EME Catedral Hotel

EME Catedral Hotel Sevilla is housed in 14 beautifully renovated 16th-century buildings. While the designers kept the traditional white-washed façades and wrought-iron balconies, interiors are throughly modern, with dim mood lighting, a stylish mix of dark and light colors, and up-to-date amenities throughout. The hotel is known among locals and tourists alike for its gorgeous rooftop terrace, which offers a small pool, a bar, and some of the best views around. The property’s location right in the heart of the historic center, and across the street from the Seville Cathedral allows for striking views. These privileged vistas can be had not only from the rooftop area but also from some of the rooms. Basic Rooms -- which are the cheapest ones here -- face another building and have limited views, but most other rooms have cathedral views. The lobby can get busy on weekends with non-guests waiting to access the rooftop bar. 

The hotel is centrally located in Seville -- right in the heart of the historic neighborhood, and next door to the Seville Cathedral. Major attractions such as Casa de Pilatos, Museum of Flamenco, and Metropol Parasol can all be found within a few blocks of the hotel. Calle Sierpes, the city’s main shopping area, is just a five-minute walk away, and Torre del Oro, Plaza de España  -- where "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" was filmed -- and Maestranza bullring are all a little further afield, but still within walking distance. Santa Justa train station, where high-speed trains connecting Seville with Madrid, Córdoba and other main cities stop, is a quick cab ride away.

EME Catedral is a small hotel of 60 rooms spread throughout several buildings. All feature great amenities -- such as flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, iPod docks (most), free Wi-Fi, and Damma toiletries -- and stylish decor in a cream, white, and black palette with red accents. Basic Rooms (the lowest-range units here) are the smallest, but still big enough to fit a small sitting area. These rooms overlook a narrow courtyard with views of another building, so some may be dark. Most other rooms have street views, and many offer striking views of the Giralda and the cathedral. Standard Rooms have spacious terraces with hot tubs, and Superior Rooms offer standalone tubs in the bathroom, as well as cathedral views. Most Junior Suites feature striking cathedral views, terraces with hot tubs, and deep soaking tubs in the bathroom. Top-floor rooms can get some noise from the hopping rooftop bar, so those looking to sleep early may want to request a room on a lower floor. However, there have been complaints of lacking soundproofing throughout.

The highlight of this small boutique is the rooftop bar, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. Views from the bar are breathtaking, with the cathedral and its tower looming over the hotel. The rooftop also features a small pool with views, and a couple of seating areas with loungers, sofas, and umbrellas. The small fitness center is located on the top floor, and has a skylight that lets in tons of natural light. Cardio and strength-training machines, and free weights are all available. The hotel also features a small, relaxing spa with hydrotherapy and treatment rooms; several restaurants -- including Italian and Mediterranean -- and extensive meeting space with catering services. A solid breakfast is included in the standard rate. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.