More about Hotel Dona Maria
An excellent compromise.
by TripAdvisor Member Torero
I've been staying at this Hotel for several years, at least twice a year and reading the reviews I felt the need to bring a synopsis review to help travelers decide. Most of what is written about the hotel is true. It is old and most rooms are dark. They are well kept and the hotel does have a old time feeling to it, which is quite enjoyable for those of us who don't demand modernity.
Prices are high but nothing like what you will pay for ALFONSO XIII. Most hotels in center city will either be old or dark. If you are looking for a more recent Hotel in this general location try REY ALFONSO X. It wont have the same charm.
Downgrading to a PENSION will yield a difference in quality for sure.
Don't get breakfast at the Hotel. Go to the Horno San BuenAventure across from the cathedral and if you dare try something local order "Mollete con Tomate Jamon y Aceite" or " Pan Paye con Jamon Tomate y Aceite" with your café con leche and Zumo de Naranja.
The great pleasure at the Dona Maria is to walk out and see the cathedral (specially at night), being seconds away from all sites of interest and of great restaurants. Don't miss the following Casa Blanca, Meson Infanta, Casa Robles (Calle Placentines), Bodeguita Romero (order the Piripi) in all cases try standing at the Bar ordering Tapas and having beer or Manzanilla. If your a group then go for the tables and order different Raciones to share. Whatever you do don't order sit down menus at those sidewalk locations. Come on! get into the spirit !
From the Dona Maria you can walk right up Mateas Gago and turn right to go into the Bario de Santa Cruz. It is fabulous! have a drink and tapas at Las Teresas.
Conclusion: don't be a tipical tourist. Enjoy Sevilla. If you do, you won't spend much time in your hotel. So you might as well choose something typical and Dona Maria is typical if not the best accomodation.
Delightful experience
by TripAdvisor Member Julie-Meredith
My husband and I stayed at the Dona Maria along with two other couples and had a lovely time. The mix of reviews this hotel has received is really quite perplexing to me. The hotel staff were quite helpful and kind in several regards. Two examples will suffice. First, the airline lost my luggage and the front desk staff communicated with SpanAir for me to resolve the matter and further directed me to where I could find replacement items (even supplying some). Second, one morning one of the gentleman working at the breakfast bar prepared a pot of coffee for my husband and me to take to our room--very nice. The hotel is in a wonderful location that cannot be beat--right next to the Cathedral and La Giralda bell tower. We went to the rooftop everynight, drank Spanish wine beneath the stars, and listened to the ringing of the bells. It was magical. The hotel is soundproof and the air conditioning is set just right. The elevator was not a problem for me because I walked the lovely marble staircase:).
Another happy stay at the DM
by TripAdvisor Member abingdon
A lot of the comments by previous Trip Advisors are all true - yet somehow this is one of our favourite hotels. Seville is a wonderful place and the Dona Maria is in THE location and at a fair price for what you get.
On our previous visits over the last 10 years we have found the staff to be a little distant and whilst professional not very warmly customer friendly. This time we were bowled over by how welcoming, friendly and helpful they were.
Yes, this hotel is dark (designed that way pre aircon) slightly worn (and when we went priced accordingly) and not sound proofed (internal and external noises). But hey, this is a city where flamenco is the dance, bullfighting a sport, you're underneath a bell tower (duh) and the people so happy partying with all our tax money from the EU flowing in the build the place - you should go there, blend into their ways and enjoy your taxes. You've paid for it after all!
A perfect base in Seville!
by TripAdvisor Member evemonn
I have recently returned from a two week trip to Andalucia with my partner. We stayed at the Dona Maria for three nights in late July, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
After the poor reviews I had read on this website I was apprehensive at first, but the staff were perfectly friendly and helpful. The hotel itself is located in the heart of old seville, and this allowed us to come and go during the day, without the need for taxi's or public transport. The small streets nearby are full of excellent bars and busy restaurants.
While the hotel is old and dark, it is well maintained, clean and charmingly decorated with antiques and interesting prints on the walls.
I searched for a centrally located affordable hotel in Seville that also had a pool and the Dona Maria was the best option by far. The roof terrace has magnificant views and a small but beautiful pool which helped to make our trip really special.
Huge waste of money!!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed here last week on the recommendation of a friend who had stayed often in her past, and loved it. A rude staff runs the place now. Carpet hasn't been cleaned since Franco died, bathroom the size of 2 phone booths, we moved 3 times to get a functioning air conditioner (temperature was 100 last week in Seville), and our "terrace" was exactly 9 inches wide. A very expensive hotel even for Seville that certainly does not deserve 3 stars. Stay elsewhere.
Dona Maria - Great Location But....
by A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed at the 4-star Dona Maria Hotel in the centre of Seville for a couple of days in mid-Aug 05. For those on a sight-seeing city break, the hotel's location is perfect - literally just off the cathedral plaza and a very short walk from the stunning Real Alcazar and the wonderful Barrio de Santa Cruz district. The views from the roof-top bar and pool area were stunning and, with a late night drink in hand, round off exquisitely an evening out in the city.
However, the Dona Maria itself did not live up to its 4-star billing. Our third-floor room was small, very plain and looked into a very narrow courtyard (that resembled more closely, a ventilation shaft). With the view of an external hotel wall within yards of our window (net curtains helped to obscure it), we had to keep the room lights switched on to help lift the dimness. Breakfast was poor. With limited choice and much uninviting food, this meal and the accompanying service were well below the standards expected of a 4-Star hotel. That said, the reception staff were very helpful.
We would visit Seville again (with its excess of sights, food and atmosphere) but the Dona Maria's highly prized location would not be enough to persuade us to book in for another stay.
Awful, The worst trip i have ever had! Waste of time and effort.
by A TripAdvisor Member
We turned up to theis hotel late friday night. having booked this hotel by phone and confirming again the reservation by phone. We also sent a fax and had a conformation in return for two twin bedded rooms. When we arrived, there was a booking for one room only. At no time was there an apology, and the staff were rude. They eventually found us another hotel. We then had a porter carried two bags to the next hotel he ran the whole way and we had problems keeping up wth him. The other two members of the party had to carry there own luggage and nearly got lost. It was very upsetting, and not a joyful experiance.
