The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Seville, Spain

In the atmospheric, narrow streets of Seville’s old quarter is this boutique revamp of a 17th-century casa – it’s quite a wonderful sight, with its marble Roman marble pillars and Medieval wooden doorways. Suites have been serenely styled, with intricately patterned fabrics, and eclectic old and new pieces, artfully positioned. Technically you don’t need to leave the hotel to sightsee – scenic Seville is spread out below you as you swim in the rooftop pool. Top tip: if it’s too hot to step out, graze on tapas (jamón ibérico, croquettes, tortilla) in the informal ground-floor cafe, bar and lounge space before a night in. Book the duplex Pool Terrace Suites for your own plunge pool and olive-tree clad terrace.

This designer-smart pad is in the lively Alfalfa district, an easy 10-minute walk from the cathedral and Alcazar palace. Rooms might best be called futuristic, lined with black glass, yet are homely with honey-coloured floors and, in places, beams and exposed walls. Experience rooms include an extensive private terrace with outdoor hot tub. Escape the fierce Andalucian heat with a dip in the small saltwater pool on the large decked roof terrace with 360-degree views of La Giralda and the rooftops of Seville. Expect regional-fusion dishes such as Ajoblanco Malagueño, a cold almond soup with red-wine ice cream and mango puree.

A leisurely 200m (656ft) amble from the cathedral and the Giralda, this traditional hotel dresses to impress, all shiny floors of marble and solid wood, with traditional frills (pleated lampshades, wall mirrors, chintzy sofas and curtains) in rooms. Entry-level Classic Doubles can be rented for single use at very reasonable rates. If you’re a couple, splurge on a Deluxe Room with terrace. La Terraza is the glass-walled rooftop space for sangria overlooking Plaza Nueva before descending to pick at plates of charcuterie and tapas in Seis Bar Restaurante.

This converted stone palace ticks tech-lovers’ boxes, with shiny new Macs in suites. It also has heritage to please fans of Andalucian style, with original 18th-century carved doors and hand-painted panels. You’re perfectly placed for sightseeing – don’t miss the Real Alcazar, less than 10 minutes’ walk away – but this hotel encourages indulgence. Soothe knotted muscles with a massage in the wellness centre, or take a long, refreshing dip in the rooftop plunge pool before drying off on a sun lounger. Dining is a leisurely affair, with Iberian hams among the Andalucian tapas. Even breakfast conspires to keep you here, with moreish pastries, breads, cakes and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.

In the up-and-coming riverside Triana barrio (neighbourhood), this little beauty is loved for its small but beautifully composed rooms, with dashes of Art Deco by a local designer – bold graphic-print fabrics, striking chevron-motif walls and patterned marble floors. Each is named after a city, with art from the owner’s collection to suit. In-room breakfasts showcase the Andalucian region – ask to try Iberian ham and crushed tomato. After dark, you’ll love the surrounding streets, lined with bars and restaurants. The next day, a pleasant stroll along the banks gets you to the central sights, including the cathedral.

If you’d rather dodge the city crowds, settle in at this whitewashed 18th-century hacienda estate, in a rural spot halfway between Seville and Jerez. As befits the style of the property, some rooms have high ceilings while others are tucked snugly under eaves, with thick wooden beams. This is far from urbanity and there’s plenty of space, hence the trio of outdoor swimming pools – perfect for searing southern-Spanish afternoons. Unless you’re here in the depths of winter, you’ll have dinner outside, whether you opt for snacks poolside or push the boat out with fish kebabs and souffles at the Mediterranean garden restaurant, as cicadas chirp in the olives.

Stay at this hulking, ornate landmark in the historic barrio of Santa Cruz and you’ll find sightseeing a cinch – starting with the Reales Alcázares, and Seville Cathedral right beside it. Seville’s grande dame was commissioned in 1929 by the then-King of Spain – hence the name – and still prides itself on lavishly styled rooms with ornately panelled ceilings and velvet or leather sink-into sofas. Grand deluxe terrace suites up the ante, with patios from which you can admire La Giralda – the cathedral bell tower – across the grounds. A major attraction is the outdoor swimming pool for laps under the Andalucian sun. It’s surrounded by pretty gardens – themselves a cool, relaxing retreat from the shove of the city. When peckish, order prawn ceviche in the palm-tree shaded Pool Restaurant, or laze the rest of the day away over wine and tapas in Ena, another of the four impressive dining spots.

No wonder interior-design obsessives love this revamped 20th-century palace hard by the cathedral – whether you splurge on the two-bedroom apartment with its own kitchen-diner and terrace, or stick to the cosy comfort of a simple double, you’ll feel you’re in a carriage on the Orient-Express. It’s all a visual triumph of pretty feature walls, smart panelling, dangling Arabian-look lamps and floaty canopies topping smart gold-framed beds. You’ll breakfast on rich local pastries and fruity handmade preserves before exploring the surrounding streets of Casco Antiguo. Return to drink goldfish-bowl-size G&Ts in the bar, 51, before heading out to sample the many traditional tapas joints.