This hotel is just horrible, noisy, stinky, dirty and old fashioned, however extremely cheap for its downtown location.
Everything makes noise, the rusty heater; the staff of the hotel early in the morning slamming doors; the guests at night and the people outside in the street. Besides the rooms contain dangerous decorations too, for example the lamps over the headboard of the bed, which are glass made; tiny windows (no natural light whatsoever)... Just try to book somewhere else! Don't go!

I was living in Malaga, Spain at the time for a homestay program and wanted to do a weekend trip. Because it was such a last minute trip, all the hostels I found online were booked out of single rooms and only had dormitory style (6 beds) available. I've stayed in co-ed hostel dorms before (oh you crazy New York City) but I was over that. I wanted to experience some of Sevilla, not experience loud dutch techno music at 3am or Australians blowing into didgeridoos for tips. Okay, terrible stereotypes, I know.

Moving on -

My roommate told me you could just walk around Sevilla and find a hostel 'easy' for lower rates than what I was finding online. But, I did not feel like having that adventure once I got in.

First impression - Hotel Zaida is in an alley, I didn't like that. The entrance is easy to walk by. The lobby is rustic and could be described as 'having old world charm'. My room was practically right behind the reception desk. It could have been the utility closet. There were no windows and it was a very small utilitarian room. There was a plain single dormitory style bed and a small TV. The bathtub had a broken stopper and I could hear everything going on in the next room. I could also hear people when they were congregating near the reception desk. I never saw any of the 'exotic Moroccan inspired' decor or even a staircase since I was on the first floor both nights. This was the second time in my life I was slightly scared of the blankets in the room (first time was in a random motel somewhere in the boondocks of West Virginia)

There is one computer but someone is always using it. I told the receptionist I needed to check something online for my itinerary and when it was clear to both of us the man using it wasn't going anywhere soon, the receptionist suggested I try later. Fair enough - AND MORE ON THIS LATER.

However, the 'hotel' is located in the right area and I could walk (there is also a trolley) to the main historic area with the church, restaurants, museums, and nightlife. The first receptionist recommended flamenco shows I could watch (expensive but worth it). And there is literature at the front desk to help you navigate the city. The first receptionist was extremely helpful which the only reason I would consider adding another star.

Also, I think it's a cultural thing but the Spanish family in the next room had a habit of leaving their door open and letting their children run in and out of the room into the lobby. It was very loud as the children were never told to quiet down by either the family or the staff. This didn't bother me a whole bunch considering how dumpy and hostel-like the 'hotel' was in general but it is something for you to keep in mind as apparently this is not an uncommon practice.

Finally, I had a terrible experience my last day at the hotel so I believe the other negative reviews of staff outright lying and otherwise being extremely unprofessional.

The morning before my usual adventuring, I checked my email and some timetables and locations for different sights in the city on the 1 computer that is always being used as it was actually free. As I'm using the computer, an old white Spaniard couple come out of a nearby room and walk to the reception area. I start hearing 'China, China, China' - like A LOT. I'm still checking my computer and I'm thinking, "Huh, that couple must be going to China next and are discussing their plans with the receptionist" because there was a new guy laughing and talking with them.

I was on the computer for all of 8 minutes, if that. And then I walked up to the reception to ask a question. That's when I realized the RECEPTIONIST and these old bags had been complaining about me and making fun of me for daring to use the computer for so long. 'China' is not a place, they were referring to me. I was SHOCKED. The old man and woman made a big show of how they could 'finally' use the computer and the old man even had the nerve to dramatically look down at his watch as if I'd been on for an hour. I'm used to ignorant people when I travel, but the fact the receptionist (who was a young black Francophone himself, hahaha) would engage in this kind of casual buffoonery pushed me over the edge.

So all in all, this is a really crappy HOSTEL with a rip off price. You can find a private room with your own bathroom that is MUCH nicer than the closet I got here with much better amenities in a similar or better location for LESS MONEY *in a hostel*. Seriously, hostels are NICER than this place and CHEAPER. I knew that theoretically going into this hotel from looking online and also my roommate's stories, but because I was pressed for time and the private rooms in hostels I was finding online were sold out, I shelled out extra money thinking a private bathroom in a HOTEL was worth it. I was SO dead wrong. I would have been much better off even in a shared room in a hostel.

This review is in response to some of the bizarre 'reviews' of this hotel in the past. As long as you realize that this is not a 5 star hotel then what are you left with? This hotel is basic and no frills but it more than makes up for this with a fantastic central location right next to the Museo Bellas Artes and a plethora of bars, restaurants and shops. The staff were all friendly, helpful and spoke English. This is a hotel for experiencing Seville, not for living in.

stayed here for 3 nights. the location was great, walking distance to all the central sites of seville. many nearby restaurants, bars and a grocery store a few blocks away by the bus station. the hotel is down a tiny street, hard to find, so be sure to have a good map or mapquest the location. i had asked for a quiet room and received one on the third floor not facing the street- it was very quiet all night long. it had a small window with no view but the quietness was worth it- spanish streets are notoriously noisy due to crowds and traffic noise. there was a computer in the lobby to use for free. the tv has no english language stations. the room was clean, very basic with a bed, small desk and uncomfortable chair. some desk personnel knew some english and some didn't. overall i thought it was a very good value at an off-season rate for a quiet room.