Travel
When we checked in, the lady at the front desk let us know that there was a piano concert in the piano bar starting in less than half an hour. We were thrilled! I guess this was the moment we fell head over heels for Hotel Casas de la Juderia. But... little did we know there were so many more surprises awaiting for us! However, we later found out that the live piano concert was not an isolated event at Casas de la Juderia (literally 'The Houses of the Jews') but that they take place every afternoon for the delight of the guests.
The whole place is reminiscent of people and ages long gone, people who left their imprint on the walls and the architecture of the current hotel and who to a certain extent shaped Spain's history, from the 15th century onward.
Over two thousand flowerpots decorate the courtyards.
Not all buildings now making up the hotel were mere houses. Some of them were palaces in their own rights, like the building hosting the reception and lobby which was the Palace of Zuniga.
- Top 7 Places To Visit In The Charming City Of Seville
Seville is probably the most charming city in Spain. And its laid-back atmosphere, strongly contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Madrid and Barcelona. I love this city with all my heart and for many good reasons. The climate, the beautiful streets,...
- First Hotel Marin, Bergen. A Charming Hotel In A Fairytale Like City
When we visited Bergen this summer, we stayed at Firsts Hotel Marin, part of the First Hotels network spreading all over Scandinavia. The hotel stands out for being located next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, right in the city center....
- Myhregaarden Hotel, Stavanger. A Very Romantic Boutique Hotel
By the time our train arrived in Stavanger it was almost 11PM and we were tired. Nevertheless, some reminiscences of the midnight sun could be seen on the sky even at the end of July, wrapping the city in a charming atmosphere.We took out the...
- Hotel Orgryte, Gothenburg. Spacious & Welcoming
A few weeks ago, during our visit to Gothenburg, we spent the night at Hotel Orgryte, a family-owned, very comfortable hotel with friendly staff. Location Hotel Orgryte is situated in a very quiet residential area, relatively close to...
- Hotel Alcoba Del Rey, Seville. A Charming & Relaxing Riad In Andalusia
The moment we entered the Hotel Alcoba del Rey in Seville we knew we were in for something different. A rich incense scent encompassed us and the light reflections on the inner courtyard's walls were creating such a dreamy atmosphere... Alcoba...
Travel
Hotel Casas de la Juderia, Seville. The Ultimate Andalusian Experience
Is it possible to feel hotelsick? I only know that right now I terribly miss Hotel Casas de la Juderia from Seville!
My husband and I were little prepared for the marvelous experience awaiting for us at Hotel Casas de la Juderia, located on one of the charming cobbled streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, right in the center of Seville and only minutes away from the famous Seville Cathedral.
The truth is, Casas de la Juderia Hotel offers their guests more than accommodation. It's the ultimate Andalusian experience! The hotel is basically a city within a city, consisting currently of 27 houses of the old Jewish Quarter, and at the same time it is a work in progress, as new houses are added continuously. The houses are connected by walkways and courtyards and the names of the old public roads and even the numbering system of the houses is still kept in place.
First Impression
When we checked in, the lady at the front desk let us know that there was a piano concert in the piano bar starting in less than half an hour. We were thrilled! I guess this was the moment we fell head over heels for Hotel Casas de la Juderia. But... little did we know there were so many more surprises awaiting for us! However, we later found out that the live piano concert was not an isolated event at Casas de la Juderia (literally 'The Houses of the Jews') but that they take place every afternoon for the delight of the guests.
Our suite
The next we knew, the bellhop guided us to our room... actually to our suite! He gave us a few tips on the way up and let us know that the Marques de Villamanrique Suite where we were being hosted had 10 windows, more than any other room in the entire hotel. I love well lit spaces with plenty of natural light coming in, and this was all I ever wanted.
The moment we entered the room, I was smitten and I had a difficult time trying to partly hide my enthusiasm for the fear of not seeming ridiculous. When the gentleman left, however, I gave free rein to my enthusiasm and probably looked like a little girl who just received a much wanted teddy bear for her Bday.
The suite was huge, gorgeously decorated, with wooden beams and yes, 10 windows! and I kept pinching myself while wondering if this hotel emerged from a storybook or what?
A fairy tale with a modern touch however, as the digital keys, the big flat screen and the free Wi-fi proved it...
A distinguished characteristic of Hotel Casas de la Juderia is that each room is uniquely decorated. Chances are, you can visit many, many times and always have a different experience.
The Bathroom
We looooved the bathroom. There was a perfect combination of old and new styles here too, with freshly cut flowers and everything sparkling. I particularly liked the two unusual looking sinks and the taps.
The Piano Bar
Later we went down in the piano bar and listened to some heavenly music and drank a glass of wine. It was fantastic! We greatly enjoyed the cool atmosphere and the decor, with the many kinds of armchairs decorated with lace and intricate details, and the same centuries old beautiful tiles we saw at the Royal Alcazar and Casa de Pilatos.
Above the piano bar there are some amazingly decorated chambers where guests can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time with a book in their hand, or maybe chatting about the many wonders of Seville. There is s shelf with books left by past guests (I greatly enjoy this practice and any time I leave a book behind I wonder where in the world it might travel) and a chapel with a small window looking inside the Santa Maria La Blanca Church next to Casas de la Juderia Hotel.
