Hotel Alfonso XIII
Seville, Andalucia, Spain
At a Glance
The Alfonso XIII is the grandest hotel in Seville
The hotel has a lovely and generously sized swimming pool
Spacious rooms and luxurious public areas offer a very comfortable stay
The hotel is in an ideal location for shopping and sightseeing in the city
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Andalucia has a Mediterranean climate, making it a year round destination. In general you can usually rely on pleasant or hot temperatures from April to early November. In Andalucia there are plenty of warm, sunny days right through winter. The best time to visit Seville is in the Spring and Fall when the temperature is just perfect with warm sunny days. During July and August it can be very hot and some days the temperature reaches 40°C. In August the locals head to the coast and much of the city closes.
Insider's View
Take a walk around the main building's corridors to find a photographic exhibition of all the famous people that have visited the hotel.
If you're traveling as a family, the Torreana three room suite has one of the best outdoor spaces I've seen anywhere in the world.
Don't leave without a visit to the Mimo tasting room for Iberico ham and sherry from Jerez.
Bring your copy of The Sun Also Rises to the Americano Bar where Hemingway hung out.
The Royal Suite features an ornate cabinet carved from dark wood and inset with gorgeous designs of mother of pearl. This was a gift to the hotel from the Prince of Persia because he enjoyed his stay there so much.
To start planning your vacation to Hotel Alfonso XIII
Description
Hotel Alfonso XIII is the best known hotel in Seville, and certainly one of its finest. Well-located close to the city center, this magnificent building was built between 1916 and 1928 especially for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.
Hotel Alfonso XIII opened in 1928, with a sumptuous banquet attended by the eponymous King of Spain and Queen Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg. Designed by the architect José Espiau y Muñoz, the hotel was built to house dignitaries visiting the international exposition at the nearby 'Plaza de Espana'.
As the building is a historic monument it underwent a sensitive restoration. The interior and exterior are decorated in Mudejar style, inspired by Arab architecture and Seville's rich cultural heritage, and there is a true sense of place here. Ornamented ceramic tiles (azulejos) decorate walls, ceilings and even bathrooms.
Throughout its history, Hotel Alfonso XIII has been a magnet for celebrities, kings and queens; today, every guest in the 151 rooms and suites gets the royal treatment from the polite and friendly staff here. The two restaurants, the San Fernando for fine dining and Ena, which offers tapas and other light fare, are complemented by the famed Bar Americano, where Hemingway often drank.
Hotel Alfonso XIII has lovely gardens and an unheated outdoor pool (per local regulations) as well as a 24-hour fitness center and Mimo Sevilla gourmet shop. Ideally situated under a 10-minute walk from the cathedral and iconic La Giralda belltower, the hotel is also within easy reach of the old city walls, fantastic shopping and many of the city's best tapas bars.
Accommodation
The rooms at Alfonso XIII are decorated in different styles, paying homage to different eras of Seville: Andalusian, Castilian, and Moorish styles. All the rooms are very spacious and well equipped. Junior Suites at this hotel mostly consist of two entirely separate rooms, and suites are very large and extravagantly appointed.
Facilities
The hotel boasts several options for dining and snacking. Ena combines Catalonian and Andalusian cooking styles, and serves aperitifs, shared plates, tapas, cocktails, and wines. The San Fernando restaurant offers impeccably prepared regional and international dishes, and is one of the best known restaurants in Seville. Situated in the hotel’s lush gardens, Taifas boasts a magnificent Lebanese menu. Finally the hotel's American bar offers cocktails and live music on the weekends.
Activities
The swimming pool is behind the hotel, set in lush gardens and surrounded by palm trees. Complimentary towels and sun beds are provided. The swimming pool is open seasonally from April to September.
The hotel is very close to the center of Seville and its sights and monuments. The Alcazar, Cathedral, the bullring, the river and the Plaza de Espana are all within easy reach. We'll be happy to arrange sightseeing tours, flamenco shows, or even ham tastings before you go, and the 24 hour concierge can help you arrange meals and activities while you're in Seville.
Reviews
James Ferguson (Staff)
The Hotel Alfonso XIII is the Grande Dame of the city, and when you stay there you'll be following in the footsteps of numerous VIPs and royals. This historic building may not be to everyone's taste, as the style is an early 20th century pastiche of Andalusian Mudejar architecture, but it certainly has character and is a good deal more interesting than your average traditional city center 5 star!
Experiences
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Jerez and the art of Spanish horses
Visit the historic town of Jerez, known around the world for its production of delicious sherry wines. In addition to its wines, Jerez has been the home of the famed Andalucian horses since the Moors ruled the city.
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Monuments of Cordoba
Once the largest city in western Europe, Cordoba is packed with history, culture and impressive architecture. Explore with your private guide and learn about the fascinating history of this beautiful city.
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Private Flamenco dance class
Immerse yourself in Andalucian culture with a private Flamenco dance class. Dancers of any level can enjoy these lessons and discover the intricacies of one Spain's most recognisable art forms.
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Ronda and the white villages
Discover the beautiful Andalucian countryside and explore its enchanting white villages, or pueblos blancos, perched on hilltops and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Visit spectacular Ronda and admire the views from this charming town.
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Ronda walking tour
One of Andalucia's picturesque white towns, Ronda offers dramatic views across the El Tajo gorge. Explore the charming town with your private guide and learn about its fascinating history.
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Seville walking tour
Seville, dating from Roman times and once one of the world’s most powerful cities, is today one of the loveliest towns in Europe displaying a rich tapestry of food, culture and history. Discover the city's key sights with your private guide.
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Tour of the Alhambra
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Alhambra, Granada's majestic Moorish palace. Your private guide will explain the history behind the palace as you admire its incredible architecture and explore the idyllic Generalife gardens.
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Walking tour of Cordoba
Boasting a fascinating history, Cordoba was once the largest city in western Europe, flourishing under the Islamic rule of Spain. Explore the ancient city with your private guide, discovering Roman ruins, Jewish history and Cordoba's impressive Mosque.
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Walking tour of the Alhambra
Discover the beauty of the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain's most iconic landmarks. Explore the ancient fortress and palace with your private guide, learning about its history and spectacular design.
Vacation Ideas
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Exceptional Marrakech & Moorish Spain
Seville, Cordoba, Granada & Marrakech
from $5900 pp 10 nights
- Step into a world of culture and color with this captivating ten-night itinerary
- Discover the fascinating history of Andalucia in Seville, Cordoba and Granada
- Get lost wandering through the narrow streets of Marrakech's vibrant medina
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Extraordinary Spain
Madrid, Seville, Granada & Montecorto
from $9800 pp 11 nights
- Soak up the art and culture in the buzzing city of Madrid
- Unwind in the picturesque Andalucian countryside
- Indulge in Spain's fantastic culinary scene - a real feast for the senses
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Family Fun in Southern Spain
Seville & Estepona
from $3800 pp 7 nights
- Combine culture and history in Seville with relaxation and family fun at Finca Cortesin
- Learn about the fascinating history and breathtaking architecture of Seville
- Unwind at Finca Cortesin or play a round of golf on one of Spain's best courses
Location & directions
Seville, Andalucia, Spain
Hotel Alfonso XIII benefits from a prime location in the center of Seville.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator