Blending modern comforts and historic charm, the iconic Hotel Alfonso XIII in the centre of Sevilla is fit for a king
Featured both in the famous 1962 movie Lawrence of Arabia, starring among other Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, and Omar Sharif, and the more recent Netflix series The Crown, Hotel Alfonso XIII is indeed a location fit for a king (or queen).
I’ve been itching to return to this exquisite place for quite a while – believe it or not but my first visit here was more than 25 years ago. Which could have worried me if it would have been any other place, because trying to repeat an experience you continue to remember fondly, and rate highly, more often than not can lead to disappointment. Not so at Alfonso XIII. Indeed, walking into the hotel felt like going back in time in the most positive way possible. Everything was as impeccable and stunning as I remembered.
Set in the historic centre of Sevilla, just a few minutes away from many of the city’s iconic places and monuments, Hotel Alfonso XIII remains a true oasis of elegance.
The hotel was built by order of King Alfonso XIII to host various international dignities in occasion of the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition which took place at Sevilla. And needless to say, it has hosted a large number of famous and important guests ever since, including soon to be crowned King Charles III (at the time of his visit Prince of Wales), Barack Obama, Brad Pitt and the cast of Game of Thrones.
While only shy of 100 years, Hotel Alfonso XIII is one of the city’s attractions in its own right and regularly mentioned alongside the famous Real Alcazar, Giralda Tower, and other historic monuments as a place worth to seek out while in Sevilla.
I can only second that recommendation. In fact, the hotel would always be my first choice when returning to the beautiful capital of Andalucía. That said, with 126 rooms (and 22 suites) capacity is not massive and room rates can get fairly high fairly quickly. Therefore, if you find the hotel booked out or too expensive at the time of your planned visit, the minimum you should opt for is a drink in the stunning courtyard or at the American Bar, and possibly booking a table at ENA restaurant for a selection of the restaurant’s excellent tapas.
Alfonso XIII is built in the classic traditional Mudéjar style that blends decorative Islamic motives applied to mostly Gothic and Renaissance style architecture. Sitting just opposite of Puerta de Jerez square, it makes for a great picture and indeed I think there are not many tourists in the city not taking a picture of the hotel’s stunning facade as well.
The inside features beautiful marble floors and columns, colourful azulejos, wood-panelled ceilings, Moorish lamps, glass-stained windows, wrought iron railings, beautiful vintage furnishings throughout the whole hotel.
Definitely a major stunner is the amazing grand staircase that spans all three floors.
The inner courtyard is another one of the main attractions, inviting to sit down with a drink during any time of the day.
How are the rooms at Hotel Alfonso XIII
The hotel has four different room categories, from the deluxe double room to the grand deluxe room, the grand deluxe room with terrace (on the top floor) and deluxe suite.
The grand deluxe room I stayed in was absolutely lovely. Like all other rooms, it’s furnished in the hotel’s intrinsic style featuring Moorish plasterwork, crystal chandeliers, antique table, and chairs. It also had a small sofa and a separate work desk.
Like the room itself, the bathroom was quite spacious too and tilted beautifully with local ceramics.
Pool and Fitness Area at Hotel Alfonso XIII
Let me break the slightly bad news to you upfront. Alfonso XIII does not have its own Spa. Which might be nice after a day exploring the many attractions nearby.
There is however a fairly sizable outdoor pool and the pool area with loungers is perfect for relaxing after walking around the city. Thus settle down, order something to drink along with a little snack from the pool menu and take it easy until it’s time to think about dinner.
There is also a small fitness room just opposite the pool area in case you feel like working out.
Dining options at Hotel Alfonso XIII
While Sevilla’s culinary scene is absolutely amazing, with many excellent restaurants and many of the city’s best tapas bars only a short walk away, I can only recommend making reservations at the hotel’s own San Fernando fine dining restaurant and on-site tapas bar Ena Sevilla.
San Fernando restaurant is located in the hotel’s stunning inner courtyard and serves both lunch and dinner. The menu offers a selection of classic Spanish dishes with a modern twist.
Though I enjoyed the menu at San Fernando, honestly my favourite was the wonderful Ena Sevilla. In particular because nothing beats sitting outside on a warm evening.
Ena Sevilla is located on the terrace overlooking nearby Puerta de Jerez square during the warmer months of the year while there is a smaller space inside for cold days still overlooking the nearby square. The menu features a good range of cold and warm tapas and there is a fairly long cocktail and wine list.
Breakfast is served at San Fernando restaurant in the morning, featuring a large buffet with a great selection of bread, the excellent Spanish Iberico ham, and other charcuterie along with a selection of cheeses, salmon and of course fresh fruit, and muesli. There is also a small cooking station for your selection of eggs any style.
Hotel Membership and Points Program
A Luxury Collection Hotel, Alfonso XIII is managed by the Marriott group. Therefore Marriott’s Bonvoi members will be able to gain points during the stay. Plus, you will be able to benefit from a couple of the other extras included in the Bonvoi membership during your stay such as early online check in, late check-out, and using the mobile key service (essentially meaning your mobile phone doubles as room key).
Final thoughts
My stay at Hotel Alfonso XIII turned out to be the wonderful experience I did expect it do be. A wonderful ambience, flawless service, and great food – the time spend at the hotel did go by too quickly to be honest.
Would I come back? Anytime.
Carrots and Tigers 