Hotel Mercer Sevilla

If Andalusia feels reminiscent of North Africa, it’s no accident. Sevilla’s got Moorish roots, just like Marrakech. And if a hotel like the Mercer Hotel Sevilla feels a bit like a riad, the inside-out courtyard residences of North Africa, it’s not hard to imagine why. Of course the Andalusian style is unique — there’s a certain ornateness to the architecture along with a simplicity to the décor, and more of a willingness to let that bright sunlight stream in and illuminate these white-on-white spaces. But in the end it’s a remarkably similar concept: an air of sequestered luxury around a beautiful central patio, and a surprisingly small scale, just four rooms and eight suites.

The Mercer isn’t entirely typical. Design fans will immediately notice some truly inspired modern furniture, in both the lobby and the rooms — the contrast between the 19th-century architecture and the 21st-century design is lively, though subtle. Comforts are first-rate, from plush mattresses to high-tech Japanese toilets and spa-like bathrooms. There’s also a professional sheen to the service — Mercer is a group with some expertise in that department — and a small but stylish restaurant and bar that, again, goes above and beyond what you’d expect from a hotel of this size. The same can be said for the rooftop terrace with its pool, bar, and views over the surrounding rooftops....