Hotel Alfonso XIII, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

This grand and historic luxury hotel is palatial in scope, with impressive Andalusian architecture -- complete with minarets and arched windows -- opulent interiors, and gorgeous grounds studded with palms, orange trees, and manicured greenery. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo under King Alfonso XIII's rule, it's no wonder the property feels grandiose and regal, and it has hosted royals, celebrities, and various VIPs through the years. Decadence abounds, the elegant interiors are festooned with beautiful Andalusian tile work as well as marble floors, columns, Moorish lanterns and lamps, intricately carved wooden ceilings, ornate wrought ironwork, and bountiful bouquets of fresh flowers. Beautiful dining spaces include massive arched windows that overlook a sunny internal courtyard, as well as an atmospheric bar clad in blue hues and glamorous Art Deco-style. This is undoubtedly one of the top choices in the city and attracts a well-heeled clientele of both leisure and business travelers, and serves as a treat for those celebrating special occasions. 

The hotel occupies a prime central location right by the University of Seville and a four-minute walk from the Royal Alcázar. Nearly all of the city's top tourist sites are a short walk away, including the cathedral (five-minute walk), the Santa Cruz quarter (eight-minute walk), Plaza de España (10-minute walk), and the Maestranza bull ring (10-minute walk). There is a tram stop right in front of the hotel, and the Puerta de Jerez metro station is a three-minute walk away. Santa Justa train station is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, or 20 minutes via public transportation. The airport is a 20-minute drive or around an hour via public transit.

Rooms feature elegant contemporary decor dotted with Andalusian and Moorish touches, be it arched headboards, latticed panels framing beds, or lanterns. Eye-catching graphic patterns in black and white festoon area rugs and curtains, and complement the soft neutral hues of the spaces that are contrasted by black furnishings like nightstands, desks, and dressers. Though entry-level rooms are a bit small, all of the units include armchairs -- but not all have desks. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars (plus various snacks), and electronic safes. Wi-Fi is free, but it's slow, and high-speed Wi-Fi incurs a fee. Some rooms have balconies/terraces and larger units offer sofas, while suites have separate living rooms as well as extras like tea and coffee facilities. A number of lavish suites are available, including one with a rooftop terrace and one furnished with King Alfonso XIII's original desk and Queen Victoria Eugenia's wicker lounger. 

Bathrooms are small, but covered in attractive arabesque patterned tiling and equipped with shower/tub combos. Elemis toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers are provided. Suites have separate jetted soaking tubs and walk-in rainfall showers; toiletries are upgraded to Acqua di Parma products.

Perhaps one of the top highlights here in terms of features is the hotel's lovely outdoor pool, which is surrounded by chic striped loungers and palm trees -- evocative of the French Riviera. There's a poolside bar that serves drinks and snacks. The hotel also offers an atmospheric and chic Art Deco-style bar with an extensive drink list. There are two dining options. First, is the elegant and inviting Restaurante San Fernando that serves a la carte Spanish fare for lunch and dinner -- as well as Sunday brunch accompanied by live piano music in the courtyard. Second, Restaurant Ena, helmed by Michelin-star chef Carles Abellán, serves tapas, cocktails, and wine, and has an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining. A buffet breakfast is available for a fee, plus room service is available 24/7. There's also a gourmet shop on-site that sells various edible Spanish products, plus it has a wine tasting room.

The hotel has a fitness room that offers several pieces of modern TechnoGym cardio and strength-training machines as well as weights, but there are no spa facilities. Other amenities include eight meeting rooms that are available for a variety of functions, as well as an antique shop. Parking is available for a daily fee. Wi-Fi is free, but slow. Faster Wi-Fi can be purchased.