Hotel Alfonso XIII

The obvious luxury choice in Seville is historic Alfonso XIII, a hotel from the 1920s that has been thoughtfully restored and renovated.

• Andalusian décor touches such as nailhead leather furniture, Triana tiles and painted ceramic vases
• The chic, Art Deco–style Bar Americano off the lobby
• The outdoor pool that is a hit with visitors of all ages during the hot summer months

Hotel Alfonso XIII is located in an Andalusian Regionalist–style building constructed in the 1920s to house dignitaries for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Bold and statement making, the red brick building is centered around a peaceful courtyard and full of original Arabic and Moorish touches, including inlaid tile work, hand-painted ceramics and exposed wooden beams.

A full renovation in 2012 resulted in ultra luxurious guest rooms decorated in three styles: Moorish, featuring Mudéjar and Arabesque decoration; Castilian, with wooden coffered ceilings and Murano glass accents; and Andalusian, with leather and metal nailhead furniture. Details throughout are gorgeous and thoughtful—even closets have customized built-in drawers decorated with leather and riveted drawers—and bathrooms are outfitted in local Triana tiles.

Of the 151 guest rooms, a favorite is the Torreón Suite, which boasts an incredible terrace in a one of the hotel's corner towers. With three bedrooms, it provides an excellent and impressive space for hosting events or just hanging out with amazing views of Seville. Junior Suites are a great option for those looking for some extra space or a couple with a child, as the suites have a separate living room area. Other hotel highlights are the courtyard restaurant, which serves daily breakfast, Restaurante Taifas, a Lebanese restaurant, Bar Americano, a stylish lounge outfitted in Art Deco–style blue and gold silver and **Ena **by Carles Abellan, which serves tapas and wine.  There is no spa but the outdoor pool is a big hit with families and those who return to the hotel mid-day after sightseeing under the bright Spanish sun. (Spa treatments can be arranged in-room).

While it is not the quaint Andaluisan hotel that will make visitors feel like locals, the Alfonso XIII is historic and it is the grandest option, regularly playing host to movie stars and bullfighting celebrities (the cast and crew of Lawrence of Arabia stayed here while filming in 1962). Beware that the property does host conferences, so depending on the week you visit it might feel like being in a very beautiful convention center.

Families will appreciate the pool, and those in Seville looking for a full-service hotel will be happy here. More independent travelers hoping to stay in a quieter area of the city might be happier at Corral del Rey.