Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

I had seen a photo of the hotel and read a bit of it's history—built between 1916 and 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, but nothing would have prepared me for this extraordinarily beautiful, dream-like example of Neo-Mudejar style. We literally gasped. I took many photos and have included some. Marriott took it over (although the historic building belongs to the city!) and happily, any updates were not noticeable except in its great comfort—beds, bath that retained original tiles and was about the size of my first apartment, and other amenities. My title refers, however, to the building yes, but even more important—the staff. It may seem odd to say that by the end of our 5 days, we felt a close connection to them, nurtured! Not like a hotel at all. This was due to Antonio Morilla, the head concierge, who immediately understood the kind of places we wanted to eat and where we wanted to go other than the cathedral and Alcazar, for which I had already booked tickets. Thanks to him, we spent a day across the river wandering in Triana and learning about Andalusian ceramics past and present. Triana has a different vibe from Seville and we enjoyed its neighborhoods , especially the parts along the river. Antonio steered us to tapas and high end cuisine. His knowledge about not just the city, but I'd have to say its soul enriched our stay. He also made sure we didn't get lost! A caring individual—many thanks for the beautiful book you gave us and earlier the special bottle of wine!— as was the concierge Irene Velasco. The hotel offers a tour at 6 Saturday evenings that one may book, which we did. Irene was our guide and we were the only ones on it. It was fun to go up to the roof terrace and other parts of the hotel, plus learn about King Alfonso XVIII whom it seems oversaw ever aspect of the construction! We ended in the fantastic Art Deco Bar Americano with photos of patrons such as Hemingway (of course), Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Peter O'Toole, presenting us with the bar's special Seville orange mimosas and tapas!Leaving Sunday morning, we met Carlo Suffredini , the general manager, and were able to thank him in person for the Cava he had sent to the room and the violets in sugar plus tell him about Antonio, Irene, Francisco, concierge, and those like Christian on the front desk. The fact that the staff is long serving is a tribute to his management and the kind of grand hotel that still seems like home he oversees. Muchas Gracias and we will be back! We are in love with Sevilla and the Alfonso!

An absolutely beautiful, historic hotel in a location that cannot be beat. The lobby is breathtaking and the hallways are elegant. Enjoyed using the health club, which is a bit difficult to locate but is in a small building near the pool. Breakfast is excellent, service impeccable. Close by to all the attractions in town. Do take in a Flamenco performance!

There is simply no better hotel in Seville than this. Unlike some of the other luxury properties, whilst they have pleasant looking rooms and decent service, they do not have the magnificent presence of the Alfonso XIII, which is deservedly one of world’s greatest hotels. Of course, the vast expense of its construction would likely not be repeated today, given its purpose was part of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, a national political scheme from Spain to improve relations with former colonies of the country. However, it has been beautifully maintained and overseen by the City of Seville. When I stayed at the Alfonso XIII, it reminded me why I always prefer to pick older hotels over newer ones. There is an enormous weight to the place, an atmosphere of significance. The detail on the archways, the carved wooden panels, the Andalusian tiling. It’s no wonder they have the little museum and the tour of the hotel and visit to the rooftop: it’s a magical place. The pool is a lovely spot, but be warned it gets very busy and many fellow guests I’m sorry to say were rather loud and felt it was acceptable to shout across the pool to each other. The courtyard where breakfast (acceptable) is served is beautiful, and I had dinner here one night too, although it was not as compelling as the environment. The terrace on the side of the hotel is lovely, with good tapas and cold Cruzcampo lager. The staff and service overall was very good, although Uber drivers did complain they were not allowed to enter the hotel gates to drop you off or pick you up. The only thing I would improve is the attire of fellow guests, who dressed as though they were on the beach or at a fourteen year old’s birthday pool party.

I absolutely love this hotel ..it allows fellow cigars smokers to have a wonderful time . This is indeed a beautiful hotel and the best part of this hotel is ..its a haven for people who love cigars...because they understand that spain. cuba and cigars go togetther in asuch beautful setting. This place is definitely not for the silly people who complain about something outside their sphere. How about enjoying what the country has to offer instead of being so pc about everthing . YOu will ultimately go back to your little rabiit hole once the holiday is over and miss all the beautiful cigar smoke that wafts your way in this place . So beware ...this is for the sophisticated people .....come only if you dare ...!!!

This historic property is lovely. And the service was professional and efficient (albeit cold compared to the amazing place we stayed at in Granada). But I would recommend just booking a lunch here instead of paying the premium to sleep. For one, it’s loud. Like, ear plugs and pillows over your head at 3 am loud. Nobody should pay that much and have to deal with the noise we dealt with; specifically, drunk people hanging out on P.O. de Roma). Second, we were there for NYE and confusion abounded when it came to taxis, when the bar opened (I invited friends to meet us there only to be told it was opening later). It’s a huge hotel and it felt like nobody knew for sure what the deal was. Book coffee or almuerzo, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here. If you do, bring ear plugs.