At a Glance
| Hotel Alfonso XIII | EME Cathedral Hotel | Hotel Palacio de Villapanes | |
| Best For | History & elegance | Views & location | Pampering |
| Pros |
Historic luxury building commissioned by the King of Spain Outdoor pool with a sun deck Four restaurants and two bars Elegant lounges, inner courtyards, & terraces |
A historic 16th-century building across from the Catedral de Seville Home to the AL LADO Italian restaurant Rooftop terrace, pool & bar Spa with a thermal circuit |
Set in an 18th-century palace Spa with a gym, sauna & steam bath Rooftop terrace with a plunge pool & bar Historic rooms with balconies & tubs |
| Cons | A little far from the main sites | On a busy tourist street | Not in the Old Town |
| Budget Tier | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Authenticity | ***** | *** | **** |
| Location | *** | ***** | *** |
| Rooms & Bathrooms | ***** | *** | ***** |
| Other Highlights | Sleep in the Alfonso XIII Suite | Rooftop terrace with Seville Cathedral views | Outdoor al fresco dining |
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
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
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
Map
