Meraki #8 EN - Alfonso XIII Hotel

MERAKI

Hotels & Fine Dining

ALFONSO XIII HOTEL

Sumptuous tribute to Andalusian culture

ALFONSO XIII HOTEL

Sumptuous tribute to Andalusian culture

Its interiors combine the style of the mansions and palaces of the early 20th century with the roots of neo-Mudejar and Andalusian regionalism. Since it was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition, it has managed to maintain the spirit of luxury and the good work typical of the happy 1920’s, always being a great reference in hospitality worldwide.

A major investment and 12 years of work were required to bring one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe to life. This grandeur was precisely what King Afonso XIII was looking for when he commissioned the architect José Espiau Muñoz to design a palace to house all the international dignitaries who attended the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929 and to bear the monarch's name.

FOUR SEASONS RITZ SPA

Viagem exclusiva entre Ocidente e Oriente

Estamos no spa de um dos mais emblemáticos espaços de Lisboa, o Hotel Ritz, um compromisso entre a modernidade e a tradição. Fomos conhecer um dos seus tratamentos de assinatura - “Sete Colinas de Lisboa” - um luxo clássico de puro prazer, inspirado pelos ingredientes portugueses mais naturais e tradicionais.

Sevillian elegance since 1928

After its opening on April 28, 1928, the hotel that spared no resources to achieve its unparalleled level of luxury and re fi nement, quickly became one of the most admired buildings in Seville and an integral part of the social life of a city that it saw as high society organized balls, dinners and parties of all kinds inside. There is no European Royal House that has not passed through this grand hotel with which presidents of various nations, Hollywood actors and different writers were also delighted; elite athletes and musicians from all decades of the 20th century.

Perhaps it is the so-called "Andalusian charm" that brought some of the biggest names in the fashion world to these facilities: Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Lacroix, Elle McPherson, Naomi Campbell or Christy Turlington... And it is certainly that fusion of reigning elegance in the mansions of the early 20th century with the neo - Mudejar style that prevails in so many details and architectural lines of the hotel spaces. It is almost mesmerizing for anyone who understands style, fashion and aesthetic precepts... So, it is easy to understand why this 20th century style hotel is the most beautiful suit that Seville can wear.

The original tiles on the walls of the hotel were the nucleus of several chronicles of interior design, on the one hand made and painted by artisans from the Triana neighborhood, and on the other those from Mensaque, easily recognizable by their characteristic metallic sheen. The chandeliers in the auditoriums near the central courtyard are made of Bohemian glass and in the gardens some original elements are also preserved, such as the "coral tree" or some specimens of exotic plants brought expressly to the Expo, such as a banana tree and several avocado trees.

Dreams of the Andalusian soul

The Alfonso XIII Hotel has 126 rooms and 22 suites. Each of the three styles in which they are decorated re fl ects a facet of the idiosyncrasy of this grand hotel. Those inspired by the Andalusian style opt for beds with noble leather headboards and chairs adorned with metal rivets. The Moorish style stands out for the Mudejar details and the Arabesque plaster and, finally, the Castilian style with elegant plaster cornices, wooden box ceilings and Murano glass lamps. All details are taken care of to the utmost and the proof of this is the custom cabinets lined with yellow, blue, red and beige leather.

Life is a SUITE

One of the most beautiful attractions in Seville is the Reales Alcázares - a building of Arab architecture that was the seat of the Umayyad power in the city, and overlooking its gardens is one of the most sought after suites in the hotel, the captivating “Suite Reales Alcázares”. On the other hand, the "Suite Torreón" has a spectacular terrace and an imposing tower that dominates the view over the historic center of Seville. The "Royal Suite" deserves our applause, decorated with wonderful antiques, including a nacre-encrusted closet - a gift from the Aga Khan to the hotel. With its 200 square meters, in addition to a large living room, it has a dining room for eight people, two bathrooms and a large bedroom. It also offers the possibility of connecting with an attached suite, thus gaining one more bedroom, two bathrooms, kitchen space and direct access to the library, which highlights the table that D. Afonso XIII used during his stays at the hotel.

Eat in style

The San Fernando restaurant is an ornamental mosaic with a colorful tapestry. Eating in it is a real experience, and Andalusian specialties, such as an Iberian ham dish or Almadraba tuna, are mixed with delicious international dishes. In 2014, innovative and more than playful cuisine arrived at the hotel, such as the Michelin- starred Catalan chef, Carles Abellan. The restaurant is called Ena in honor of Queen Victoria Eugenia Julia Ena de Battenberg, wife of Alfonso XIII. It is a proposal that fuses the culinary identities of Catalonia and Andalusia that manages to unite Barcelona and Seville without prejudice and with a great sense of humor. Elegant but informal, the place is "a must" to experience Seville in a gastro-experimental way.

An Art Deco gift

The covered galleries around the central courtyard are home to the American Bar, an art-deco space with mirrors, leather and velvet sofas and a very real spirit that mixes blues and golds to highlight the hotel's upscale tradition.

Undoubtedly, the stars of the American Bar menu are cocktails inspired by two mythical fi lms that were shot at the hotel: Lawrence of Arabia ( 1962 ) and Knight and Day ( 2010 ) starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Díaz. Cheers!

MERAKI

Hotels & Fine Dining

CEO/Editor CARLA BRANCO Photos ALFONSO XIII HOTEL

Story #8 September 2020

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