Parador de Carmona

The Parador de Carmona is the alcázar of King Peter turned into a hotel: an Andalusi-style palace at the highest point of the city, about 30 km from Seville, with an open view over the Corbones plain from almost all its rooms, and above all from the pool and terrace. It has four stars and is one of those Paradores chosen for the building.

Peter I's favourite residence

The site was first a Turdetan and Punic acropolis, then a Muslim citadel and the residence of the taifa king of Carmona. Peter I of Castile rebuilt it as a Mudéjar palace and made it one of his preferred residences. In the 19th century, earthquakes and plunder left it in ruins, and in 1976 it was rebuilt as a Parador. Today the former parade ground is the car park, the Casa Real holds the lounges and rooms, and the old refectory is the restaurant. Inside, the decoration follows Mudéjar motifs, with an inner courtyard and the Salón Bermejo, with tapestries and antiques.

Single, double or superior

There are single rooms, standard doubles and superior doubles, with air conditioning, minibar, laptop safe, flat-screen TV with Chromecast and free wifi; there is a lift and room service. The price depends on the date and is checked on the Paradores calendar, with room-only, bed-and-breakfast or half-board rates. If you want to wake up looking at the plain, ask for it expressly when you book.

Pool over the plain

The outdoor pool is seasonal and shares with the terrace the panorama of the plain; the garden surrounds the building. The Parador has an electric-car charging point and is set up for cycle tourists, with somewhere to store your bike. The exact dates of the pool are not on the listing: ask if you are travelling in spring or autumn.

Arriving by car and getting around on foot

The main access is via the Andalucía motorway, which links Seville and Córdoba, and Paradores recommends entering the old town by the Puerta de Marchena, the nearest one; that way you avoid crossing the centre along narrow streets. Once parked, everything is done on foot: the Priory Church of Santa María is a few minutes away, and the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla, with the tourist office, at the other end of the old town. The Roman Necropolis, on the outskirts, is best reached by car. For an informal lunch, the Molino de la Romera is next to the Puerta de Marchena.

For travelling with a dog, Paradores refers you to the conditions in its frequently asked questions: confirm before booking. Reception can be reached on 954 141 010 and at [email protected].