Introduction: Two Icons of Andalusian Luxury
Andalusia, the southern soul of Spain, offers travelers a wealth of history, culture, and passion. From Seville’s Moorish courtyards to Granada’s Alhambra views, the region embodies the essence of Iberian romance. For the discerning traveler, the journey is not just about what you see during the day — it is also about where you retreat at night.
Two of Andalusia’s most celebrated hotels — Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville and Palacio de los Patos in Granada — offer contrasting yet equally compelling visions of luxury. One is a palatial landmark, dripping with grandeur and royal history. The other is a boutique gem, where modern design meets aristocratic elegance.
Both are outstanding, but which one is right for you? Let’s explore in detail.
The Setting
Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville
Located next to Seville’s Royal Alcázar and within walking distance of the Cathedral and Santa Cruz district, Hotel Alfonso XIII sits at the very heart of the city. Its location makes it perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in Seville’s energy, history, and nightlife, while still retreating to a palatial oasis.
The atmosphere is vibrant, grand, and quintessentially Andalusian. Guests feel the pulse of Seville all around them.
Palacio de los Patos, Granada
Palacio de los Patos is set in central Granada, a short walk from the Cathedral and within easy reach of the Alhambra. The hotel occupies a 19th-century palace combined with a sleek modern annex, offering a mix of history and contemporary design.
The vibe is quieter, more intimate, with a boutique scale that appeals to those seeking serenity after a day exploring Granada’s narrow streets and dramatic hillsides.
Verdict: Alfonso XIII wins for grandeur and proximity to Seville’s main monuments; Palacio de los Patos excels for intimacy in Granada’s urban core.
The History
Hotel Alfonso XIII
Built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition, this hotel was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII himself to showcase Seville’s prestige. Its Neo-Mudéjar architecture — tiled courtyards, elaborate arches, ornate woodwork — reflects the city’s Moorish heritage. Over the decades, it has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries, cementing its reputation as one of Spain’s most luxurious hotels.
Staying here is like inhabiting Seville’s golden age, with every corner whispering stories of kings and queens.
Palacio de los Patos
Once the residence of Granada’s aristocracy, the Palacio de los Patos reflects the city’s 19th-century elegance. The historic palace retains its frescoes, marble staircases, and high ceilings, now paired with a minimalist modern annex. The contrast between old and new gives the hotel a distinct character: sophisticated, stylish, and quietly aristocratic.
Verdict: Alfonso XIII carries unmatched grandeur and historical weight, while Palacio de los Patos offers refined elegance with a modern twist.
The Rooms & Suites
Hotel Alfonso XIII
With 148 rooms and suites, Alfonso XIII offers scale and variety. Rooms are decorated in one of three styles: Moorish, Castilian, and Andalusian. All feature luxurious fabrics, marble bathrooms, and antique-inspired furnishings.
Suites are especially opulent — the Royal Suite has hosted monarchs and heads of state. The Torreón Suite, located in the tower, provides panoramic city views.
Palacio de los Patos
With just 42 rooms, Palacio de los Patos feels intimate. Rooms in the palace wing retain 19th-century details — stucco ceilings, large windows, historic floors — while the annex offers sleek, modern design.
Suites are elegant but understated, with a focus on comfort, light, and design rather than ostentation.
Verdict: Alfonso XIII wins for scale and opulence; Palacio de los Patos wins for intimacy and design-conscious travelers.
Dining & Gastronomy
Hotel Alfonso XIII
Dining is a highlight.
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Restaurante San Fernando serves Andalusian classics in a grand courtyard.
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ENA Sevilla by Carles Abellán offers tapas and Mediterranean cuisine in a more relaxed setting.
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Bar Americano is a stylish cocktail bar with Art Deco flair.
Breakfasts here are legendary, with an expansive buffet featuring Iberian specialties.
Palacio de los Patos
The hotel’s restaurant, Los Patos, focuses on modern Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal Andalusian ingredients. It is intimate, refined, and highly rated, but does not have the same variety or grand setting as Alfonso XIII’s multiple venues.
Verdict: Alfonso XIII dominates in variety, setting, and prestige; Palacio de los Patos offers a boutique, contemporary culinary experience.
Amenities & Experiences
Hotel Alfonso XIII
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Outdoor swimming pool and gardens.
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Fitness center.
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Large ballrooms and event spaces for weddings and galas.
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Concierge with access to exclusive Seville experiences, from private flamenco evenings to palace tours.
Palacio de los Patos
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Bodyna Spa, offering treatments inspired by Andalusia’s olive oil heritage.
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Peaceful garden courtyard with fountains.
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Smaller scale amenities focused on wellness and relaxation.
Verdict: Alfonso XIII wins for grandeur and range of facilities; Palacio de los Patos for spa-focused travelers.
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Atmosphere & Style
Alfonso XIII
Palatial, bustling, glamorous. This is a hotel where travelers come to feel part of Seville’s high society. It is ideal for those who want to make a statement and immerse themselves in the city’s royal past.
Palacio de los Patos
Elegant, intimate, and design-oriented. This hotel appeals to travelers who prefer discretion, quiet luxury, and a sense of private retreat.
Verdict: Choose Alfonso XIII if you want grandeur and spectacle; choose Palacio de los Patos if you prefer intimacy and modern design.
Location & Access
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Hotel Alfonso XIII: Next to Seville’s Alcázar and Cathedral — the city’s beating heart. Perfect for walking tours.
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Palacio de los Patos: Central Granada, convenient for the Cathedral and Alhambra access. Granada is smaller and more walkable, but hilly.
Both locations are superb, aligned with the cities they reflect.
Price & Value
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Alfonso XIII: Rates reflect its legendary status; it is consistently one of Spain’s most expensive hotels. The experience, however, is unmatched.
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Palacio de los Patos: More accessible pricing for a five-star palace hotel. Offers value for those seeking boutique elegance without the grandeur.
Who Should Stay Where?
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Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville is best for:
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Travelers seeking iconic, palatial luxury.
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Guests who want to be immersed in Seville’s royal atmosphere.
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Couples celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries.
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Those who prioritize full-scale facilities and dining variety.
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Palacio de los Patos, Granada is best for:
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Design-conscious travelers who appreciate modern elegance.
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Guests seeking boutique intimacy and spa amenities.
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Travelers who prefer understated luxury over opulence.
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Those wanting a serene base after exploring Granada’s Alhambra.
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Conclusion: Two Faces of Andalusian Luxury
There is no definitive winner — both hotels are superb, but they serve different travel styles. Hotel Alfonso XIII is Andalusia’s most iconic luxury hotel, perfect for those who want grandeur, history, and prestige. Palacio de los Patos is Granada’s boutique gem, offering intimate elegance and contemporary flair.
For many elite travelers, the best choice is not one or the other — but both. Staying at Alfonso XIII in Seville followed by Palacio de los Patos in Granada creates a journey that balances palatial grandeur with boutique serenity, reflecting the diversity of Andalusian luxury.
At Portugal Magik Private Tours, we integrate both properties into multi-day itineraries across Portugal and southern Spain. Guests travel in luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles with professional English-speaking driver-guides, enjoying seamless transitions between Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, Seville, Córdoba, and Granada.
The result: a journey that is as much about the places you stay as the places you visit.
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