Seville's Hidden Gem: Stunning A2 Murillo Gardens Apartment!
Seville's Hidden Gem: Stunning A2 Murillo Gardens Apartment! - A Review (with a Side of Spilled Sangria and a Dash of Existential Dread about Cleaning)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to tell you about Seville's Hidden Gem: Stunning A2 Murillo Gardens Apartment! – and let me tell you, it's more than just a fancy name. It's an experience. A messy, glorious, sometimes slightly frustrating experience that I'd 100% do again. (And probably will, let’s be honest.)
First off, accessibility: This isn't my area of expertise, but the listing DOES mention "Facilities for disabled guests" and the elevator, so that's a good start. [Important Note: Always double-check EVERYTHING directly with the property regarding specific accessibility needs. Don't just take my word for it!]
Let's get to the juicy stuff! THE THINGS THAT MAKE OR BREAK A VACATION (besides decent tapas, obviously):
The Vibe (Cleanliness, Safety, and…Sanity?)
- Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, look, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. Sue me. But I was genuinely impressed. The rooms were sanitized between stays, and there were anti-viral cleaning products being used. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere, which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver when you're bouncing around Seville like a pinball. They also had daily disinfection in common areas. I'm not saying I went around sniffing everything, but it felt clean – a huge win in my book. Plus, there's 24-hour security and CCTV – so I knew, even if I decided to eat tapas in my pajamas at 3 AM, I'd be relatively safe.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: This is a nice touch, gives you some control.
- Hygiene Certification: Always a good sign.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Nice, for the nervous travelers.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Good to know, especially if you find yourself near someone who really enjoys their conversations at 7am.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Seems good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent.
- Shared stationery removed: Smart.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed cool.
- Sterilizing equipment: Okay, this is getting serious. I approve.
- First aid kit: Always a good thing to have, but I hope I don't need it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Personal Hell (And Delight!)
This is where it gets… complicated. Because, hello, this is Seville! Tapas, man. Tapas!
- Restaurants: The restaurants situation is awesome in Seville. Restaurants, restaurants, restaurants.
- A la carte in restaurant: Nice, if you want something specific.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Okay, good to know.
- Asian breakfast / cuisine in restaurant: I didn't try these, but it's there!
- Bar: Essential.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
- Breakfast [buffet]/service: Okay, so this is where I ran into my first minor hiccup. The buffet, while offering a decent selection, sometimes felt a bit… chaotic. Like a swarm of hungry tourists descending on a precious plate of jamón. That said, the breakfast service, in general, was decent, just be prepared for the chaos if you go during peak times.
- Buffet in restaurant: (See above).
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/shop: The coffee shop was great, I am a coffee addict, I'm judging. I found the tea in the room was also good.
- Desserts in restaurant: (I may or may not have eaten all the desserts).
- Happy hour: Need I say more?
- International/Western cuisine in restaurant: Yup.
- Poolside bar: This is a game-changer. Picture this: sun, sangria, and a perfectly crafted view of the city. (Yes, I may have spilled some sangria. Don't judge.)
- Room service: Offered, which is perfect for those crippling hangovers!
- Snack bar: More tapas!
- Vegetarian option: Yes!
- Western breakfast: Yes.
Important Note: I didn't get to try everything.
Services and Conveniences: The Stuff That Saves Your Sanity
- Air conditioning in public area/all rooms: DUH! This is Seville in the summer.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: I didn't go to a conference, but I can't imagine it would have been a problem!
- Business facilities: Didn't bother, I was on vacation!
- Cash withdrawal: Helpful.
- Concierge: Yeah, they were helpful with directions (even when I was hopelessly lost).
- Contactless check-in/out: Smooth.
- Convenience store: For emergency snacks.
- Currency exchange: Useful.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always immaculate, I'm not sure how.
- Doorman: Helpful.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry: No experience, but a good thing.
- Elevator: Nice after a long day of walking.
- Essential condiments/toiletries: Nice.
- Food delivery: I didn't use this, but it's good to know it's there.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for last-minute panic buying.
- Ironing service/laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Helpful, especially for check-in/out.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Didn't use.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Probably amazing.
- Safety deposit boxes: Essential.
- Smoking area: Needed.
- Terrace: Okay, this one’s important. The terrace was AMAZING. Perfect for morning coffee or a chilled glass of wine at sunset.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Ok.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Did not look.
