Semana Santa - Hotels for Semana Santa in Seville

Hotels for Semana Santa in Seville

by Fiona Flores Watson

Semana Santa is one of the most popular times to visit Seville, as people arrive to experience the mystical Holy Week processions, with their mournful brass bands, lifelike statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, swaying rhythmically in the candelight, accompanied by startling hooded figures.

Many hotels are booked out months in advance, especially for Thursday night (La Madruga´), the most popular section of the whole week.

Here we list the hotels which are on the routes of processions - beware that there are around seven each day, of which a certain number may pass each hotel. You should also note that getting around on the route itself can be difficult, as it will be heavily lined with onlookers, so allow extra time to get around. You may even be able to secure a hotel room overlooking the route, which is the ultimate viewing spot - in comfort with your own drinks, snacks and, best of all, your own seating!

You can also elect to stay in a hotel close to the route, which means that the area will not be quite as hectic. While you won't be able to watch processions from the hotel, you're only a few minutes' walk away for rests and loo stops.

Lastly, hotels which are within easy reach of Seville, either outside the historic centre, or in one of the nearby towns, and are therefore not as expensive.

Hotels on the routes of processions

These hotels have rooms, sometimes with their own balcony or terrace, with views onto a street where the processions pass by. They may also have a public terrace which offers views.

Book hotels for Semana Santa

Hotels in Barrio Santa Cruz/Near Cathedral

This is the first barrio (area or neighbourhood) tourists head for, and with good reason. It is the most picturesque and delightful part of the city, with narrow winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, where you can sit outside a bar, enjoy some tapas and watch the world go by, or wander through centuries-old gardens and relax on beautiful tiled benches. More>

Hotels in Arenal

Tucked in between Avenida de la Constitucion and the river, El Arenal was home to the city's port, from where ships sailed to the New World - hence its name, from arena (sand), on the then-tidal river banks. These days, it's a well-heeled barrio with abacerias (shops selling conservas, tins and jars of food, and cheese), freidurias (fried fish takeways) and, as well as some good bars and restaurants.More>

Hotels in Centre

This area is between Plaza de Encarnacion and Plaza Nueva, and its main attraction is the shopping zone around calles Sierpes, Cuna and Velazquez/Tetuan. Come here to find excellent quality Spanish-made leather shoes, boots and bags, as well as the traditional fans and embroidered shawls - or just do as the locals do, and walk around browsing and discussing, before stopping for a coffee. Zara and Mango abound; other fashion chains include Blanco, Pull & Bear and Sfera. For more individual owner-designer shops, Soho Benita has some great accessories and clothes stores. More>

Hotels in Alfalfa

Alfalfa barrio (neighbourhood) is located between Plaza Encarnacion, and Plaza Cristo de Burgos, and Santa Cruz. Encompassing Soho Benita, it is an area of narrow streets with small, independent shops and bars, where you’ll find lively tapas places, some idiosyncratic late-night joints, creative crafts, and unusual jewellery.More>

Hotels in Alameda

Fifteen years ago, Seville's more louche inhabitants (think ladies of the night, men in frocks, and controlled substances) inhabited the Alameda, which lies to the north of the centre. Now it's home to trendy bars, vegetarian restaurants, and those all-in-one bar-gallery-stores that were first hip in Soho, New York, about 25 years ago. You'll even find sushi and Asian-fusion restaurants here, while yoga studios abound. It's also hugely popular with families, and the playgrounds are heaving in the afternoons and evenings, late into the night in the hot summer.More>

Hotels in Macarena

Next to the Alameda, this is an authentic Seville barrio; although many houses have been restored and smartened up in recent years to attract young professional types, thankfully it hasn't gone too chi-chi. You'll find trendy clothes shops, of the street-style skateboarder variety, as well as artists' communities. The food market on Calle Feria is one of the city's best and the "El Jueves" Thursday flea market is fun for bargain-hunting. The area is home to one of Seville's two favourite Virgins, the Virgen de Esperanza, a focus of intense adoration during Semana Santa. More>

Hotels in Triana

Famous for having its own strong identity - it's known in Seville as "the independent republic of Triana" - this district is celebrated for its azulejos (ceramic tiles), made in workshops here originally using mud from the river bank; its sailors, bullfighters and flamenco artists (gypsies had to live here as they weren't allowed intramuros, inside the main city walls); and the Inquisition - learn more about this dark chapter in Seville's history at Castillo San Jorge, next to the excellent food market.More>