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1. Favorite hotels.
I loved Pension Alcazar for its attic rooms, Cathedral views, location, and prices; Callejón del Agua for its fashion sense; Hotel Convento La Gloria for its sectarian luxury; Taberna del Alabarder for its culinary grandeur; Hostal Oasis for its traveling comradeship; and Espacio Azahar for its under-priced amenities and rooftop bar.
2. Favorite thing about working in Seville.
Sevillanos know how to make strangers feel at home. Even socially-inept hermits shouldn't have problems cracking their shells here—with the help of a little sangria, of course. Another favorite activity in Seville: terrazza dining.
3. What surprised you about Seville?
During April, hotels triple their prices. This seems unfair, considering that Sevilla is an expensive city by Spain's standards in the first place. And there's absolutely no free Wi-Fi, unless you're at a hotel that offers it "gratis."
4. Funny story.
After two hours in the city, I decided to stop off at a local dive and order my first plate of Sevilla Jamón Serrano, arguably the best in the world, and a large glass of red wine. After licking every crumb, I realized my wallet was at the hotel. The waiters were less than amused and wanted to hold onto my passport while I ran back to retrieve it.
5. Favorite local food.
Who needs food when Sangria will do?
6. Trip highlight.
The night keeper at Hotel Zurbarán was my trip highlight. It started as a routine hotel interview—in fact, at the outset, he was reluctant to let me take pictures. It was midnight, after all. Eventually though he warmed up and told me stories about living in Spain as an artist during the 1960s and 1970s. I knew I'd met an incredible stranger in Seville who'd lived a great deal.
7. Best places to hang out.
Hotel rooftop bars are open to the public and a secret to anyone not staying at them. Inquire at reception.
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