Nestled in the heart of the Andalusian city, this boutique hotel seems ideal for lovers of historic buildings, art, and carefully selected design pieces. A brand new address that...Acumen was able to discover.
Marrying the historical with the contemporary is a delicate exercise that can sometimes veer into poor taste. But some attempts are remarkably successful. The Casa del Limonero in Seville is one of them.
First, you must pass through the heavy door of a high-walled building before discovering this sublime palatial house, once owned by a family of Jews converted after the reconquest by the Catholic Monarchs. It welcomes newcomers with its fountain-filled patio, encircled by a gallery. During the renovations necessary for the hotel's creation, the residence revealed Roman columns in its inner courtyard, as well as an impressive 15th-century ceramic floor.e century, adorned with the figure of a stag. This same animal is now the logo of these places. An example of Mudéjar art, that is, Muslim aesthetics under the Catholic banner.
As you've probably gathered, staying here also means immersing yourself in the city's history. But there's no question of falling into dusty historicism. As proof, discerning and attentive eyes will recognize, here and there, icons of 20th-century design.e century: theUltrafragola by Ettore Sottsass or the Mies lounge chair Archizoom's works are visible in the common areas, alongside older pieces such as an 18th-century polychrome altarpiece.e century. A mix of styles to be found in a small first-floor lounge, with a surprising shell fireplace, a polar bear statue made from waste recovered from the Mediterranean by Gilles Cenazandotti, as well as the splendid lighting fixtures by designer Lucas Zito.
This world extends to the 14 rooms, including eight suites, of Casa del Limonero, designed by a French modern art collector who was keen to offer "a space reflecting her own style to showcase the art pieces she adores," explains hotel manager Martina Cam. The hotel's driving force, who wishes to remain anonymous, commissioned artist Guillaume Piéchaud to create a striking headboard for the "Estrellas y Luna" room, crafted from metal and inlaid stones sourced from Madagascar. To reach the upper floors, guests can take either an elevator lined with Louis Vuitton trunks or the staircase, illuminated by wall sconces from the Hôtel Lutetia in Paris. Our favorite room is undoubtedly "Mirador," featuring a 19th-century wooden bed.e century and bedside tables made with 15th-century ceramicse century, which blend effortlessly with the contemporary lines of the armchair Egg Designed by Arne Jacobsen, this room offers an incredible view of the Giralda, the former minaret of Seville's great Almohad mosque. Look down, and your gaze will fall upon the hotel's lush garden and swimming pool, just steps from the hammam, a perfect place to relax after exploring the city. A return visit to Casa del Limonero is definitely in order.
C. Guzmán el Bueno, 4,
Casco Antiguo,
Seville (Spain)
What to do after visiting the cathedral, the Alcazar and the palaces of Seville?
Explore the Andalusian Centre for Contemporary Art. Located away from the city center, this place is well worth the trip. A former monastery that became a ceramics factory, the imposing building is now a contemporary art center. Temporary exhibitions, such as the one dedicated to Miguel Benlloch (until April 5th), can be found in the historical sections. A must-see during your visit.
Calle Américo Vespucio,
Seville
Kader Attia
Stroll through the Delimbo gallery. Less than a ten-minute walk from our hotel, this Seville gallery will delight contemporary art lovers. Until March 18th, it is presenting the work of artist Cristina Lama, "Lo familiar y ajeno".
C. Pérez Galdós, 1,
Casco Antiguo,
Seville
Have a cocktail at the Hotel Alfonso XIIIIf, on the other hand, you're craving history, head to this Marriott-owned hotel built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, which was held in the Andalusian city at the time. An enigmatic place in Seville, where historical pastiche reigns supreme.
C. San Fernando, 2,
Casco Antiguo,
Seville
Have a second one at the Naked and Famous. Don't be fooled by the name of this bar just steps from the hotel: the delicious cocktails have earned the establishment numerous awards.
C. Argote de Molina, 21,
Casco Antiguo,
Seville
Discover the menu of Yo, cocina contemporánea. Recently opened, Stefano Deidda's restaurant has recently earned its first Michelin star. After winning a star in 2017 for Ristorante Dal Corsaro in Sardinia, the chef is now venturing into Seville and has left us with a very good impression, particularly with his anchovy butter with dill, his creamy glazed olives, but also his smoked egg and purple cabbage tartare, to be enjoyed by hand, using a shiso leaf.
C. Bailén, 34,
Casco Antiguo,
Seville
