Some hotels are built for a specific purpose or event, be it to house travellers descending the Orient Express, such as Zagreb’s Esplanade hotel, or to welcome delegates to a world exhibition, such as Seville’s Alfonso XIII hotel.
Remaining relevant for such properties can be a challenge, but in the case of the Alfonso XIII, which opened in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition, it is a legacy that boosts its appeal.
While in no way a business hotel, the historical significance of the Alfonso XIII adds gravitas and prestige to proceedings there and is what attracts many delegations, both political and business, to the premises.
On the way down to breakfast during my stay, I had to traverse photographers awaiting Spain’s finance minister, who had made his way to the hotel for a press conference.
Managed by Starwood as part of its Luxury Collection, the Alfonso XIII combines the region’s influences throughout the ages from Arab-inspired archways to art deco elevators. It is a grand, opulent property, fittingly and frequently playing host to royals, politicians and celebrities.
While many areas in Spain suppress the cultural significance of their Muslim past, the Alfonso XIII has very conspicuously incorporated it into its design after a recent refurbishment, especially in some of the rooms.
Most of the hotel’s 151 rooms include a desk and a large chair, but unless you’re booked into one of the suites, the standard rooms are on the small side. The bathrooms are visually appealing, lined with mosaic tiles characteristic of the Moors that inhabited southern Spain for more than 500 years.
There is a business centre and nine meeting rooms with the largest measuring 350 square metres. The Wi-Fi, although quite costly at €18 (Dh88) per day, should be included in the price of rooms by the end of the year, according to the hotel’s manager.
A 24-hour gym, the sanctuary of many business travellers, and a pool is located on the grounds. The property has four restaurants including Seville’s only Lebanese restaurant and the Bar Americano, a great meeting point that has welcomed the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Ernest Hemingway.
Located in the Santa Cruz quarter, it is in walking distance of all the city’s transport links, with taxis also readily available.
The Alfonso VIII is soon to get the status of a resort destination in Starwood’s portfolio.
thamid@thenational.ae
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