EME catedral Hotel

Class: Deluxe

Style: Cutting edge

Rooms: 60

Lately this mix of modern and historic architecture is something of a Spanish trademark. Look no further than the EME Catedral Hotel, in the heart of old town Sevilla, just across the way from the ancient Giralda cathedral. Here what’s most notable is the mix of ornate arabesque patterns, a reference to the cathedral’s Moorish heritage, with the modern minimalist stone and wood interiors of this sixty-room boutique hotel.

Like any Spanish hotel worth its salt, the EME is a soothing shelter from the light and heat of the day, but with a terrace that’s open to the cool night air after the sun goes down. Some rooms overlook the cathedral itself, and the better ones come with Jacuzzis; not entirely necessary, though, given the views from the rooftop pool deck.

And the nightlife is the final factor in the equation. For such a historic town Sevilla is surprisingly youthful, and they stay up late here, as everywhere in Spain. The hotel itself boasts several nightspots, including a Japanese restaurant in addition to the tapas bar and Mediterranean-themed lounge — and the location, central as can be, means you’re close by to the shops, bars and restaurants, and of course the Giralda itself.