Reviewed by
Rupert Eden
We challenge you to find a better view of Seville's glorious cathedral than the one from EME's rooftop. Occupying prime real estate in the city's buzzing heart, location is everything here. Throw in some five-star luxuries - spoiling rooms, a spa with hammam, a restaurant, a street-level tapas bar, and an achingly hip rooftop bar with an adjoining swimming pool - and you're really onto a winner.
The hotel is spread between 14 traditional Sevillian houses, which sit around a zen-like courtyard with flowing fountains and an enchanting flower stall. This patio is the heart of the building, decorated with a large whitewashed wall latticed with undulating Islamic laceria inscriptions. Step outside and the city's magnificent Alcázar (palace) is on your doorstep, not to mention a plethora of amazing tapas bar and a world-famous flamenco house. If you want traditional Spanish charm, it's not for you, but movers and shakers will love it here. It's the very epitome of city style.
The hotel is spread between 14 traditional Sevillian houses, which sit around a zen-like courtyard with flowing fountains and an enchanting flower stall. This patio is the heart of the building, decorated with a large whitewashed wall latticed with undulating Islamic laceria inscriptions. Step outside and the city's magnificent Alcázar (palace) is on your doorstep, not to mention a plethora of amazing tapas bar and a world-famous flamenco house. If you want traditional Spanish charm, it's not for you, but movers and shakers will love it here. It's the very epitome of city style.
Highs
- One of the most stylish hotels in town, with full marks for location, sheer pampering and class
- It's a stunning blend of traditional Moorish design with avant-garde architecture and lavish interiors
- Its flagship roof terrace is the place to see (and be seen) in town, with great drinks, front-row views of the cathedral, and a smattering of VIP guests
- The rooftop pool is a godsend in Sevillian heat, and the views from it are hard to beat
Lows
- Be prepared for a well-dressed, cliquey vibe (and pricey drinks) on the roof terrace: it's popular with high-class, frio y fino Sevillians
- Seville is a late-night place and noise continues into the small hours; the hotel claims to be soundproofed, but you might want to bring earplugs
- Corridors and some rooms are quite dark, but it keeps them nice and cool
- The rooftop pool is more suited to a quick dip than swimming
Best time to go
The overall temperature for Seville is high all year round, and it has more hours of sunshine than any other major European city. Spring and autumn are the most popular times to visit; winter is often pleasantly warm - you might even be able to lunch outside in a t-shirt; summer is blisteringly hot and probably best avoided.
Seville has two of the largest festivals in Spain, Semana Santa (Holy Week), and the Feria de Abril in April. Book well ahead if you want to be here during either.
Seville has two of the largest festivals in Spain, Semana Santa (Holy Week), and the Feria de Abril in April. Book well ahead if you want to be here during either.
Our top tips
- Request a room overlooking the Giralda - the view is worth the extra Euros. Avoid the cheapest rooms, some of which have only internal windows.
- Use of the spa and thermal circuit requires a bit of persistence - and advance booking