CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés, Seville

Pros

• You can reach the Seville Cathedral on foot in less than 15 minutes, plus other sites like the Royal Alcázar at about the same time, or Plaza de España in around 25 minutes.
• Palacio de Villapanés was once an 18th-century palace, so you'll find plenty of hints to its past, including old wooden doors and paneling, a beautifully preserved inner courtyard patio, and intricate patterned tiling in numerous common spaces.
• There are many places to relax, such as the spa with a gym, sauna, Turkish (steam) bath, and treatments, plus the restaurant with its plush dining room, outdoor patio, and additional seating areas throughout the hotel.
• All the rooms have character, but some include wood-beamed ceilings, free-standing soaking tubs, and balconies.
• Relax on the rooftop terrace with a seasonal plunge pool, sun deck, and bar.
• Past kimkim guests praise the staff's attentive service and friendliness.

Cons

• Though still walkable and within the historic city center, the location in the Alfalfa area is a bit away from the main sites.

Authenticity

Though part of the CoolRoom chain of hotels, don't let it's modern name fool you. Palacio de Villapanés is a beautifully restored mansion that blends 18th-century and contemporary details. Initially built in 1729 by Admiral López-Pintado, the palace retains its Baroque architectural elements (as influenced by the Moor occupation), including marble columns, intricate floor tilework, and a central courtyard. The design incorporates art by local artists and modern touches like mid-century furniture and chairs by Spanish native architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant, Los Rincones del Marqués, led by Jorge Cortés, serves Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Location

Sitting on a quiet one-way street on the edge of Seville's Alfalfa district in Old Town, you'll be a bit farther out of the Santa Cruz tourist center just to its south. Yet, you're still within walking distance of all the main sites. As a trade-off, you'll be closer to the Metropol Parasol and its Mercado de la Encarnación. Yet, if you'd like to explore the city on foot, you can weave through the historic cobblestone streets and reach the Seville  Cathedral and Royal Alcázar in just about 15 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 50 rooms give centuries-old aristocratic vibes, tempered with sleek, contemporary design. Expect high ceilings, tall windows, carved wooden doors, hand-painted panels, and cast-iron pillars paired with soft dove-grey tones, original parquet floors, and curated designer furniture. Room categories range from Deluxe and Premium to grand Palace Rooms and opulent Suites, each with its own distinct layout. Book a Suite option for added space, fireplaces, iMacs, and freestanding tubs with close-by mini TVs. Bathrooms are equally grand, with hydromassage showers, bathrobes, slippers, and Molton Brown products.

Amenities

Enjoy the seasonal rooftop and take in the panoramic views of terracotta roofs from its seasonal outdoor plunge pool, sun deck with loungers, and bar. Other perks include on-site parking and a wellness center with a sauna, Turkish bath, a small gym, and a range of spa treatments. In-house Los Rincones del Marqués restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining (on the patio amid orange trees) and serves traditional Andalusian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. A buffet breakfast is offered at an extra charge, and 24-hour room service is available. There's also a concierge service and daily shoe cleaning on offer. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel welcomes children of any age, baby cribs are offered for free, and if you're staying in the Palace or Suite category, you can request an extra bed for a charge (subject to availability). Although no children's amenities exist, the hotel can arrange babysitting services, and breakfast is discounted for little ones.