Art History

A venerable Seville hotel doubles as a museum celebrating the culture of Andalusia.

- CELIA ALMEIDA

SPAIN’S TWO largest cities elicit supreme interest from prospective travelers, particularly those who are visiting on business. But when it came time for my first visit to the country, I opted for a third option beyond the country’s buzzing commercial hubs in Madrid and Barcelona. My best friend was about to complete a two-year stint at a renowned flamenco school in Seville, and I jumped at the chance to visit before she returned to the States—and to stay at one of the most celebrated hotels in the city.

In recent years, a growing slate of conferences and events has drawn renewed focus to Seville. Just last year, the city welcomed global superstars when it hosted the Latin Grammys, marking the first time the event was held outside the U.S. The Hotel Colón Gran Meliá took part, accommodating musicians and media for coverage of the event.