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Once upon a time there was a hotel named Hosteria del Laurel. A Spanish romantic writer, Don José de Zorilla, decided to stay there a few nights during the early 19th century, and, inspired by the old inn, invented his most famous character in Spanish literature, Don Juan Tenorio.
For more than 100 years, this "hosteria" has enchanted tourists with the same legend. It's one of the most famous hotels in Seville and worth the higher price for the Andalusian romance and unique experience you'll acquire after just one night. Besides tourists, traditional "La Tuna" university students often stay here. Cloaked in black capes, they serenade the streets until dawn to raise funds for school, just as they've done for centuries. Now it can't get any more Spanish than that.
At the time of our visit, the inn was undergoing major renovations. Only nine of the 20 rooms, seven of which have balconies, were available. The best room is a quadruple, No. 102. Miguel, the jovial desk attendant, assured us renovations would be finished by April 2007. These include soundproofed windows, new bathrooms, and modern furniture.
We consider the restaurant downstairs the best amenity in this hotel. It's a must-eat for any tourist in town. Hanging Iberian hams decorate this typical, moderately-priced Spanish tavern and dining room where gregarious waiters serve with gusto. The hotel and restaurant are pocketed into a small plaza in Santa Cruz, filled with terraza tables during the warm months.
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