My friend and I have just returned from a 5-night stay at José Maria's fantastic apartment and had such a great time. I have visited Sevilla several times over the years (I always have to return!) and this visit was the best yet.
The apartment is perfect – it's in a great location, is very comfortable and homely, and it is very well equipped with everything you need for cooking and washing, etc. Both the beds were very comfortable and there's a lovely hot shower. José very kindly provided milk, bread, jam and lots of oranges for making juice (I have to admit we were a bit lazy for that!). Also shampoo and shower gel. So kind of him.
The quiet inner courtyard, with the fountain, is a delight and the main living room/kitchen-diner has a nice balcony (with plants) from which you can watch life go by below.
If you don't feel like going too far in the evening, just a little way down the road you will find two superb, friendly and traditional bars, Los Claveles and El Rinconcillo, where you can have some fantastic tapas in an authentic atmosphere. We soon became locals at both!
José Maria is such a warm and charming host – he's really laid back too, so everything is easy from booking to meeting up. It was a genuine pleasure to meet him and he clearly loves his wonderful city. He is a wealth of information about the history and architecture and what not to miss – those places which are normally not on the tourist itinerary. And, when José starts talking about the local cuisine, his passion and descriptions of the food will have your mouth watering! He sure knows his food.
So, a great host and a lovely apartment in one of the best cities in the world. When I make my next visit I will not hesitate to see if José's apartment is available, would enjoy meeting him again and would recommend his home to anyone thinking of visiting Sevilla.
Many, many thanks José Maria and… hasta la proxima!