Hotel Alfonso XIII is an unforgettable deluxe hotel located in the center of Seville. This hotel combines historic charm with modern comforts.
Pictures were taken by me, Gabriel Navas of @gabrielnavas, and Victoria of @victoriabeephoto. Follow them on their Instagram account or check them out on your trip to Seville, Spain!
Early last year, I went with my husband for a week-long work meeting in Barcelona. Since I wanted to see other parts of Spain, I decided to visit other cities while I was there. One of the cities I visited was Seville.
What attracted me to Seville was its rich history which included once being home to the Romans, the Moors, and the Jews. This diverse heritage influenced the beautiful architecture that you find there. In addition, it has an interesting culture, including being the birthplace of Flamenco dancing. They are passionate about their Flamenco dancing, and I enjoyed watching the dancers out on the streets. It was quite beautiful to watch them dance so gracefully with such precision!
While in Seville, I stayed at the luxurious Hotel Alfonso XIII. To say this hotel is spectacular is an understatement! Its grandeur Andalusian architecture can be mistaken for a palace! It was named after King Alfonso XIII and built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition.
About the hotel
As soon as you walk into the hotel, you immediately feel like royalty. The exceptional interior design and architecture create that atmosphere. The hotel details include mosaic tile, marble floors and columns, wood-paneled ceilings, Moorish lamps, glass-stained windows, and vintage furnishings. The courtyard has orange trees and a beautiful fountain and makes for a great place to have breakfast or lunch.
The hotel has 3-levels, so if you’re up to it, you might want to skip the elevator and walk up and down the staircases. Not only is it faster, but you can admire the beautiful details of the handpainted tiles, wrought iron railing, beautiful arches, and marbled columns. I can definitely see myself in a full-blown gown or wedding dress coming down these gorgeous staircases. It really does make one feel regal!
The hotel has restaurants on site: Restaurante San Fernando, Bar Americano, and Pool Restaurant. My room package came with a breakfast buffet (they serve quite a variety), and everything was fresh and tasty! The waiters were attentive and provided exceptional service.
As for amenities, Hotel Alfonso XII offers an outdoor swimming pool and a gym. The only con is they don’t have a spa on site, so FYI for those who treat yourself to self-care while on vacation.
The Hotel Alfonso XIII is part of Marriott, where Bonvoy members earn and receive points during their stay.
This hotel has hosted many famous people such as foreign presidents, other royalty like Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen. Hotel Alfonso XIII has been featured in the 1962 movie Lawrence of Arabia.
About the room
I stayed in a Grand Deluxe King Guest room, which features striking Moorish details like the arch over the bed, crown molding, light fixtures, and marbled floors. It was a spacious room including a sofa and study area. The study area has a desk with a leather chair, and the wall has pictures of King Alfonso and the hotel’s history.
The bathroom is covered in intricate Sevillian ceramics. It has a rainforest shower, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
About the Location
The location is in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, which is close to everything! It made sightseeing easy, as I conveniently walked everywhere (shops, museums, and restaurants).
Places of interest
Right outside the hotel is Plaza de Puerta Jerez, where an enormous fountain marks the heart of the city. A few blocks away are a few famous architectures (two of them are considered UNESCO world heritage sites): Royal Alcazar (for my Game of Thrones enthusiast, you’ll love this), Catedral de Sevilla, and La Giralda.
Catedral de Sevilla. Photo by Gabriel Navas 
Plaza de Espana. Photo by Gabriel Navas
As you walk around the Santa Cruz neighborhood, you’ll find yourself immersed in the beauty of European cobblestone roads and narrow streets. The homes are brightly painted, and you’ll also enjoy the hanging plants decoring the outside of the houses.
You’ll find plenty of well-known shops and small, family boutiques near the Hotel Alfonso. If you’re into arts, you’ll find art galleries you’ll want to visit.
You’ll never run out of options when it comes to food, as there are plenty of great restaurants in the area. I definitely had my share of tapas while here!
Only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel is the beautiful Plaza de Espana. This is a lovely landmark worth visiting for its magnificent architecture and pavilions. It’s worth a visit (definitely IG-worthy)!
Safety
I felt safe walking around and exploring Seville. Even a woman I met at a restaurant said the same thing. She was out until 4 am and walked around by herself!
My mom always tells me to be aware of my surroundings. While I say it felt safe in the area, it is always good to be cautious.
My review
I definitely recommend this hotel – not only for location but also for the level of sophistication and first-class ambiance it provided. While it is centrally located to everything in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the area was pretty quiet, serene, and safe. A great escape from the touristy areas nearby.
The service here was excellent. The hotel staff was friendly and accommodating during my entire stay.
I really enjoyed my stay here at the Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville! Without hesitation, I would come back but this time with the hubby!