The 8 Best Historic Hotels in Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII

The property gets its name from King Alfonso XIII, who commissioned the building in 1928, striving to earn the reputation as the most beautiful hotel in Europe. Hotel Alfonso XIII housed international leaders in 1929 when Seville hosted the Ibero-American exhibition. The head architect used wood, brick, and ceramics to mimic the then-traditional Mudejar style, and since its opening, notable guests of the hotel include Prince Charles and Princess Diana, several European kings, Ernest Hemmingway, Sofia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn. 

The hotel is truly luxurious, with so many elegant corners and amenities—you almost have to experience it to understand its extent. You'll find four eateries, two bars, a rooftop terrace with a pool, and relaxing places, such as courtyards, patios, and lounges, all with elegant decor fit for royalty. The rooms are plushy and elegant, perfectly fitting the hotel's history and atmosphere. Likewise, the bathrooms are bright and inviting, meshing white marble with unique and colorful tiling. You can book the Alfonso XIII Suite to truly feel like royalty or opt for one of the deluxe rooms or suites with private terraces.

Hotel Alfonso XIII is the perfect location for those who want to enjoy the city's buzz while in a slightly quieter area. You'll be surrounded by the Royal Alcázar, Jardines de Cristina, and the Universidad de Seville. You can reach nearly all the major sites in less than 10 minutes of walking, including the Plaza de España. Learn more

EME Cathedral Hotel

Stay right across the street from the Catedral de Seville at the EME Cathedral Hotel, a beautiful 16th-century building with plenty of charming historical details. Originally, the property—owned by "el Moro," a famous, wealthy antique dealer—included 14 different Andalusian houses. Today, you'll find preserved arcades, glass-enclosed iron balconies, stone archways, and coffered ceilings. Possibly the most interesting piece in the hotel is the Baroque altarpiece with its gold-leaf pattern, purchased from the great el Moro.

The hotel's name comes from its location, and it has some of the best views of the Cathedral from its rooftop terrace, complete with an outdoor pool and bar. You can also relax in the spa with a thermal water circuit and dine at the on-site Italian restaurant. The rooms offer comfortable, clean, modern spaces with historical elements like brick walls. But if you're looking for that luxurious five-star experience, reserve a deluxe room or one of the suites, which add balconies or private terraces (some with Cathedral views). The bathrooms are spotless and modern.

EME's location is incredibly central, just across the street from the Cathedral and within easy walking distance of numerous sites, including the Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, and Torre del Oro, plus near the waterfront. You'll also be right around the corner from several pedestrian streets with eateries and shops. Learn more

Hotel Palacio de Villapanes

Hotel Palacio de Villapanes transformed an 18th-century palace into a beautiful hotel designed by Diego Antonio Díaz, known as possibly the most ingenious architect of his time. He preserved the original double-column arcade and traditional Sevillan courtyard, where you can relax and enjoy a meal or two. Today, the hotel is a protected cultural interest site in Seville as one of the region's best examples of 18th-century Baroque architecture.  

Though all the rooms are cushy, we recommend booking the "palace" rooms or suites for the ultimate luxury experience. These room types elevate your stay with tasteful decor, sky-high ceilings, multiple rooms, and rich wooden elements. Bathrooms are modern and clean, offering you comfy robes. To really experience the building's history, opt for the El Torreón Suite in the property's dome, which features an original marble bathtub.

Enjoy your meals at the hotel's restaurant or bar/café, offering indoor and outdoor dining. You can also relax on the rooftop with its outdoor plunge pool, sun deck with loungers, and bar. Other perks include on-site parking and a wellness center with a sauna, steam room, gym, and spa treatments.

Palacio de Villapanes is a bit farther out of the tourist center, but you'll still be within walking distance of all the main sites. As a trade-off, you'll be closer to the Setas de Sevilla and its Mercado de la Encarnación. Still, if you'd like to explore the city on foot, you can weave through the historic streets and reach the Catedral de Seville and Royal Alcázar in just about 15 minutes. Learn more

Hotel Gravina 51

Set in the El Arenal neighborhood, Hotel Gravina 51 features a converted 20th-century Andalusian mansion with a typical architectural design. The traditional inner courtyard patio with its restaurant is definitely a highlight, with preserved royal-green tiling, brick and marble flooring, and column archways. During Spain's Golden Age in the 15th to 17th centuries, this district is where the city's uber-wealthy made their homes, so you'll find other elegant and historical details, such as wrought-iron balconies and doorways. 

We love this boutique hotel because all the rooms, even the most standard category, feel elegant. So no matter your budget, you can enjoy a comfortable space with stately decor. Of course, you can always upgrade your room, as some have private terraces and an option for two-bedroom apartments—perfect for families or small groups. Bathrooms feel a little small, but that might be because all have bathtub-shower combos and two sinks.

