Why book?
To experience the new, third iteration of a Cristine Bedfor hotel. And for a chance to sleep in a building designed by Seville’s star architect, 20th-century Aníbal González—best known for envisioning Plaza de España in María Luisa Park, the centerpiece of the city’s 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.
Set the scene
The hotel is in a Neo-Mudéjar former arthouse theatre and cinema that had been left in disrepair for almost two decades. When Cristine Bedfor’s owner, Spanish former journalist Cristina Lozano, first saw the building, she fell in love with its potential and spent the next three-and-a-half years painstakingly restoring it. Now, the lobby is a riot of punchy patterns and color with a powder pink ceiling and ikat fabric walls. There’s a scene-stealing, glass-covered courtyard restaurant with a plant-fringed fountain and marble columns; a stage for live music performances (the protected status of the building means that it had to be kept); and balconies above with sofas for morning coffee and reading the newspaper, which you can easily imagine were once filled with an audience. Plus, a rooftop with a plunge pool and loungers, which is a joy in the summer heat. There’s considered craftsmanship and next-level detail throughout, from the terracotta brick floors to the ship-motif curtains that nod to Seville’s status as a trading port in the 16th century and the original Spanish tiles in the corridors.
The backstory
The first hotel was an instant hit when it opened in Menorca in 2021. For this, interior designer Lorenzo Castillo curated an English country aesthetic featuring wall-hung tapestries, paisley-print sofas, batik-bedheads and rattan furniture—all based around the idea that it was the home of an eponymous fictional character, Cristine Bedfor. Fast forward to 2025 and Lozano opened two new outposts: one in Malaga, with interiors by Marta de la Rica; the other in Seville, which was also designed by Castillo.
The rooms
For the 28 rooms, Castillo drew inspiration from a myriad of influences, including 19th-century Romanticism. That translates to a bold color palette of oxblood, lapis blue, emerald, and mustard, with a single shade used in each space. Headboards and sofas are upholstered in custom-made textiles from the archive of Spanish design house Gastón y Daniela, depicting scenes such as bullfighting and flamenco dancers; painted wardrobe doors have Moorish-style fretwork; and hand-stencils on walls reference local landmarks. All face the street at the front or back. The two suites each have a pool terrace and are accessed by a private lift.
Food and drink
Breakfast—a help-yourself selection of cold cuts, cheeses, pastries, and fresh fruit—is eaten on the first floor above the main restaurant (other items, such as eggs, are made-to-order). At dinner, Andalusian chef Samuel Ruiz Arroyo sources ingredients from local producers for dishes rooted in the region (prawn tartare from Huelva with Málaga-style ajoblanco, Iberian pork stew, mandarin ice cream), all served up on antique plates overlaid with new illustrations by renowned artist Abraham Menéndez.
The area
Brilliantly located in the old town with two of the city’s biggest attractions—the Unesco World Heritage cathedral and Real Alcázar—a 15-minute stroll south. From here, you can cross over the bridge to the Triana neighborhood, known for its ceramics, or carry on to Plaza de España in María Luisa Park. Closer still is Sierpes street for shopping, featuring the long-established Maquedano hat boutique and Papeleria Ferrer stationers. There’s also a smart Confiteria La Campana patisserie on the corner.
The service
Staff at the front desk are experts on the city and happy to recommend anything from their favourite close-by tapas bars, such as Taberna Zurbarán in a tucked-away square, to the best antiques and ceramics shops.
Eco effort
Local and authentic are the buzzwords here, from the ingredients used in the kitchen to guest experiences.
Accessibility
Cristine’s Accessible is a room category, specifically designed and adapted for wheelchair access.
Family
Superior and pool rooms are best, as they each sleep up to four; alternatively, opt for an interconnected double and superior room. Cots can be provided upon request, and there is a children’s menu in the restaurant.