For the Kids:
I'm not traveling with kids, so can't speak to this. But the hotel itself is Family/child friendly, so it will work!
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Convenient, although I used a taxi the first time.
- Car park [free of charge]/[on-site]: Perfect!
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (and the Slightly Annoying)
Alright, let’s get down to the room details.
- Additional toilet: A godsend, at least sometimes.
- Air conditioning: Praise be!
- Alarm clock: Useful, if you aren't a habitual snoozer like Yours Truly
- Bathrobes/Slippers: Fancy and appreciated.
- Bathroom phone: Useful.
- Bathtub/Separate shower/bathtub: Heaven.
- Blackout curtains: Key for sleeping in.
- Closet: Good, although I still lived out of a suitcase…
- Coffee/tea maker/Complimentary tea: Essential.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always immaculate, I'm not sure how.
- Desk/Laptop workspace: I didn’t use them.
- Extra long bed: Perfect for the sprawling traveler.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Yay!
- High floor: Great views!
- In-room safe box: Used it.
- Internet access – LAN/wireless: Good stuff.
- Ironing facilities: Never used, but good to have.
- Laptop workspace: Ok.
- Linens/Towels: Fine.
- Mini bar/Refrigerator: (stocked!).
- Mirror: Nice.
- Non-smoking: Yes. (Phew!).
- On-demand movies: Ok.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Reading light: Useful.
- Satellite/cable channels: Didn't watch.
- Scale: I looked at it once, and never again.
- Seating area/Sofa: Good.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Socket near the bed: Crucial!
- Soundproofing: Really important during Siesta.
- Telephone: Ok.
- Toiletries: Provided.
- Umbrella: Handy.
- Wake-up service: I usually slept through it.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Hurrah.
- Window that opens: Needed.
**Okay, Final
Unbelievable Luxury: Tangerang's Paramount Skyline Studio Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is raw, unfiltered me, trying to navigate the cobblestones (and my emotions) of Seville, all based out of the very charming, but probably slightly dusty, Apartamento A2 in Murillo Gardens. Let's see if I survive this.
SEVILLE WITH A TWIST - AKA "HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE CERVEZA"
Day 1: Arrival – Fiesta! (Or, "Why Did I Pack So Many Ankle Boots?")
- Morning (ish): Landed in Seville. The airport wasn't too bad, even if my luggage took a scenic route through baggage claim. First impressions? Hot. Like, REALLY hot. And the air smells like oranges and something…more…earthy. (Is that the river? The history? My slightly panicked sweat glands?) Found my way to A2 after a hilariously misinformed taxi ride. Pretty sure he thought I was talking about the building “A-Dos” instead of apartment A2. It was a beautiful and very confusing tour.
- Afternoon: Unpacked (or, in my case, tossed everything vaguely belonging to "clothes" into every available surface). Apartment A2: charming. A little…lived-in. The balcony alone is worth the trip. Sun-drenched, overlooking a courtyard, a perfect spot for judging the local birds. First impressions? I like it already!
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Attempted a Google Maps guided walk to the Real Alcázar. Did I get lost? Yes. Did I blame Google Maps? Also yes. Ended up in a charming side street, where I stumbled upon a tiny, ramshackle tapas bar. They served me the best jamón ibérico I think I have ever had. The owner, a man with a mustache that could stop a runaway train, winked and poured me a generous glass of chilled Manzanilla. My ankle boots were already feeling the pinch of the heat, but by God, did I feel like I was home. This is what I imagine paradise is.
- Night: Sat on the balcony of the apartment until 2:00 am, nursing a bottle of wine, watching the moonlight paint the courtyards below. There were cats, of course. The cats of Seville are all very judgemental. Fell asleep smiling.
Day 2: Culture and Coffee Chaos (Or, "The Cathedral vs. My Sanity")
- Morning: Coffee. Needed coffee. The apartment has a Nespresso machine, which I managed to operate after watching a YouTube video. The coffee? Good, but not THAT good. Decided to be ambitious and tackled the Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower. The Cathedral itself is…massive. Like, jaw-droppingly, neck-craning-ly massive. I got a dizzy, overwhelming headache just looking at it. Too much gold. Too many people.
- Mid-morning: Climbing the Giralda. (The bell tower). The climb itself was a test of my endurance. No stairs, just slopes. It was a really rough climb. Halfway up, I was pretty sure I was going to die. But the view from the top? Worth every single sweat-soaked inch. The city spread out below me like a terracotta dream. I actually cried.
- Afternoon: Lunch! A delicious feast of tapas that included patatas bravas, and then, a surprise of a paella dish that was just okay. This was at a restaurant recommended down the street from the apartment, in a little crowded street full of cafes. The waiter could not speak English, and I still have no idea how I managed to order it.
- Late Afternoon: Attempted to nap (exhausted from the Giralda climb and the emotional rollercoaster of architecture). Failed. The air conditioning in the apartment is…temperamental. Instead, I went for a walk in Parque de María Luisa, ended up having a long talk with a street artist who insisted I let him draw me. He kept getting distracted to smoke cigarettes. The drawing was alright, but the conversation was better.
- Evening: Found a flamenco show. Okay, I LOVE it! The passion, the drama, the gyrations! It was intense. The rhythm, the clapping, the soul. I was moved at the point of tears with a smile. Left the venue with ringing ears and a newfound appreciation for dramatic stares.
Day 3: Lost in Translation – and Love! (Or, "Why Am I Suddenly Obsessed With Olive Oil?")
- Morning: Woke up with a burning desire for churros. Found a place recommended by the apartment’s guide book, but it was closed. Decided to head for a local market. This involved a lot of hand gestures and the mangled remnants of my high school Spanish. I asked a vendor which olives are the best (I still don’t understand). Ended up buying a giant jar of olives, the vendor looking happy as I looked confused.
- Afternoon: This morning’s olive harvest went south, so I decided to take it easy. Strolled along the Guadalquivir River, lost in thought while deciding on a long-term plan.
- Late Afternoon: Decided to go on a boat ride. This felt weird. As the boat drifted and I was looking over the city, there was a couple who had been in a similar situation. I got thinking about the idea of a date, and…whooosh! I got a feeling.
- Evening: Decided to head back to the tapas bar from the first night. I sat for hours, drinking Manzanilla, and watching the world go by. Then, as the evening came to a close, I did something impulsive. I decided to write a letter to the person in question.
Day 4: Goodbye, Seville… For Now? (Or, "This Trip is Never Going To End")
- Morning: Packed. Sort of. Threw everything back into my suitcase, probably wrinkling all my clothes. Had one last coffee on the balcony, watched the birds, and felt a pang of sadness to be leaving.
- Late Morning: Last walk through the Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter. It was as beautiful and winding as I remembered.
- Afternoon: Final tapas feast. Over-ordered, of course. And yes, I cried when the waiter came, because I was going to be leaving, and I’d never be able to find this anywhere else.
- Evening: Departed. Gave a lingering look to the old apartment. Goodbye Sevilla, Until next time!
Post-Trip Notes:
- Food: Eat everything. Seriously. And learn some basic Spanish phrases. "Por favor" and "gracias" will get you far.
- Transport: Walk. Get lost. It's part of the adventure. And invest in comfortable shoes.
- Emotional State: Be prepared to be overwhelmed. Embrace the chaos. Allow yourself to be moved by the beauty, the passion, and the sheer "Spanishness" of it all. Don't be afraid to cry, laugh, get lost, and then find yourself again in the heart of this amazing city.
- Apartment A2: I'd recommend it, even with the slightly temperamental shower. It's a good base. It's the heart of the trip.
- Next Time? Learning to cook Spanish food, I think. And I’m definitely coming back.
Seville's Hidden Gem: A2 Murillo Gardens Apartment - The REALLY Real FAQs!
Okay, spill the tea. Is this Murillo Gardens place *really* as dreamy as the photos?
Ugh, alright, fine! Let's be honest. Those photos? Gorgeous. The reality? ... Mostly gorgeous. Look, I went in expecting perfection, because, you know, the internet. But the thing is, perfection doesn't exist, especially in a charming old building in Seville.
The courtyard? Yes, unbelievably stunning. I spent a solid hour, just, *existing* there with a coffee, watching the bougainvillea spill over the walls. It was like living in a postcard. Seriously. But the *first* time I tried to get the key in the door? That's where the charm started to wobble a bit. It took me about five minutes of jiggling and muttering under my breath – charming, yes, but also slightly infuriating. And then, the elevator... oh god, the elevator. It's teeny tiny and ancient. Definitely not for anyone claustrophobic. I started calling it my "time-traveling box."
Is the location *actually* good? Because "near everything" can mean a lot of things...
OMG, the location. It's like teleportation central! Seriously, you step out of the building, and you’re practically tripping over the Alcazar. Literally. (Almost.) Plaza de España? A manageable stroll. The tapas bars? *Oh, the tapas bars!* I gained five pounds, and I absolutely, positively, 100% regret nothing. Okay, maybe the bill at the end, but the food... *chef's kiss*. But here's the thing: it's *central*, which means noise. Not deafening, club-next-door noise. More like, the joyful buzz of a city that *lives* - the clatter of cobblestone streets, the excited chatter, the occasional late-night guitar. I actually found it comforting, like a lullaby of Seville. Unless you're a super light sleeper. Then you might need some earplugs. (Pro tip: get some. Seriously.)
What about the apartment itself? Is it clean and comfortable? Or am I going to find dust-bunnies the size of small cats?
Okay, okay, the cleanliness. Look, it's not a sterile hospital room. There's character, which sometimes translates to... a *tiny* bit of dust in the corners. I mean, it's an old building, things settle. But honestly, the apartment was way cleaner than *my* apartment back home, and that's saying something! The towels were fluffy, the bed was comfortable, and the air conditioning worked like a dream (thank heavens). The kitchen was well-equipped – I even managed to make a half-decent paella one night (don't judge, it was my first time). But, and this is a big BUT… the shower? Small. Very small. If you’re a six-foot-five basketball player, you might struggle. I'm, uh, vertically challenged, so it was fine. But seriously, pack a travel-sized shampoo.
What's the best thing about the apartment?
The best thing. Okay, hands down, the rooftop terrace. Seriously. Pure magic. Imagine: stunning views of the city, with the Giralda silhouetted against the sunset. A bottle of Spanish wine, a plate of olives (bought from the corner shop, because, priorities), and complete and utter peace. It was the kind of experience that made you want to pinch yourself. It wasn't just the view, it was the *feeling* of it. The feeling of being utterly, completely, gloriously *away* from it all. I sat up there for hours one evening, listening to the street musicians playing below, and I swear, I actually felt my shoulders drop about two inches. It was divine. (And a bit windy, you might wanna hold onto your hat.)
And the worst thing? Be honest!
Okay, here we go. The *worst* thing? Alright, it’s a tie. Seriously. First is the elevator size and slowness, with a side of slight anxiety. You know, that moment when you're crammed inside and it judders a bit and you wonder if this is how it ends? (It's not, relax). Second… this is petty, I admit, but I NEEDED to say it. The Wi-Fi was… temperamental. Intermittently, I got the "No Internet" symbol of doom. It’s Seville, people! Who needs the internet?! Get out there and experience the life! But, you know, I also needed to upload my Instagram stories because *obviously* this place was photogenic, and the connection was not my friend. Maybe, just maybe, I needed the internet. Sigh. This isn’t a deal-breaker, just a minor annoyance. Okay, rant over.
Would you recommend this apartment to a friend (or, you know, random strangers on the internet)?
Absolutely. Without a shadow of a doubt. Despite the wonky Wi-Fi and the tiny shower, the charm *more than* makes up for it. It's a proper, authentic Seville experience. It’s not a sanitized, cookie-cutter hotel room. It’s got character, it's got history, and it's got magic. Yes, there's a bit of rust on the doorknob, yes, the elevator may take you back in time, but it has a rooftop terrace that will make you weep with joy. Go. Seriously. Go. Just pack some earplugs and a sense of humour. And maybe a travel-sized shampoo. You won't regret it. (Except maybe the tapas bill. That's going to sting.)
Okay, but *seriously*, about that courtyard... is it REALLY as good as the photos suggest? I need *the truth!*
GOD. The courtyard. Okay, here's the thing. The photos? They're beautiful, yes, but they don't capture the *smell*. The amazing, intoxicating smell of jasmine and orange blossom. It was unreal. I'm talking, like, nose-gasm levels of good. And the sunlight? It filtered through the leaves, dappling the ground… It was seriously the most idyllic place to have your morning coffee.
I'm not kidding, I spent HOURS in that courtyard. I even tried to write a postcard (that was before the Wi-Fi breakdown, naturally). But I just kept getting distracted. Distracted by the beauty. I'd sit there and just... stare. Occasionally, a lizard would scurry across the tiles, which was exciting. Then one afternoon, a cat decided to join me. It was a very elegant cat, very Sevillian, and it rubbed against my legsHotel Blog Guru
