EME catedral hotel

A fabulous hotel in Seville’s historic centre, with views of the Giralda and lashings of urban sophistication

EME greets the visitor generously in a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Escapism, rest and well-being is the order of the day here, whether it's indulging yourself in the sumptuous spa or bedding down in one of the gorgeous rooms. Designed by renowned architect Juan Pedro Donaire, the hotel is spread between 14 traditional Sevillian houses, which sit around a patio courtyard with flowing fountains and an enchanting flower stall. This patio is the heart of the building, decorated with a large whitewashed wall latticed with undulating Islamic laceria inscriptions.

Inside, Hannes Wettstein chairs rub shoulders with Parentesi furnishings and funky Jasper floor lamps, but the whole vibe is low-key and discreet rather than showy. A rooftop terrace with a translucent alabaster bar provides a heady location for cocktails and fabulous cityscape views; better still, there are 4 restaurants to choose from (including the Michelin-starred Santo by Martín Berasategui), so you can stay in every night without getting menu-fatigue. If you want traditional Spanish charm, it's not for you, but movers and shakers will love it.

Highs

• This the most stylish hotel in town, with full marks for location, sheer pampering and class
• It's a stunning blend of traditional Andalucian design with avant-garde architecture and lavish interiors
• You get simple, no-fuss service from the sophisticated and friendly staff, who give you as much attention as you require, with perfect English spoken
• The atmosphere is low-key - despite the high-octane rooftop location, this suave hotel discreetly welcomes lots of VIP guests
• The breakfast terrace is the ideal place to start the day - watch the bustling boulevard while you sample gourmet pastries and tapas

Lows

• This is an elite rich locals' hangout; casually dressed tourists may be intimidated by the frio y fino demeanour of high-class Sevillians, who are known for their cliqueyness
• The slick service from the pretty bar and reception staff can be misinterpreted as aloof and unhelpful
• Nightlife at the rooftop bar, and across the road at the flamenco house, continues into the small hours; the hotel claims to be soundproofed, but you might want to bring earplugs
• Some rooms are quite dark, and storage space is lacking