Corral del Rey

Seville sets the bar pretty high when it comes to classic, elegant architecture and design, but Corral del Rey proves to be more than up to the challenge. This 17th-century palacio is something special, with its three-story atrium and its beautifully preserved interiors. And its proprietors, in the course of transforming it into a 17-room boutique hotel, have made the most of these promising materials.

The style is unapologetically contemporary, but with a light enough touch that the design blends seamlessly with the gorgeous period architecture. Some rooms are in a newer annex, and while they’re a touch less atmospheric than the rooms in the main house, it’s only a touch, and they do benefit from a bit more space — while all feature modern conveniences like espresso machines and high-end televisions and stereo systems.

An all-day restaurant handles breakfast, tapas-style lunch and dinner, and afternoon tea, which is handy — though you’ll want to explore the local culinary scene as well. Thankfully Corral del Rey’s location makes it easy to navigate this compact city; you’re close to the pedestrian-friendly city center, and not far from the cathedral and palace complex that comprise what’s probably Seville’s most famous sight.