The EME Catedral hotel in the center of Seville’s historic and commercial district hides a surprising design secret behind its architecturally prim and proper facade of wrought iron balconies ornately adorned in fancy lace inspired details.

Sevilla's EME Catedral five star boutique hotel. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
The luxurious 5-star hotel EME Catedral.

Billed as an avante-garde boutique hotel the EME Catedral in Seville’s historic city center is just mere steps from the famed 16th century Cathedral of Seville. ( A little trivia for my fellow history buffs – though known as Cathedral of Seville its official name is “Catedral de Santa María de la Sede”  which translates to “Cathedral of Saint Maria of the See.” And the Cathedral is also the burial site of the great explorer Christopher Columbus.)

This five star hotel blends architecturally with the neighboring 18th and 19th century buildings, but once inside you are transported into a world of pulsating club music emanating from a seductively plush lounge with violet-tinted lights dimmed to match the club mood. ( I later learned that the evocative club music is the EME’s  signature “electronic music compilation” and available for purchase. )

Arriving at the reception desk, you’re greeted by hotel staff – with supermodel looks – attired in sleek and sophisticated couture inspired uniforms. The stylish and charming front desk staff quickly check you in, and then offer the option of guiding you to your room in one of the hotel’s two towers.

Fruit tree lined patio courtyard at luxury boutique hotel EME Catedral. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
The design of the patio courtyard at EME Catedral combines architectural influences from various civilization including Roman, Arabic and Spanish.

Exiting the luxe club environment of the reception and lounge area, you step into a lush tropical courtyard that combines the historical with the modern. Under verdant orange fruit trees lies a gorgeous channel fountain – filled with rose petals and stones – that elegantly bisects a dining area furnished with contemporary patio furniture including acrylic Louis chairs (Regretfully, I didn’t ask if they were Philippe Stark’s “Louis Ghost” chairs or merely inspired by his design genius.)

Walking through the arched pathway your senses are delightfully introduced to a delicious concoction of fruity and flowery fragrances swirling in the air accompanied by soothing New Age music. Your escort gestures to a door from which those heavenly scents are escaping, and informs you that five star spa services are available at the EME’s on-site spa.

Pathway to spa at luxury hotel EME. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
Courtyard path to one of the hotel’s towers that houses the EME’s spa and wellness center.

The EME has various types of rooms and suites, but the overall design vibe is one of monastic simplicity expressed in a vocabulary of modern architectural elements distilled to their very essence. And in keeping with the nature of EME which seemed to enjoy throwing a design surprise here and there –  in my room amidst the minimalist design features there was one door that retained all the charm and historical characteristics of an 18th or 19th century period balcony door. Seeing that door transported me back to my childhood when I spent summers at my grandparents’ 19th century apartment home in Madrid. That door could easily have been the same as the one I fondly remembered – it had that level of authenticity.

Modern minimalism bedroom design at EME. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
Plaster walls in warm tones create an inviting atmosphere in the minimalistic designed room.
Luxury bathroom design at the EME boutique hotel in Sevilla. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
The room’s luxury bath design includes a voluminous bathtub wrapped in a seamless glass enclosure.
Simple writing desk with iconic mid-century modern inspired chair. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
Simple writing desk with iconic mid-century modern inspired chair.
View from EME room with inner courtyard view. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
Inner courtyard view from my room’s Juliette balcony. Glazed blue ceramic tiles glisten like a pale blue pool. I love the way the EME married the old with the new here. Metal chain curtains drape balcony doors and windows in an otherwise traditional setting.

Exploring the second tower at the EME you will find the roof top bar La Terraza of EME, located near the sparkling pool and lounge area, offering sweeping views of Seville’s skyline which includes the Cathedral of Seville’s iconic bell tower that hosts the storied Giralda statue at its apex.

Views of soaring tower at Cathedral of Seville form EME's rooftop pool and lounge area. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
The soaring bell tower at the Cathedral of Seville, set against the evening sky, viewed from EME’s rooftop pool and lounge area.
Looking down from La Terrazza bar at the EME hotel courtyard. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
Night time view of the courtyard from the rooftop bar La Terraza of EME.

With five stellar restaurants on-site, the EME is a foodie’s gastronomical dream destination. Guests can dine on magnificent meals in a variety of settings including a lush fruit tree lined courtyard, an intimate, cozy cabana style niche and an opulently decorated space with a divine mix of antiques and contemporary furniture and décor.

Lounge area at EME. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
At the EME’s 20 Pasos cafe a rustic inspired niche with sumptuous velvet chairs is warmly embraced by linen drapes that can be pulled for privacy.
Al fresco dining at EME courtyard. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
Hotel guests have the option to dine  al fresco in the EME’s stunning courtyard.
Luxe interior of the Lobby Loves Mediterráneo restaurant. | The Decorating Diva, LLC
Luxe interior of the Lobby Loves Mediterráneo restaurant.

Offering fabulous architecture, gorgeous  interior decorations and amazing food, the EME Catedral is the perfect hotel for design enthusiasts and foodies. It is also ideally located – it is within walking distance of several historically significant sites including the Cathedral of Seville (literally across the street) and the Royal Alcazar palace and gardens.

And if walking isn’t your preferred mode of transport, you can always opt to tour Seville’s historical city center via an enchanting horse and carriage ride – the supermodel doppelganger at the concierge desk will be happy to arrange it.

TRAVEL RESOURCES
Cathedral of Seville
Royal Alcazar de Sevilla
EME Catedral Hotel