Hotel Rates
Hotel rates in Seville fluctuate based on season. During Semana Santa (the first two weeks of April) and Feria de Abril (the last week of April), prices will triple. The moral of this tale: unless you have your heart set on experiencing a festival, try to stay away from Seville during April. Not only will you pay exorbitant hotel rates, but you will be hard-pressed to find any accommodations at all without booking months in advance.
The average rate for a decent hostal in mid season (March through June and September through November) is €25 per person per night. A little more, between €80 and €110, will get you luxe hotel accommodations. Rates go down even lower during low seasons. If you're willing to contend with the stifling heat of July and August, you'll be able to score rates that are just as low as the temps are high. Rates are again at their least expensive during the months of December through February if heat's not your thing.
Meal Prices
A meal price in Seville can skyrocket in a hurry. It's not unusual to pay €12 or more per plate, but there are simple ways to keep costs down. First and foremost, stay away from the touristy Cathedral area when seeking out dining venues. Instead, follow the locals to bodegas or tapas bars in areas like the Arenal district on the outskirts of town. You'll be rewarded by the hidden gems where the bocadillos (baguette sandwiches) are tasty and cheap, and sweet old men wile away their afternoons debating politics.
If you're still yearning for a larger meal, we have three words for you: menúu del día. Fight the urge to order an entrée off the menu and seek out restaurants that offer these. You'll thank us. These hearty, money saving meals will cost you €10 to €15 and usually include two entrées, a drink, and a dessert or coffee. We're full just thinking about it.
Lastly, go with the local trends. Your pocketbook and your taste buds will both thank you. There are three important things to remember while dining in Seville. First, the city is home to what is possibly the best Jamón Serrano in the world. Get some. Second, you're in wine country, so don't forget to try the delicious Spanish wines for as little as (or less than) you would pay for a beer back home. You can get a good glass of wine for around €2. Third, Spain is the land of tapas, and Seville has some of its best, so jump on the tapas train and you'll eat cheaply and have fun in the process. Though the tradition of serving tapas free with a drink order has faded off into the streaky Seville sunset, small plates are still a great (and delectable) way to dine on the cheap. At a scant €1.50 to €4 per plate, you can make a whole meal for around €20.
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