Where you stayed:
Palacio de Villapanes, 31 Santiago Street, Seville, Spain
Any history to the place?
Hidden behind a modest façade in Seville, a grand story unfolds.
Built in 1728, Palacio de Villapanés is one of the city’s most exquisite examples of 18th-century Baroque architecture. Its unassuming exterior conceals a world of quiet opulence: a courtyard of white marble columns, the soft trickle of a fountain, and lush greenery that whispers of centuries past. Beyond lie a second courtyard and a sunlit rooftop terrace—spaces once reserved for nobility.
For nearly 300 years, this palace was the home of the Marquis de Torreblanca del Aljarafe, a powerful admiral enriched by the silver and gold flowing from the New World. The grandeur of the house matched the magnitude of his fortune. But as time wore on and the family’s wealth waned, the estate slowly faded into disrepair.
Two decades ago, a new chapter began. With care and reverence, the palace was restored—its original marble, parquet floors, intricate tiles, and majestic staircase brought back to life. Today, it stands not just as a boutique hotel of 50 rooms, but as a beautifully revived testament to Seville’s noble past and enduring charm.
What brought you to this hotel?
Planning a trip to Seville, I learned of this special property. The depth of its heritage and the elegance of its interiors attracted me.
When did it open?
A private residence for nearly 300 years, the Palacio opened as a hotel in 2009. It’s now part of the CoolRooms group.
Location, location, location:
Courtyard. Photo by Palacio de Villapanés
Down quiet Santiago Street off busy Ponce de Leon Plaza, the Palacio is set in Sevilla’s Santa Catalina neighbourhood and within a 10 minute walk of the major cultural attractions and tourist areas.
Designed for everybody?
While the Palacio is a popular place – it can be fully booked in summer and around annual events such as Holy Week in April – this is a hotel for seekers of luxury. All rooms are handsomely furnished. Horizontal massage nozzles and rain heads are standard in every shower. Only one room is built to be accessible.
Breakfast in bed?
Photo: Palacio de Villapanés
Sure, but visit the vaulted basement breakfast rooms where the family once stored wine and coal. Service is exceptionally fast and the menu runs from yogurt and fruit and Spanish meats and cheeses to omelettes and toasts with savoury toppings.
What you loved:
Main entrance. Photo: Palacio de Villapanés
The Palacio reveals itself all at once. Stepping through the door to the view of the courtyard with the fountain framed by those marble columns invariably draws a “Wow” from arriving guests. In that exquisite scene is everything you need to know about the elegance of the hotel, foreshadowing the rooms and public spaces within.
What you thought could be better:
The hotel could employ more significant environmental measures. Those heavenly showers use excessive amounts of water. In the city with the hottest climate in Europe, some of the underused rooftop patio could be shared with solar panels.
Need to Know
- Check in, 3 pm; check out, 12 pm
- On-site restaurant and bar.
- Basic table service breakfast is included, extras are available as is 24 hour room service.
- Comfortable courtyard patio and a rooftop patio.
- Free WiFi throughout.
- Luggage storage.
- Paid parking.
- Spa services to open soon.
Reserve directly or through CoolRooms.
- +34 954 50 20 63