You'll find Hotel Gravina 51 just steps from Plaza Nueva, meaning you can walk to all the major sites (plus a few spots often overlooked by visitors). In just 10 minutes or less, you can visit the Muelle de la Sal on the waterfront, Plaza del Cabildo, the Catedral de Seville, or Puente de Triana. As a bonus, El Arenal and Triana (a 10-minute walk on foot) are perfect for a tapear (tapas walk from bar to bar). Though, you can stay at the hotel for breakfast, which features a delicious breakfast buffet with 100% local products. Learn more

Corral del Rey

Just around the corner from the Museo del Baile Flamenco, Corral del Rey is the perfect spot to experience the history of Seville. You'll be in a 17th-century building and within walking distance of nearly all the city sites, including the Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari, Catedral de Seville, Royal Alcázar, and Plaza de España.

Corral del Rey ("King's Corral") maintains all the typical charms of an Andalusian house. You'll enter through two grand wooden doors and arrive at a beautiful inner courtyard with wooden and Roman marble columns, iron railings, stone archways, and Tarifa flooring. The hotel's rooftop terrace is perfect for hanging out at sunset. Grab a drink from the bar and relax in comfy lounge furniture on the sun deck. When hungry, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant/bar serving the daily breakfast buffet. 

The rooms are bright and welcoming, with an air of elegance, serene neutral tones, splashes of colorful textiles, and lots of warm wooden elements. All do a good job preserving the building's historic charm while staying a bit chic. Some rooms feature in-room soaking tubs or private terraces with pools, though the bathrooms could use an update overall. Learn more

Boutique Hotel Casa del Poeta

The "house of the poet," Boutique Hotel Casa del Poeta, restored a 17th-century Sevillan manor estate to create its unique space of boutique rooms and apartments. The entire hotel offers a serene ambience with neutral tones and an art gallery. The owners perfectly preserved the property's original charm, and you can relax in the traditional inner courtyard with fountains, brick and tile flooring, wood-beamed ceilings, and stone columns and archways. Each floor features a wraparound balcony overlooking the courtyard, complete with fountains, rocking chairs, and lots of greenery.

Though some aspects of the standard room categories could use a refresh, all units offer vintage and tranquil vibes. Enjoy historical details like wood flooring, coffered ceilings, and elegant vintage furnishings. Families might like the apartments or ​​duplex rooms with lofted sleeping areas. You can enjoy the daily breakfast buffet in the hotel's lovely dining area or outside on the lower terrace. You'll find another terrace on the rooftop (reserved for guests only), with incredible panoramic views of the city, with Santa Cruz Church, the Cathedral, and Giralda Tower on display. 

The hotel has an exceptional location in the heart of the historic center—slightly away from the busy sites and on a charming side street between two churches. From here, you can make your way to all the main attractions, like the Catedral de Seville, Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, and the Jardines de Murillo. Learn more

Hotel Boutique Casa de Colón

As a family-owned property, you'll always find one of the members working at Hotel Boutique Casa de Colón, and they'd be happy to share the renovation story of this manor house. The family can trace the property's origins as far as the 18th century, but before that, they become a mystery. Still, they know it was renovated in the 19th century with Spanish and Italian influence, as it features Triana de Mensaque tiles from Seville and blue stained glass glazing popular in Italy at that time. 

The family beautifully preserved charming details like wooden headboards, brick walls, tiling, and a gorgeous inner courtyard. Enjoy the history while relaxing in the beautiful inner courtyard, with its glass ceiling, stained-glass windows, chairs, and sofas. As for breakfast, you'll dine on the rooftop terrace while admiring the views of the Cathedral and La Giralda Tower. Or, grab a drink and head up to the rooftop at sunset. 

Each room has its unique look, meaning no two are alike. Take your pick from rooms that range from standard to deluxe, or opt for the attic room featuring a private terrace with sun loungers. Bathrooms are also unique and vintage yet clean, and some have free-standing soaking tubs.

You'll find the hotel nearly on the Plaza Nuevo, putting you within walking distance of all the major sites, plus tasty tapas bars. In just a few minutes, you can easily walk to the Catedral de Seville and Royal Alcázar, and Plaza de España is just 20 minutes away. Learn more

Joya Del Casco Boutique Hotel

Joya Del Casco Boutique Hotel is housed in a 19th-century building once used by Sevillian academics, so it's no surprise that you'll find stately lounges and a small library inside. The brick façade features typical wrought-iron balconies, but the common areas are where history stands out. Enjoy relaxing in lounges with stone columns and archways, original tiling, vintage lighting, and cushy furniture. 

You'll also find charming tiled fountains and an inner courtyard, and you can enjoy the rooftop terrace, a highlight with a plunge pool, sun deck, bar, and outdoor shower. You can also relax in a ground-floor lounge, the library, or the inner courtyard. Enjoy a hearty spread of homecooked goods for breakfast, like delicious cakes. 

There are only two room categories at the hotel, varying only in size. The idea is to keep everything standard so you can enjoy the hotel amenities and city. Still, the rooms are comfortable, bright, and warm, with modern furnishings and bathrooms.

Tucked away on a quiet side street, the hotel puts you in the center of it all and within walking distance of nearly every city site. The Museo del Baile Flamenco is just two minutes away, while the Catedral de Sevilla and Royal Alcázar are within a five-minute walk. Keep exploring Seville's historic streets and end at Plaza de España in just 20 minutes. Learn more