Just walking past the Hotel Abanico (where I stayed in February) on my way to Santa Justa train station made me realise why I would never book there again. I popped in to say hello to the front desk and admire the Moorish inner courtyard full of greenery. It really is an attractive hotel, but that narrow one way lane just outside the hotel is like a major highway and it can be challenging just to step out of the door of the hotel, let alone walk down the lane. Not to mention the unending noise and rumbling.
The Adriano turned out to be a good choice in that respect and I would rate it a notch above the Abanico, despite the decor and lovely rooms at the latter. Somehow the Adriano had a better location with a good selection of local bars and eating places just outside that were frequented mostly by locals (this was really lacking at the Abanico). However, unless going to the cathedral and touristy center, walking distances to the places I wanted to go to were considerably more. But I was happy to collect more steps and heart points on my counter!
The exterior of the Hotel Adriano
Main entry hall and reception area in the Hotel Adriano
One of the interior courtyards in the Hotel Adriano, which are actually open to the sky
The reception desk staff were friendly enough but not a great source of useful information. Most of the ground floor was taken up by a coffee shop, which served pastries and food as well as decent coffee. The milk coffee was the same price as in neighbouring bars (€1.60), which I did not expect to be the case. Service, like at reception, was a bit indifferent so I had my coffee elsewhere (plenty choice) on the second day. On the ground floor just off the hallway leading towards the rooms, there are three very small courtyards which are open to the sky. Not quite the charm of the big central courtyard of the Hotel Abanico but pleasant enough.
My room was somewhat old fashioned but nicely appointed
My room was bright and pleasantly decorated, with a window opening onto one of the small courtyards. The air conditioning was ferocious, so I turned it off overnight but had no problems with mosquitoes. This room had two separate beds and the one I chose to sleep in was comfortable. The bathroom actually had a bathtub and was equipped with all the necessities except a box of tissues. The hotel actually offered me a bottle of Cava (result of my status at hotels.com) but I politely gave it back and exchanged it for a bottle of San Pellegrino because I wasn't in a state to drink it on the first night - I could probably have got through it on the second, but I don't like Cava all that much. The minibar was totally free, on the other hand, and was full of soft drinks and water, as well as a couple of beers. The beers were replaced for the second night, although I don't touch sugary drinks any more. All the snacks were offered too, which was great! Definitely recommend this hotel.
Another angle of my room, showing the single nature of the two beds
Bathroom and toilet facilities