Casa Palacio Gandesa: A Regal Airbnb in the Heart of Sevilla
The Airbnb Where I Started With a Nap
The Short Version
A beautifully renovated apartment in a historic Sevilla palace, with soaring ceilings, regal furnishings, and a golden-yellow chaise lounge that was perfect for a post-travel nap. Between the gorgeous interiors and wonderful hospitality, I'd happily stay here again.
Location: Sevilla, Spain
Sleeps: Up to 4
Layout: Spacious one-bedroom apartment with queen-size bed, living room with sofa bed, full kitchen, two bathrooms, and two balconies
Perfect for: Couples, friends, or small families
Highlights: Historic palace courtyard, beautiful architectural details, green zellige-tiled shower, two balconies, elevator, and a central location within walking distance of Sevilla's major sights.
After an overnight flight to Madrid, an unexpectedly long wait at passport control, and a two-hour train ride to Sevilla, I was more than ready to put my suitcase down.
Unfortunately, check-in at my Airbnb wasn’t until 3 p.m., and I was scheduled to arrive around 11:30 that morning. I’d originally planned to leave my luggage at a storage facility and spend the afternoon exploring, but after spending the better part of a day traveling, the idea of dragging myself around Sevilla for another three and a half hours sounded miserable.
So, while I was on the train, I messaged my host to see if there was any chance I could check in early.
To my absolute delight, they told me the apartment would be ready when I arrived and that I could come straight over. I could have cried tears of joy.
For reasons I still can’t explain, I decided it would be a good idea to walk from the train station to the Airbnb rather than take a taxi. Sevilla’s streets are covered in these tiny square pavers, and dragging a rolling suitcase over them created a symphony of clickety-clack, clickety-clack, clickety-clack, alerting the entire city of my arrival.
By the time I reached Casa Palacio Gandesa, I was exhausted.
A Palace, a Courtyard, and a Golden-Yellow Chaise
I met my host at the grand front door that led into a spectacular interior courtyard, with a long, narrow pool and an outdoor seating area. The historic building had been renovated into a handful of apartments, and my host took me upstairs to show me around.
The apartment was absolutely stunning, with soaring ceilings, beautiful architectural details, plush furnishings, and the kind of regal interiors you might expect for a place named Casa Palacio. Everything had been beautifully renovated, with modern amenities incorporated into the original architecture.
Just inside the entrance was a long hallway with enormous floor-to-ceiling glass doors that opened onto a balcony overlooking the courtyard. The living room was connected to the large bedroom by this hallway, and at the end of it sat an antique golden-yellow chaise lounge.
My suitcase didn’t make it any farther than that chaise.
I dropped my bag, sat down, and closed my eyes for “just for a minute.”
I eventually got up to unpack and plan my afternoon, but after the journey I’d just had, that little moment of rest was wonderful. I couldn’t have been happier with the Airbnb (and chaise) I’d chosen.
Inside Casa Palacio Gandesa
The apartment was incredibly spacious, with an enormous bedroom and a queen-size bed that was probably the most comfortable I slept on during my trip.
The bathroom arrangement was a little unusual, but the design was beautiful nonetheless. Instead of one large en-suite bathroom, there were two smaller rooms: one with a toilet and sink, and another with the shower and a second sink.
The first was covered in wallpaper depicting shelves overflowing with books, while the other was finished in beautiful green zellige tile. There was also a separate bathroom off the living area.
The living room was furnished with beautiful, plush pieces, including a pullout sofa that provided an additional sleeping option. Between the high ceilings, the long hallway, and the oversized rooms, the apartment had a much grander feel than most of the Airbnbs I’ve stayed in.
Beyond the living area was a large, fully equipped kitchen with its own balcony overlooking the street. I loved having two different balconies, one facing the peaceful interior courtyard and the other looking out onto the streets of Sevilla, which I enjoyed while waiting for my morning coffee to brew.
Despite the historic setting, the apartment had all the modern comforts I needed. The air conditioning worked great, there was an elevator, and the apartment was incredibly quiet at night.
A Quiet Street in the Middle of Sevilla
Casa Palacio Gandesa was tucked along a quiet street in Sevilla’s historic center, where the roads were so narrow you could barely fit a car through some of them. But most of the major sights were only about a 10- to 15-minute walk away.
I spent much of my time wandering through the city, visiting places like Casa de Pilatos, Plaza de España, and the Real Alcázar. Having an apartment so centrally located made it easy to come back between activities, especially when I wanted to rest, change my outfit, or regroup before heading out again. El Traga, one of my favorite restaurants of the entire trip, was also nearby.
My host was wonderful throughout the stay. Not only did she accommodate my early arrival, but she also let me leave my luggage after checking out so I could visit the Real Alcázar before catching my train.
When I left, I took a taxi to the station - I’d learned my lesson.
Would I Stay Here Again?
Of course I would.
The historic architecture, beautiful furnishings, enormous bedroom, and two balconies made it one of the most memorable places I stayed during my trip through Spain. And having an elevator, reliable air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms made it just as comfortable as it was beautiful.
I’d recommend Casa Palacio Gandesa for couples, small friend groups, or families traveling together. The apartment is spacious enough to accommodate two to four people for a short or long stay.
Between the gorgeous interiors, convenient location, and wonderful hospitality, there wasn’t anything I would change.
Although next time, I think I’ll save myself the dramatic entrance and take a taxi from the train station.