The Rooftop Terrace
The terrace offers gorgeous views over Seville and many of the city's towers can be spotted from here, including the world famous Giralda Tower. A swimming pool and many, many plants can also be found here.
In the evening we decided to go for a walk and explore the many patios encompassing the hotel. We literally had goose bumps and we could not hide our enthusiasm any longer as we were discovering one patio after another. This was the second time we fell head over heals for Hotel Casas de la Juderia. Nevertheless, the hotel has many other secret corners we didn't discover until the next morning.
The below courtyard is the place where everything began, the first purchased building. It has some very good vibes, the same as the rest of the complex actually.
The below courtyard is the place where everything began, the first purchased building. It has some very good vibes, the same as the rest of the complex actually.
Our room was literally situated on the top of the hotel. In the photo below the glass pyramid above the piano bar and the windows of our suite can be seen.
The Many Patios of Hotel Casas de la Juderia
The whole time I stayed at Hotel Casas de la Juderia I kept thinking this place was like a history and ethnology museum. Even more than that, it's a walk into the past.
The whole place is reminiscent of people and ages long gone, people who left their imprint on the walls and the architecture of the current hotel and who to a certain extent shaped Spain's history, from the 15th century onward.
Each of the 30 patios is unique. Roman statues, vases, pedestals and antique furniture decorate them, and the end result is absolutely stunning and refreshing. The space created is comfortable and the ambiance pleasant.
Over two thousand flowerpots decorate the courtyards.
Though the first impression might be that it is easy to get lost on the way to your room, I think the idea behind this hotel is to get people explore the little streets and yards, and interact with the space surrounding them. Getting lost on purpose here gave us a wonderful sense of freedom.
I could not help it and stop in front of one of the doors and think about the many people who lived humble lives behind them throughout the centuries. How would have them reacted to know that in the more or less distant future their modest house would become a luxury hotel?
The surprisingly green and extremely well cared for vegetation, the water fountains, the hidden corners that offer privacy, the arches, the wrought iron gratings, and the maze of walkways, they all contribute to the fairy-tale like effect of Hotel Casas de la Juderia.
As we strolled on the little alleys and passed under arches, we spotted other guests enjoying quiet and relaxing activities, like reading books or crocheting. They were finding new uses to spaces originally designed for public gatherings and neighborhood interaction.
Not all buildings now making up the hotel were mere houses. Some of them were palaces in their own rights, like the building hosting the reception and lobby which was the Palace of Zuniga.
In the photo below is my favorite courtyard... The stone mosaics of the fountain in the background and the sea shells decorating the stairs are simply amazing.
Each house is named after the people who inhabited them in the past and the occupation they had: Casa del Relojero (Watchmaker's House), Casa de los Musicos (The Musicians' House), Casa del Tallista (Carver's House), Casa del Jurado (Jury's House), etc.
The Breakfast
A buffet breakfast is served in the Hall of Mirrors, and we greatly enjoyed the pasties and fresh fruit, among other. Apart from all the yummy stuff that was on the tables, guests can always order à la carte.
The Tunnel
Just to the left as you leave the breakfast hall, there is this huge underground tunnel, connecting the first building of the hotel with the last. The tunnel's decor changes every few meters and on the way there are beautiful statues, fountains and common areas. From one of the side streets, an underground parking completes the hotel facilities.
Everybody, from the hotel receptionists, till the hotel manager, made us feel like we belonged there. And that made it awfully difficult to leave the place. I was in love with Hotel Casas de la Juderia and I still miss it like crazy. I guess I will always have an emotional attachment to this place and Seville will never be the same for me again.
- Top 7 Places To Visit In The Charming City Of Seville
Seville is probably the most charming city in Spain. And its laid-back atmosphere, strongly contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Madrid and Barcelona. I love this city with all my heart and for many good reasons. The climate, the beautiful streets,...
- First Hotel Marin, Bergen. A Charming Hotel In A Fairytale Like City
When we visited Bergen this summer, we stayed at Firsts Hotel Marin, part of the First Hotels network spreading all over Scandinavia. The hotel stands out for being located next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, right in the city center....
- Myhregaarden Hotel, Stavanger. A Very Romantic Boutique Hotel
By the time our train arrived in Stavanger it was almost 11PM and we were tired. Nevertheless, some reminiscences of the midnight sun could be seen on the sky even at the end of July, wrapping the city in a charming atmosphere.We took out the...
- Hotel Orgryte, Gothenburg. Spacious & Welcoming
A few weeks ago, during our visit to Gothenburg, we spent the night at Hotel Orgryte, a family-owned, very comfortable hotel with friendly staff. Location Hotel Orgryte is situated in a very quiet residential area, relatively close to...
- Hotel Alcoba Del Rey, Seville. A Charming & Relaxing Riad In Andalusia
The moment we entered the Hotel Alcoba del Rey in Seville we knew we were in for something different. A rich incense scent encompassed us and the light reflections on the inner courtyard's walls were creating such a dreamy atmosphere... Alcoba...