Date of stay: May 2013
Brad is a warm hearted, generous and considerate host – and he has welcomed us into his splendid apartment as though we were family. What else can you say about a person who moves out of his own apartment and leaves it to you – with everything at your disposal, from the food in the fridge to the stylish comforts of a living area trimmed by a balcony, one that wraps around the entire space – where you can sit for breakfast in the morning and watch Plaza San Pedro come to life and the school children assemble for the day’s excursion; then have drinks and nibbles in the late afternoon/evening while Sevillanos hurry home from work or head out to a night’s fun.
And another surprise – the roof top terrace with its view of San Pedro church and tower, a must-see at night. And practical too – for that sun-dried finish for your washing. Just like home!
Inside, the apartment has an elegantly furnished dining area with comfortable living space, entertainment and wi-fi systems. It opens on two sides through sliding doors to the surrounding balcony; the kitchen is well sized, room for two to four to share meal preparation. And there is a brand new toaster/grill to try your Spanish toastie skills on! Preparing full meals was easy, when we wanted to bother! The bathroom is a palace, well lit, with a traditional Spanish trim to the fittings. The bed is comfortable with the option of using it against the wall or moved away for walk around space. Good wardrobe space and bowls of fruit and sweets – which seems to be a Spanish obsession! There are almost as many sweet shops as bars – well, almost.
Speaking of bars, listen carefully to Brad – do not miss his suggestions. You will be delighted, whether going just for tapas or for a full meal. Brad showed us his local – where you can list your name on the board beside the servery window, or take your courage in both hands and venture inside – to a cheerfully noisy tiled space adjacent to the kitchen. You will not find a happier place to eat – and by your second or third visit you will be recognised and greeted as a kind of “regular”. Plentiful, flavourful and very affordable food.
This stay was a brilliant success for us – Brad, with his outgoing New York style and his deep attachment to Sevilla was as important to that feeling as was his gem of an apartment. Brad balances his enthusiasm for Sevilla and for his hosting role wonderfully well. While he let us get on with it, Brad was always just a phone call away, which gave us confidence. Finding us a cab for the airport (and checking the price) was just another simple but very helpful gesture from a host through whom we got much more than just an experience of Sevilla.