you can watch the daily rhythm of the barrio unfold. The bathrooms are actually modern, which isn’t always a given in these historic buildings, and the beds… well, after walking 20,000 steps exploring Seville’s winding alleys, you’ll appreciate how comfortable they are. I stayed here during Semana Santa one year and was worried about noise, but the building’s thick walls really do their job. You hear the processions when they pass by – which is magical, honestly – but it’s not like you’re sleeping on the street.

What really sold me on this place is how it feels like a proper base for exploring, not just a place to crash. The front desk crew knows their stuff about flamenco shows beyond the touristy tablao spots, they’ll point you toward the good morning coffee places (there’s this tiny café on Calle Mesón del Moro that’s a three-minute walk and serves cortados that’ll ruin you for anywhere else), and they’re realistic about timing – like, yes, you can walk to the Real Alcázar, but go early or late because midday crowds are brutal. The location means you’re close enough to duck back for a siesta during the hot afternoon hours, which is sort of essential if you’re visiting between May and September. It’s not the cheapest option in Seville, but given that you’re sleeping in a historic building steps from the cathedral with a 9-point-something rating from people who’ve actually stayed there… I mean, some things are worth paying for. Plus, if you’re traveling with someone who gets cranky when hotels don’t deliver on their promises, this place consistently does what it says it’ll do.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $310. Apartment with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Elizabeth from United Kingdom – 19 October 2022 (9/10)

  ideal location and large property
  
  What could be improved: lift wasn’t working

• Mel from United Kingdom – 28 May 2024 (6/10)

  Excellent location near to all the tourist areas, roomy and airy in living area, near to a lovely park area.
  
  What could be improved: Extremely noisy at night, from 11pm a street cleaner machine came for over an hour making the most incredible noise – impossible to sleep before 1am. Not soundproofed as per description, people shouting in street. Others have left similar reviews and shares similar problems.

• Kelly from Netherlands – 28 December 2023 (9/10)

  De ligging was perfect: centraal gelegen en genoeg ruimte. Aan alle benodigdheden was gedacht en er was meer dan voldoende: vaatwastabletten, wasmiddel, wc-papier etc.
  
  What could be improved: De bank was viezig en verouderd, stoffig en met vieze vlekken waardoor we er eigenlijk niet op hebben gezeten. En ‘s avonds vanaf een uur of 9 was er superveel herrie, overlast met muziek en geschreeuw op straat. Tot een uur of 1 of 2 vlak voor de deur. Heel vervelend..

• Maria from Spain – 10 December 2023 (9/10)

  El apartamento está genial!!!! Y la ubicación perfecta para moverte por Sevilla

• Christine from France – 24 October 2023 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities