Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville, Spain [Master Thread]
#76
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Yes.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#77
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: Diamond HH, Gold Marriott, UA "Plebe"
Posts: 90
If wi-fi is available, but the hotel chooses to substitute for fruit or something, can you change it?
We are staying for 7 days @ the Barcelona LeMeridien and 7 days @ the Madrid Westin Palace.
Thanks
We are staying for 7 days @ the Barcelona LeMeridien and 7 days @ the Madrid Westin Palace.
Thanks
#78
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Free internet (not necessarily the highest speed available)
OR
250 Starpoints
OR
A free welcome drink.
That's it. No substitutions.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#79
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: LON SIN HKG
Programs: AA, SPG, Hh, Amex MR, Marriott, ICH, VA, CC, LH
Posts: 433
Sevvy Alf
I can confirm that the hotel will be open and, according to them, fully functional at that time.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
This is an excellent hotel in an unrivalled location, I can't wait to get back and read new reviews.
#80
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurieka...n-restoration/
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#81
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Sydney
Posts: 5,768
having stayed at this hotel 15 yrs ago other than a room makeover I couldnt see anything really very different . they pointed out a new cigar bar and apparently a few other things. the hotel still has attitude
after complaining twice of no upgrade ( the first room was an interior tiny room the second the same1) they managed to FIND me a junior suite
it was lovely with a wonderful view of the pool area so then I was happy.
free internet and free breakky though our rate included breakky.
nice stay but should not have to fight for upgrades.
after complaining twice of no upgrade ( the first room was an interior tiny room the second the same1) they managed to FIND me a junior suite
it was lovely with a wonderful view of the pool area so then I was happy.
free internet and free breakky though our rate included breakky.
nice stay but should not have to fight for upgrades.
#82
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, AC Elite, Airmiles Gold, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Posts: 785
having stayed at this hotel 15 yrs ago other than a room makeover I couldnt see anything really very different . they pointed out a new cigar bar and apparently a few other things. the hotel still has attitude
after complaining twice of no upgrade ( the first room was an interior tiny room the second the same1) they managed to FIND me a junior suite
it was lovely with a wonderful view of the pool area so then I was happy.
free internet and free breakky though our rate included breakky.
nice stay but should not have to fight for upgrades.
after complaining twice of no upgrade ( the first room was an interior tiny room the second the same1) they managed to FIND me a junior suite
it was lovely with a wonderful view of the pool area so then I was happy.
free internet and free breakky though our rate included breakky.
nice stay but should not have to fight for upgrades.
Not good on upgrades. Earlier posts by Plats suggested pretty much everyone was given a Junior Suite... It's life: at many places you have to fight for suites...
Last edited by Medved; Jun 1, 2012 at 11:03 am
#83
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
New York Times rips on the Alfonso 17 Jan 13
http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/01/20...spain.html?hpw
Seville is one of the friendliest places in Spain, embodying a living history that is accessible, affordable and very much its own. Sadly, the new Alfonso feels like an overpriced distraction, a once regal someplace turned into a kind of no place. The location is choice, but close by are several hotels that have retained their Andalusian charm and charge a third of the price.
Seville is one of the friendliest places in Spain, embodying a living history that is accessible, affordable and very much its own. Sadly, the new Alfonso feels like an overpriced distraction, a once regal someplace turned into a kind of no place. The location is choice, but close by are several hotels that have retained their Andalusian charm and charge a third of the price.
#84
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 274
Excellent Stay
I had a wonderful stay here this month. Seville is a beautiful city with a lot of interesting history, beautiful architecture, and amazing food that is a relative bargain compared to Madrid and Barcelona the other cities I visited on this trip.
Since it's low season I got a great 100 euro a rate. I booked a pre-paid stay for about 30 euro more a night and it went down after a couple days, but after contacting the hotel they refunded the difference. It was extremely generous of the hotel and they did not have to do it, but they said since I was a loyal SPG member they would make an exception. Wonderful customer service before I even got to the hotel.
I was upgraded to a two room executive suite with two separate entrances that overlooked the main street. It had a beautifully furnished bedroom and separate living room with their own foyers. This was one of my favorite suites I have received at an SPG hotel. The only downside (and this is nitpicking) is the bathroom which is small and has a cheap white bathroom curtain and weird tiling that makes it look old rather than luxurious. The bath products are generous sized toiletries from Waterl'eau in a green tea and citrus scent. I used a Platinum SNA, although since it's low season I probably didn't have to, and picked a deluxe suite which cleared exactly 5 days out. I was upgraded one additional level to the executive suite at check in. Turn down was two bottles of water and two chocolate coins.
I selected breakfast as my Platinum amenity. You have to choose. It's a full breakfast buffet in the restaurant which is mainly continental with a warm dish station that has eggs, vegetables, and potatoes. One of the five days I was there they brought out an egg station with made to order eggs. I also saw people ask for eggs to order the other days. There is also sparkling cava. The buffet was a good choice for an amenity but it wasn't anything special. The pastries were pretty flavorless with the exception of the belgian waffle I'd dip in their delicious hot chocolate. They do have a better than average selection of cold cuts (iberian ham and chorizo) and some nice cheeses. Also, service is slow as they always seemed understaffed. It was really hard to get a refill on tea/coffee and the plates took forever to get cleared. I don't think it would be worth it to pay for breakfast as Seville is filled with great places to eat, but for free it was nice enough especially the setting since you look out into the Courtyard. On warmer days I'm sure you could sit out there.
Although there was nothing wrong with service in general at the hotel I wouldn't say it's very memorable. The staff is polite but not overly warm. They are well versed in Platinum benefits, which is nice. I didn't interact with the concierge so can't comment there.
The location is great and central to all the major tourist sites such as the Cathedral and Alcazar (amazing). It's right next to the university. I was able to walk all over Seville and take in the architecture. If you are traveling light and don't like to take taxis (I never do) it's pretty easy to take the bus to/from the main train station. The hotel is only a couple of blocks away from the bus stop.
The best food I had in Spain was in Seville. I used this one blogger's site for recommendations: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/ and for the most part she was spot on. I wish I had more stomach to go through more of her recommendations. My favorite two restaurants were La Brunilda and Albaramara followed by Vineria San Telmo. The only semi-miss was Aernero which the food was okay but service so terrible and slow we only ordered 4 tapas before deciding it wasn't worth it to stay and order more. All these restaurants are within easy walking distance to the hotel, although La Brunilda is a little further away and harder to find.
All in all a beautiful hotel in an amazing city. SPG definitely has some gems in it's collections.
Since it's low season I got a great 100 euro a rate. I booked a pre-paid stay for about 30 euro more a night and it went down after a couple days, but after contacting the hotel they refunded the difference. It was extremely generous of the hotel and they did not have to do it, but they said since I was a loyal SPG member they would make an exception. Wonderful customer service before I even got to the hotel.
I was upgraded to a two room executive suite with two separate entrances that overlooked the main street. It had a beautifully furnished bedroom and separate living room with their own foyers. This was one of my favorite suites I have received at an SPG hotel. The only downside (and this is nitpicking) is the bathroom which is small and has a cheap white bathroom curtain and weird tiling that makes it look old rather than luxurious. The bath products are generous sized toiletries from Waterl'eau in a green tea and citrus scent. I used a Platinum SNA, although since it's low season I probably didn't have to, and picked a deluxe suite which cleared exactly 5 days out. I was upgraded one additional level to the executive suite at check in. Turn down was two bottles of water and two chocolate coins.
I selected breakfast as my Platinum amenity. You have to choose. It's a full breakfast buffet in the restaurant which is mainly continental with a warm dish station that has eggs, vegetables, and potatoes. One of the five days I was there they brought out an egg station with made to order eggs. I also saw people ask for eggs to order the other days. There is also sparkling cava. The buffet was a good choice for an amenity but it wasn't anything special. The pastries were pretty flavorless with the exception of the belgian waffle I'd dip in their delicious hot chocolate. They do have a better than average selection of cold cuts (iberian ham and chorizo) and some nice cheeses. Also, service is slow as they always seemed understaffed. It was really hard to get a refill on tea/coffee and the plates took forever to get cleared. I don't think it would be worth it to pay for breakfast as Seville is filled with great places to eat, but for free it was nice enough especially the setting since you look out into the Courtyard. On warmer days I'm sure you could sit out there.
Although there was nothing wrong with service in general at the hotel I wouldn't say it's very memorable. The staff is polite but not overly warm. They are well versed in Platinum benefits, which is nice. I didn't interact with the concierge so can't comment there.
The location is great and central to all the major tourist sites such as the Cathedral and Alcazar (amazing). It's right next to the university. I was able to walk all over Seville and take in the architecture. If you are traveling light and don't like to take taxis (I never do) it's pretty easy to take the bus to/from the main train station. The hotel is only a couple of blocks away from the bus stop.
The best food I had in Spain was in Seville. I used this one blogger's site for recommendations: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/ and for the most part she was spot on. I wish I had more stomach to go through more of her recommendations. My favorite two restaurants were La Brunilda and Albaramara followed by Vineria San Telmo. The only semi-miss was Aernero which the food was okay but service so terrible and slow we only ordered 4 tapas before deciding it wasn't worth it to stay and order more. All these restaurants are within easy walking distance to the hotel, although La Brunilda is a little further away and harder to find.
All in all a beautiful hotel in an amazing city. SPG definitely has some gems in it's collections.
#85
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,770
Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I'll be staying there next month.
Wow! 100 euros! It's going for over double that next month. And the pool doesn't open until April, so it's still low season
Hoping to score a similar suite without an SNA!
Cut out your comments about breakfast - didn't sound that great, very surprised to hear that.
Thanks for the restaurant recs, will definitely try out one of these. Did you compare the reviews to e.g. the Michelin guide?
Since it's low season I got a great 100 euro a rate. I booked a pre-paid stay for about 30 euro more a night and it went down after a couple days, but after contacting the hotel they refunded the difference. It was extremely generous of the hotel and they did not have to do it, but they said since I was a loyal SPG member they would make an exception. Wonderful customer service before I even got to the hotel.
I was upgraded to a two room executive suite with two separate entrances that overlooked the main street. It had a beautifully furnished bedroom and separate living room with their own foyers. This was one of my favorite suites I have received at an SPG hotel. The only downside (and this is nitpicking) is the bathroom which is small and has a cheap white bathroom curtain and weird tiling that makes it look old rather than luxurious. The bath products are generous sized toiletries from Waterl'eau in a green tea and citrus scent. I used a Platinum SNA, although since it's low season I probably didn't have to
Cut out your comments about breakfast - didn't sound that great, very surprised to hear that.
The best food I had in Spain was in Seville. I used this one blogger's site for recommendations: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/ and for the most part she was spot on. I wish I had more stomach to go through more of her recommendations. My favorite two restaurants were La Brunilda and Albaramara followed by Vineria San Telmo. The only semi-miss was Aernero which the food was okay but service so terrible and slow we only ordered 4 tapas before deciding it wasn't worth it to stay and order more. All these restaurants are within easy walking distance to the hotel, although La Brunilda is a little further away and harder to find.
All in all a beautiful hotel in an amazing city. SPG definitely has some gems in it's collections.
All in all a beautiful hotel in an amazing city. SPG definitely has some gems in it's collections.
#86
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,770
Staying here currently and was upgraded to Grand Deluxe exterior view. Here's my take:
The good
+ fantastic location
+ beautiful building from both exterior and interior
+ lovely patio
+ good breakfast with an egg station, pastries, fresh fruit, cold cuts and bad Cava
+ reasonable prices at the American Bar. - cocktails nett 12, champagne under 90
The bad
- poor Plat recognition. No above and beyond (pressings, laundry) like so many other LCs. At check-in was asked if I wanted breakfast, Internet or points. I said my rate should include breakfast and as Plat I get free Internet. The local amenity was a fridge magnet, by the way...
- internet rates per hour, 3 or 24. No longer deals
- bellboy helped me AFTER check-in
- waited a long time to get service at the patio
- food was lukewarm and disappointing
My Grand Deluxe room
+ spacious, well furnished with one small sofa, 2 separate armchairs and a desk area
+ lovely high ceiling and chandelier
+ small balcony overlooking the King's palace and the pool
- 2 single beds pushed together, argh!
- toiletries and amenity kits a disappointment. I saw Hrmes in the housekeeping trolley
- no shower, only a bathtub with an unfitting white curtain
- poor water pressure
- 1 small bottle of complimentary water PER night!
- minibar prices are crazy! 0.33L water (that you really need, see above) are 4.50 - and beer is cheaper!
Even after the negatives I still like this hotel. It needs to up service, though. Rates seem to vary a lot!
Thanks again AIMCL for the restaurant recs. Tried Albaramara last night and was impressed! Don't order paella, though, stick to the tapa!
The good
+ fantastic location
+ beautiful building from both exterior and interior
+ lovely patio
+ good breakfast with an egg station, pastries, fresh fruit, cold cuts and bad Cava
+ reasonable prices at the American Bar. - cocktails nett 12, champagne under 90
The bad
- poor Plat recognition. No above and beyond (pressings, laundry) like so many other LCs. At check-in was asked if I wanted breakfast, Internet or points. I said my rate should include breakfast and as Plat I get free Internet. The local amenity was a fridge magnet, by the way...
- internet rates per hour, 3 or 24. No longer deals
- bellboy helped me AFTER check-in
- waited a long time to get service at the patio
- food was lukewarm and disappointing
My Grand Deluxe room
+ spacious, well furnished with one small sofa, 2 separate armchairs and a desk area
+ lovely high ceiling and chandelier
+ small balcony overlooking the King's palace and the pool
- 2 single beds pushed together, argh!
- toiletries and amenity kits a disappointment. I saw Hrmes in the housekeeping trolley
- no shower, only a bathtub with an unfitting white curtain
- poor water pressure
- 1 small bottle of complimentary water PER night!
- minibar prices are crazy! 0.33L water (that you really need, see above) are 4.50 - and beer is cheaper!
Even after the negatives I still like this hotel. It needs to up service, though. Rates seem to vary a lot!
Thanks again AIMCL for the restaurant recs. Tried Albaramara last night and was impressed! Don't order paella, though, stick to the tapa!
Last edited by remymartin; Mar 22, 2013 at 5:36 am
#87
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SMF, SFO
Programs: HH Diamond/ AC Elite/*Gold /Hertz Gold5*/Global Entry-TSA Pre/Starbucks Gold
Posts: 156
Internet
I will be staying at this property in September and wanted to follow up on the Internet. From the review below, it doesn't appear there is a weekly rate available. Any other experiences? We're staying for 6 nights and a weekly rate would be great. Are there some common areas where wifi is free? Thx in advance.
QUOTE=remymartin;20462704]Staying here currently and was upgraded to Grand Deluxe exterior view. Here's my take:
The good
+ fantastic location
+ beautiful building from both exterior and interior
+ lovely patio
+ good breakfast with an egg station, pastries, fresh fruit, cold cuts and bad Cava
+ reasonable prices at the American Bar. - cocktails nett 12, champagne under 90
The bad
- poor Plat recognition. No above and beyond (pressings, laundry) like so many other LCs. At check-in was asked if I wanted breakfast, Internet or points. I said my rate should include breakfast and as Plat I get free Internet. The local amenity was a fridge magnet, by the way...
- internet rates per hour, 3 or 24. No longer deals
- bellboy helped me AFTER check-in
- waited a long time to get service at the patio
- food was lukewarm and disappointing
My Grand Deluxe room
+ spacious, well furnished with one small sofa, 2 separate armchairs and a desk area
+ lovely high ceiling and chandelier
+ small balcony overlooking the King's palace and the pool
- 2 single beds pushed together, argh!
- toiletries and amenity kits a disappointment. I saw Hrmes in the housekeeping trolley
- no shower, only a bathtub with an unfitting white curtain
- poor water pressure
- 1 small bottle of complimentary water PER night!
- minibar prices are crazy! 0.33L water (that you really need, see above) are 4.50 - and beer is cheaper!
Even after the negatives I still like this hotel. It needs to up service, though. Rates seem to vary a lot!
Thanks again AIMCL for the restaurant recs. Tried Albaramara last night and was impressed! Don't order paella, though, stick to the tapa![/QUOTE]
QUOTE=remymartin;20462704]Staying here currently and was upgraded to Grand Deluxe exterior view. Here's my take:
The good
+ fantastic location
+ beautiful building from both exterior and interior
+ lovely patio
+ good breakfast with an egg station, pastries, fresh fruit, cold cuts and bad Cava
+ reasonable prices at the American Bar. - cocktails nett 12, champagne under 90
The bad
- poor Plat recognition. No above and beyond (pressings, laundry) like so many other LCs. At check-in was asked if I wanted breakfast, Internet or points. I said my rate should include breakfast and as Plat I get free Internet. The local amenity was a fridge magnet, by the way...
- internet rates per hour, 3 or 24. No longer deals
- bellboy helped me AFTER check-in
- waited a long time to get service at the patio
- food was lukewarm and disappointing
My Grand Deluxe room
+ spacious, well furnished with one small sofa, 2 separate armchairs and a desk area
+ lovely high ceiling and chandelier
+ small balcony overlooking the King's palace and the pool
- 2 single beds pushed together, argh!
- toiletries and amenity kits a disappointment. I saw Hrmes in the housekeeping trolley
- no shower, only a bathtub with an unfitting white curtain
- poor water pressure
- 1 small bottle of complimentary water PER night!
- minibar prices are crazy! 0.33L water (that you really need, see above) are 4.50 - and beer is cheaper!
Even after the negatives I still like this hotel. It needs to up service, though. Rates seem to vary a lot!
Thanks again AIMCL for the restaurant recs. Tried Albaramara last night and was impressed! Don't order paella, though, stick to the tapa![/QUOTE]
#88
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,770
CARose,
if you're not an elite I would recommend you get a local sim card instead. 1nt price at the hotel will cover 6 nts of data on a prepaid sim card. I actually opened 2 prepaids as I found out my first option didn't tether (yoigo) and was thus useless to me! I ended up with movistar. If you have an extra smartphone just set it up to tether and you'll be connected throughout Sevilla, not just the hotel!
if you're not an elite I would recommend you get a local sim card instead. 1nt price at the hotel will cover 6 nts of data on a prepaid sim card. I actually opened 2 prepaids as I found out my first option didn't tether (yoigo) and was thus useless to me! I ended up with movistar. If you have an extra smartphone just set it up to tether and you'll be connected throughout Sevilla, not just the hotel!
#89
#90
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: SPG Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 260