Seville

Concierge.com's insider take:

Housed in a narrow street close to the Catedral de Sevilla, in the Barrio Antiguo, this converted 18th-century casa-palacio has introduced a contemporary feel to a typically grand Sevillano house. Once inside the massive wooden doors, you'll find a glamorous lobby with oversize hanging lights, a leather reception desk, a fur rug, and black-and-white movie photographs decorating the walls. The interior patio is all rich colors and textured fabrics, including gold, silver, and purple velvet sofas and cushions; above is a spectacular coffered wood ceiling. In a daring move against tradition, a glass balcony gives this main patio a clean, modern look. Along the corridors, bold, striped walls lead guests to the 40 good-size rooms. The decor is contemporary with period touches: striped metallic wall panels with inset flat-screen TVs, curvy white Queen Anne–style bedside tables, black resin neo-rococo lamps, and purple bedspreads. Bathrooms are minimalist with oversize black tiles and tangerine-scented toiletries. Ask for a room with a pool view—they're lighter and quieter. The large pool, virtually unheard of in the Barrio Antiguo, is one of the Fontecruz's main draws; you'll be extremely thankful for a cooling dip in Seville's hotter months (May to September). A roof-terrace bar with a jumping scene attracts the city's beautiful people to its smooching spots, complete with big beds and Giralda views. Sadly, the restaurant lacks the same atmosphere, but the hotel's location leaves you well situated to venture out for meals.—Fiona Flores Watson