At first one would think, walking into the Alfonso XIII hotel, that this was some renovated mosque or cathedral from the Moorish period of Spain. There are traditional Mosque archways, lined with beautiful blue tiles to accentuate what Southern Spain’s culture is famous for. However, the building was actually built originally as a hotel for friends and family for Prince Alfonso’s inauguration in 1929 in Sevilla.

Present day, the hotel boasts 151 rooms, two restaurants, 1920’s reminiscent bar, gym, luxurious pool (perfect for those famously hot summer days), and garden. Their fine-dining restaurant, San Fernando, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The centerpiece is an open outside dining area, surrounded by the indoor tables adorned with white tablecloths and fine china. Be sure not to miss their buffet breakfast, it has one of the most incredible spreads I have ever seen, start with a cafe con leche and end with the churros and chocolate if you dare. There is also a casual dining option, a delectable Ena Tapas restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Abellán. Come summer there will also be a casual pool-side dining venue available.

Each of the rooms comes with a balcony and a view of the bustling streets that run adjacent to the hotel or the lush gardens. Opt for one of the Grand Deluxe Rooms, or if you can spare a few dollars, the Royal Suite. The Royal Suite comes with it’s own kitchen, dining room, two bathrooms, living room, and sumptuous bedroom, all in Philippe Starck design.

Explore the charming and unassuming town of Sevilla via the hotel’s private car or on foot, practically every major attraction is within walking distance from the hotel. Their private concierge can also arrange VIP tickets to many of these attractions, which I highly recommend since they can get very popular in high season. Also, check out our 72 Hour City Guide for more information on where to eat, drink, and be merry in Sevilla.