Hotel Casa 1800 Seville Review

With a sun-kissed rooftop terrace with pool, overlooking the historic city skyline including the Real Alcázar fort, the Hospital de los Venerables, the Cathedral and the Giralda bell tower, Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla immerses you in the heart of Andalucia’s romantic capital city. Services include breakfast and complimentary afternoon snacks and refreshments. Each guest room is elegantly decorated with a touch of 19th century decadence, including crystal chandeliers and guilt moulding, evocative of the Golden Age of Seville.

The Luxury Editor returns to one of our favourite Spanish cities, to the richly evocative streets of Seville, for a stay at Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla, a 33-room boutique hotel in the heart of the city centre.

This palatial property, built in 1864, in the typical Andalusian style, with a light-filled internal courtyard patio, has been meticulously renovated, creating a unique boutique hotel.

Roof terrace revelry

This is our second visit, updating our experience from almost 10 years ago. The main update is the spectacular roof terrace, which offers a series of spaces for enjoying the unique atmosphere of the city.

Here one enjoys a privileged viewpoint of some of the finest sights in the old town, including the ancient walls of the Moorish fort, the spires of the Renaissance Cathedral, and the striking architecture of the Giralda bell tower, which originally was a minaret in the times of Al Andalus empire.

The roof terrace is furnished with sun loungers, where guests can soak up the Andalucian sun, as well as seating areas, perfect for enjoying al fresco cocktails. The highlight is the swimming pool.

Delicious indulgence

On the ground floor, the internal atrium is a cosy and bright space furnished with elegant chairs and tables where complimentary afternoon snacks and refreshments are offered – a classic Spanish ‘merienda’ of cakes, fruit, cookies, and treats accompanied by tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. This is a lovely time to enjoy the property, meet fellow guests and indulge in a few sweet and savoury treats.

Each morning breakfast is available in the private dining area and atrium, with a selection of cooked dishes, and morning favourites.

Decadent suites

Each of the 33 rooms and suites has an individual style, reflecting the charm and character of the original property.

Our suite on the first floor was directly over the entrance, with access to the glass bay window overlooking the street. As part of the renovations, all windows are fully double glazed, meaning you are insulated from the world outside, cocooned in luxurious tranquillity.

City moments

Staying in a city offers a richer, more nuanced experience. Waking early, before fellow tourists have filled the streets below, affords you an insight into urban life. 

Seville is a capital city, the political heart of Andalucia and despite the allure of the domes and towers this is also a working city.

As the sun was rising, I swung open the cast iron panes of the bay window in our suite.

The next-door bar, Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas, a legendary stop of any tapas tour, was getting ready for it breakfast trade, while barrels of beer are being delivered to a restaurant opposite. Suddenly the air resonates with the ringing bells of the Giralda. 

This is the very heart of Seville’s historic centre, in the charming, ancient, and labyrinthine Santa Cruz district. Still in my bathrobe and slippers, I took the lift up to the hotel’s rooftop. This is the sought-after sunbathing spot or a romantic place for a drink, but for me on this morning it was like my private cinema, showing a live panorama of the city.

To my east were the spires of Seville’s emblematic Plaza de España, an essential destination to savour the city’s incredible heritage of decorative architecture. It’s a fun place where you can also take out a rowing boat on the small lake, or enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the Maria Luisa Park, taking in the sights of Mudejar-style follies and palaces. 

The rooftop view also takes in the Alcazar, renowned for starring roles in Game of Thrones and a place full of architectural fantasy and wonder. 

Yet most impressive sight is undoubtedly the Giralda, the ancient bell tower of Seville’s cathedral, which is striking decorative details illuminated by the morning sun.

It’s moments like these that make you grateful to be staying in the centre of Seville, at Casa 1800.

Experiences

The friendly team are on hand to help plan your city escapades, with advice on tours, places to eat, and things to discover, from historic mansions, interesting shopping and great dining.

After the relaxed breakfast, the city is at your feet. The Alcazar, Cathedral and Giralda are all just steps away.

This time in Seville I was determined to discover something new – and paid a visit to the Archive de Indias. Well, I say paid a visit, but the truth is that this is complimentary – free entry is a gift to enjoy this architectural gem. It is a remarkable place of fascinating insights into Spain’s seafaring, imperial past, when the country dominated the Americas, bringing wealth of gold and emeralds back to Seville. 

Within walking distance of Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla is also several mansions that offer an immersive experience of life during the golden age of the capital, including Casa de Salinas, a 16th-century palace. This remains a private home. Its ground floor is open to the public and is brought to life by the storytelling of the audio guide. 

Tapas and more

For a light lunch try local tapas bar like El Favorito – it’s a smart bar with tables on the pavement, stools at the bar of tables inside. You can enjoy classics like pringa, and slow-cooked pork cheek.

Yet leave some appetite for eating out. In Seville, the locals eat late, so if you want to share an authentic atmosphere then enjoy a night out at Casa Ozama – found on one of the elegant avenues built during Seville’s Great Expo of 1929.

This venue is a complete destination, a mansion converted into a pleasuredome with gardens, bars, and dining. This decadent house is now a place for drinks in the garden, surrounded by the scent of La dama de noche jasmine, lively get-togethers in the bar and elegant a la carte dinners in the eclectically decorated dining rooms. Don’t be surprised if you see an Elephant looking down at you, or a Zebra standing on the bar. 

Late nights mean it’s important to sleep well, and a room at Casa 1800 ticks all the boxes. The bed was so comfortable – I know that should be a given, but here they’re worthy of note. While windows were fully soundproofed with two sets of windows, creating a tranquil sanctuary.

Casa 1800 is a special place. The winning location just off Calle Mateos Gago street, and a stone’s throw from the cathedral, the fabulous roof terrace with Giralda view pool, the tasty breakfasts and generous afternoon snacks, and above all the friendly team that make you feel at home.

This property is included in our guide to the best hotels in Seville