You’d be forgiven for staying all day on the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Palacio de Villapanés. From the loungers, surrounded by potted citrus trees, you can admire views over the terracotta-tiled skyline of Seville to the cathedral’s soaring bell tower. Need to cool off? A dip in the plunge pool awaits. How about some sangria? The direct-dial phone connects you with hotel staff who can bring an array of drinks. Come dusk, a fiery sunset lights up the Andalusian sky while flamenco music rises from the streets below.
Yet if you can tear yourself away from this dreamy perch, you’ll find the splendors of Seville are easily accessible from the hotel’s central location. Within a 15-minute walk, explore the Real Alcázar, the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even closer is Las Setas (or “The Mushrooms”), the towering landmark designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer above the central marketplace. The winding alleyways of the Santa Cruz quarter, east of the gothic cathedral, are a treasure trove of boutiques, cafés and squares filled with restaurant tables for al fresco meals in the sunshine. And when you’re ready to quit the city’s vibrant nightlife, you’ll find that the Palacio de Villapanés is a quiet haven, just steps from all the action.
Occupying an 18th-century palace that’s full of character, this five-star boutique hotel is a showcase of rich historical detail: Sculpted wood doors, polished parquet, elegant tile mosaics and columned courtyards. In fact, this heritage focus is a hallmark of CoolRooms Hotels. Founded in 2018, this Madrid-based hospitality group owns a trio of unique historical properties transformed into small luxury hotels. By renovating emblematic icons, the group preserves patrimonial value while immersing guests in authenticity and a deep sense of place. In the Spanish capital, not far from the Prado Museum, the 34-room Palacio de Atocha has a secret garden and pool, while the Palacio de Luces, which opened inside a restored 16th-century palace in April 2022, is the only Relais & Chateaux property in the Asturias region. On the horizon: CoolRooms will be expanding into Portugal with the Palacio Duarte opening in Porto in 2023, followed by a launch in Lisbon in 2024.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Palacio de Villapanés offers 50 guestrooms in four categories: Deluxe, Premium, Palace and Suite. The configurations are unique, given the property’s historical architecture, and the décor is contemporary in style. From the premium category and above, the rooms are equipped with both showers and tubs by Philippe Starck. Bath amenities are by Molton Brown. Starting at 646 square feet, the six suites each boast wow-worthy features such as gorgeous wood paneling in the Suite Maestro and soaring ceilings in the Suite Palacio. The best and largest room is the Torreón (Tower) Suite, kitted out with its own roof terrace, 19th-century marble bathtub and abundant windows.
When to book: The summer is hot, making October the best and busiest season, followed by September, though spring — with the famous religious festivals during Semana Santa — is also a popular time to visit Seville. For VIP bookings, reach out to Sales Director Carlos Cámara (carlos.camara@coolrooms.com).
Americans are the No. 1 nationality at the hotel and, in recent years, there’s been a trend to stay longer in Seville to soak up the city’s ambiance, rather than rush through a whistle-stop tour of Andalusia. For guests looking for intriguing local experiences, Guest Manager Laura Pageo (concierge@palaciovillapanes.com) can arrange a number of activities and excursions: Bike tours, river cruises and special meals aboard a private yacht, trips to the countryside to discover the region’s bull breeding farms, and—the most popular—a day tour to Córdoba to see La Mezquita, the magnificent mosque-cathedral that dates to the 8th century. General Manager Martina Cam (director@palaciovillapanes.com) helms a staff of 50, some of whom have been with the hotel since its launch in 2009.
Note that the wellness area—complete with a hammam, sauna and gym—is currently getting a makeover, and is expected to reopen this spring with a new brand partnership for treatments.
Foodie Fun: In Spain, it’s tempting to sleep in and skip breakfast. But el desayuno is a highlight at the hotel, as much for the pretty setting as the made-to-order dishes. Situated in the former vaulted wine cellar, the breakfast room was painted by artist Rocío de la Torre with leafy scenes of the city. But if you do choose to embrace the Sevillian late-night spirit, rest assured that you can order lunch anytime at the Palacio de Villapanés. In a city that takes its tapas seriously, the hotel offers a tasty menu with must-try bites like the rosemary-infused oxtail croquetas that you can enjoy in the bar or outside on the courtyard terrace.
For a gourmet dinner, book a table at the hotel’s popular restaurant Los Rincones del Marqués. Executive Chef Jorge Cortés celebrates Andalusian gastronomy with a market-driven menu highlighting seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include the Iberian pork shoulder with green mojo sauce and boletus; the creamy rice with quail and “gula del monte” mushrooms; and wild seabass from the nearby Cadiz Coast served with saffron, shallots and clams. Cap off your meal with a dessert that celebrates the orange trees flourishing all over Seville: an orange made sublime with cinnamon syrup, orange blossom and pistachio.
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