With such a blossoming hotel scene, it’s tough to pick our favorite hotel in our home base here in Sevilla. But Palacio Villapanés—one of the city’s very first five-star properties—has always been at the top of our list for its charm and small boutique feel. Find out why we love this hotel and why it’s the right place for you.
The History
Sevilla is a treasure trove of layered history, and Palacio Villapanés is no exception. The hotel is housed in a former casa palacio (noble palace home) that was constructed in 1729 for Admiral Lopez-Pintado. He later gained the title of Marquis of Torre Blanca de Aljarafe. Not only was he an important figure in the city during the time, but he was also a navy lieutenant general, a businessman, winemaker, art collector, and lover of good food and wine.
In 2009, the palace became a protected historical building of the city and was renovated and converted into a hotel that same year. We love how the hotel has a real sense of place: the hotel designers maintained the essence of a casa palacio while including all the modern amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Palacio Villapanés simply couldn’t be located anywhere else in the world, which makes for a one-of-a-kind stay.
The Prime Location
The location is beyond perfect. Hidden away on a quiet street near the popular Santa Cruz area, the hotel is walking to distance to all major sites and monuments (like the Alcázar Palace). However, you feel far removed from the chaos of over-touristed streets and activities. The area is still fairly residential, making you feel like you’re a part of daily life in Sevilla rather than an outsider.
The Elegant Design and Character
Part of what makes this property so fantastic is the original architecture of the space, which has been beautifully preserved. The entrance alone is stunning, with red marble steps up to the lobby and elaborate iron gates. Marble columns surround the central patio (the original builders took them from the nearby Roman city of Itálica), along with elegant archways and a central fountain which trickles all throughout the day.
The design is restrained but not cold, with pops of color contrasting the black and white walls and flooring. We especially love the bar area with its Moroccan-style lounge and a mosaic of original wooden floors representing a type of Moorish carpentry most commonly practiced in Granada. The airy outdoor patio lined with orange trees is exactly where we want to be after a long day of sightseeing, be it for a drink or their exceptional breakfast spread. And the rooftop alone, with its plunge pool, lounge area, and views of the cathedral’s Giralda tower, is reason enough to make it on our list of favorite hotels in Sevilla.
The Rooms
Each of the 50 rooms at Palacio Villapanés is unique, but all are spacious, with big plush king-size beds and most with soaring ceilings. They all have views of either the city or the beautiful central courtyard. And if you’re able to snag the El Torreón suite, floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide even more exceptional views and lighting. This room also has a marble bathtub from the 19th century. Even if the suite is unavailable, you can still enjoy the sleek rain showers, modern bathtubs, and Molton Brown bath products in other rooms.
The Spa Offerings
Palacio Villapanés runs the ALQUIVIMIA spa in a tranquil underground space. Spa services also have a beautiful sense of place. The full body orange blossom exfoliation, aromatherapy massage, and facial is divine. But even if you can’t squeeze in a massage, you can still enjoy the complimentary steam room, jacuzzi, sauna, contrast/massage showers, and heated chairs until 10pm. We also love the esparto bags in the room for carrying your belongings to the spa or the pool. It helps avoid that awkward moment when you’re fumbling with your phone and water bottle through the hotel lobby.
Top-Notch Service
The folks at Palacio Villapanés go above and beyond with highly-personalized service for each guest and group. Many of the managers have been on staff practically since they opened, which gives the service a familiar feel while still providing guests with professional attention. Staff is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and warm with Andalusian charm.
Ready to add Palacio Villapanés to your itinerary? Reach out to us and get even more insider information on our other favorite hotels in Sevilla, and how to plan the perfect Spanish itinerary.