From US$85 per night
– A real huge old wardrobe with proper removeable coat hangers
– No parking (but quiet street parking is close by)
The owner-run, boutique El Palacio de San Benito isn’t a run-of-the-mill hotel. Step back in time at this charming, museum-like, Home and Garden style abode. Book a room for a night or more or rent the whole property entirely for your own use.
About an hour from Seville city through gorgeous natural park scenery in a small white-washed town, this is an escape into peace and quiet. It is a luxurious homely hotel where you may well find the owner at home.
Skillfully and beautifully added to, renovated and decorated it’s very difficult to know where the original church and palace ends and where the addition begins. I had no idea it wasn’t all original. Using all reclaimed materials, beautiful old tiles and furnished with gorgeous antiques, you’ll think you’re in the traditional open-air patio or stepping through the hefty original doors of a centuries-old coaching inn.
I was in my element and loved the floral four-poster bed, matching lounging area and my own perfect tiny patio. The communal sitting areas full of squishy cushion-piled sofas, coffee tables stacked with magazines and surrounded by traditonal dark furniture, I could have stayed forever.
Then comes the rather quirkily decorated library and the dining room with hand-painted walls. It’s like a National Trust property in that you feel you should only look and not touch or as a child visiting an old aunt’s hauntingly lovely but old-fashioned home.
There in no restaurant but meals can be booked, the gorgeous tiny bar is for residents only and private functions are catered for. This is an escape from prying eyes, a touch of lost charm and if you wish you can have it all to yourself.
My favourite spot as an outdoor and plant lover was the plant-filled patio with its tinkling fountain and so many lovely details and individual sitting spots.
El Palacio de San Benito comfortable, charming and classic just my style.
