Barcelo Sevilla Renacimiento

Designed in the style of New York's Guggenheim Museum, Barcelo Sevilla Renacimiento stands out with its sleek and modern architecture, curved elements, and eye-catching grounds. Green lawns, ponds, and plenty of outdoor seating characterize the exterior of Seville’s largest conference hotel. At night, the exterior is lit by blue lights, further emphasizing the contrast between this modern design and the historic nature of the city. 

Interiors are equally stylish, incorporating glossy floors, circular elements, spacious rooms, and futuristic black and red sofas and armchairs. The minimalist style in the lobby area definitely imparts a business-like quality, whereas the restaurants maintain a brighter, trendier look complemented by an array of potted plants and mod tables and chairs. This property is best suited for business travelers, but with plenty of on-site amenities, including features for children, it’s popular among families and couples, too.

The hotel is about a 30-minute walk north of the historic city center in a business-oriented area near the Canal de Alfonso XIII. The location isn’t ideal for tourists seeking to sightsee and explore the city on foot, but it’s a clean and safe area that would satisfy business travelers as well as families, as Isla Magica, a theme park, is right next door. There aren't many restaurants or things to do on surrounding streets beyond the Alamillo Park, which is a five-minute walk away. Alameda de Hercules is a 20-minute walk away and has plenty of restaurants and bars. Top attractions like the Seville Cathedral, Plaza de Espana, and Royal Alcazar can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes by car or around a half-hour to 40 minutes by public transportation. A bus stop is two minutes away, while the bus station at Plaza de Armas is a seven-minute drive or 20 minutes via public transit. The main train station is a 15- to 20-minute drive or 24 minutes by bus, while Seville Airport can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes by car.

The hotel’s 295 rooms have the same stylish and sleek aesthetics as the common spaces, with a cream and brown color scheme, glossy wooden floors, and artwork on the walls depicting Seville’s historic sites. Though the decor is warm and modern, there’s a stark business-like vibe that leads from the public spaces to the rooms. Rooms have plenty of amenities like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, iPod docks, minibars, and kettles with tea -- but coffee is only available through 24-hour room service. Junior Suites and Suites have Nespresso machines, while Suites and Presidential Suites also include private terraces. Take note that some rooms have adjoining single beds that may not be ideal for all. Marble bathrooms are luxe with Two Moons toiletries, hairdryers, bidets, and shower/tub combos with waterfall showerheads. Presidential Suites have hydromassage tubs. 

Barcelo Sevilla Renacimiento offers an array of amenities, many of which cater particularly to business travelers -- the property is known as the largest convention center in the city, with 25 meeting rooms that can host up to 1,200 people. There's a business center with computers, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout. The on-site fitness center is equipped with a good selection of modern machines, and there's a sauna -- but the hotel lacks spa facilities.

There are plenty of dining options on-site, such as the Jardin Restaurant, which serves local and international dishes, as well as Millenium Bar-Cafe, which offers light dishes and drinks. Restaurant Colon serves a large American breakfast buffet (for a fee) with cooked-to-order items and hot and cold dishes. In the summer, the Barbecue Grill Restaurant and Lounge is open for dinner.

The hotel has a lovely outdoor pool that's surrounded by plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas, and there's a kids' pool as well. A poolside bar serves drinks and light fare. Children’s activities are planned throughout the summer and play areas are usually set aside. Other perks include bike rentals, 24-hour room service, and an on-site boutique.