A Tale of Passion: Hotel Alfonso XIII Returned to Glory by The Gallery at HBA London

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A Tale of Passion: Hotel Alfonso XIII Returned to Glory by The Gallery at HBA London (London, 25 July 2012) Affirming its pre- eminence among the great hotels of Europe, cherished Sevillian icon

The designers have woven together a full- bloodied narrative, drawing on the vivid history and culture of Andalucia, of which Seville is the capital, as well as the inheritance and soul of the grand

1 A Tale of Passion: Hotel Alfonso XIII Returned to Glory by The Gallery at HBA London (London, 25 July 2012) Affirming its pre- eminence among the great hotels of Europe, cherished Sevillian icon Hotel Alfonso XIII has been restored and reinvented by The Gallery, the studio within HBA s London team that is dedicated to the interior design of highly specialised bespoke projects. The designers have woven together a full- bloodied narrative, drawing on the vivid history and culture of Andalucia, of which Seville is the capital, as well as the inheritance and soul of the grand dame herself. Bodega Alfonso Conceived by King Alfonso XIII, the hotel originally opened in 1929 during the Art Deco era and became one of the essential stopovers for travellers during the Golden Age of Travel. Here was the heart of Andalucia with its 500 years of Moorish occupation, the cradle of bull fighting and the flamenco dance and home to Don Juan, the legendary lover - a heady mix that prizes tough masculinity and dark, mysterious female charms. The Gallery has crafted a seductive story from these themes and, by carefully conserving and enhancing the old and combining this with beautiful new features, has taken the Luxury Collection hotel forward into the next era of glamour. First impressions count, and the Hotel Alfonso XIII lives up to every expectation. The open double- height reception space is adorned with gleaming and intricately patterned 1

marble floors; dramatic marble stairs; bas- relief decorated crown mouldings; a rich coffered ceiling from which hangs gorgeous period chandeliers; and lavish frescos above soaring arched passageways

These original surfaces were to remain untouched; even adding an electrical socket to accommodate a new lighting arrangement was impermissible.

2 marble floors; dramatic marble stairs; bas- relief decorated crown mouldings; a rich coffered ceiling from which hangs gorgeous period chandeliers; and lavish frescos above soaring arched passageways - all of which combine to create a rare degree of opulence. These original surfaces were to remain untouched; even adding an electrical socket to accommodate a new lighting arrangement was impermissible. In this case, The Gallery took exact measures of the location of each socket in the lobby to understand the constraints and options for relocating furniture. The reception desk has now been dressed in crimson leather panels embossed with the hotel s logo. Large, original azulejos the ornate ceramic tiles native to Seville - are hand- painted with a vivid azure and mustard palette which inspired the lobby s new and reupholstered furnishings. From here are enticing views of an al fresco dining courtyard encircled by exquisite mosaic- clad colonnades. The design team made the most of the radiant sunlight which floods into the arcades, re- planning the space so that one half is the lobby lounge and the other hosts the all- day dining area now relocated from a back room into the luminous gallery. Flexible furnishing layouts enable a variety of social events; natural and tobacco- coloured rattan textures and button- tufted chairs mix with existing antiques, inviting guests to relax in a setting resplendent with old- world panache. Reception Al Fresco Courtyard There is a wide choice of wining and dining spaces, each with their distinct experience. A re- imagined version of the original but long- lost American Bar evokes a sophisticated Art Deco feel, with lacquered walls draped in a silky robin s egg blue fabric accented with a lustrous golden fringe, grand mirrors with polished blue lacquer frames, and a bar finished in polished brass and Macassar Ebony timber. Bodega Alfonso, by contrast, clearly belongs to old Seville with its Moorish forms, its traditional and rich colour 2

palette, weathered oak planks fixed with iron rivets that form the bar and a majestic painting of King Alfonso XIII staring down over proceedings.

Because this existing free- standing building was not connected to the main hotel, The Gallery was given free creative rein for the transformation of this former utility space into a stylish venue.

3 palette, weathered oak planks fixed with iron rivets that form the bar and a majestic painting of King Alfonso XIII staring down over proceedings. American Bar Alternatively, guests may chill- out poolside or experience the casual Moorish style of the new Taifas restaurant and bar. Because this existing free- standing building was not connected to the main hotel, The Gallery was given free creative rein for the transformation of this former utility space into a stylish venue. Rich timber wine cabinets fitted with antique brass screens cabinets sit behind the Carrara marble topped bar, and the ceiling is embellished with an ornately patterned plaster lattice ceiling. A backlit carved Moorish screen defines the separate dining area, where low seating accented with embroidered cushions creates a lively transition between indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Hand- painted encaustic tiles and colourful staggered pendant lights crafted by local ironmongers brings vibrancy to the clean white space. Taifas In response to a Sevillian law requiring music in public venues to stop at midnight, the below ground levels of the hotel were stripped out to transform previous back- of- house 3

areas into meeting rooms that allow parties to continue into the early hours.

meeting spaces. The existing ground- level fitness centre was also expanded through the addition of glazing that opens- up the space onto the hotel s leafy landscape.

The guestrooms are as a collection of rooms designed in three styles which between them harness the three major influences on the make- up of Seville: Moorish, Andalucian and Castilian.

4 areas into meeting rooms that allow parties to continue into the early hours. Luxury touches such as linen covered walls, rustic oak plank floors and vibrant crimson leather accents inset into the millwork maintain the sense of refinement seen in the hotel s other ballroom and meeting spaces. The existing ground- level fitness centre was also expanded through the addition of glazing that opens- up the space onto the hotel s leafy landscape. A yoga garden was introduced, as well as a sauna adorned with local zellige tiles in a Moorish pattern. The guestrooms are as a collection of rooms designed in three styles which between them harness the three major influences on the make- up of Seville: Moorish, Andalucian and Castilian. The Moorish rooms are a treasure trove of intricately detailed restored mouldings, dramatically fashioned furnishings and voluptuously shaped features. Flamenco dancing inspires the Andalucian bedrooms; the sculptural swish shapes carved into their cornices conjures up the flick of a flamenco skirt that reveals a flash of colour and ruffles. This has been interpreted into a feminine décor which balances finely patterned textiles with flamboyantly studded leather headboards. While the Andalucian rooms celebrate beautiful women, the Castilian rooms capture the power of young men - the captivating masculinity of the matador as he powerfully brandishes his exquisitely embroidered cape in the bullfighting arena. A deep ochre palette is enlivened by flaunts of vibrant colours and enriched by dark timber furnishings such as the elaborately carved headboards. In the artwork, a singular flourish boldly painted on a canvas conveys a potent sense of drama. Moorish Guestroom Andalucian Guestroom Castilian Guestroom The Royal Suite has been imagined by The Gallery to be the luxury residence where King Alfonso XIII would have stayed, and is endowed with portraits and artefacts from his frequent travels, curated from the hotel s private collection. Priceless antiques are 4

combined with sumptuous new furnishings, such as television cabinets sheathed in hand-

The designers envisioned this space as the private boudoir of María de Padilla, the secret

In the living room, charcoal walls cast a tone of clandestine and moody seduction which is

iron furniture, while the second bedroom is dramatically dressed in scarlet red.

experience, With the restoration of the legendary Hotel Alfonso XIII, we were given both an

see architectural landmark in its own right.

5 combined with sumptuous new furnishings, such as television cabinets sheathed in hand- gilded leather and, in the master bedroom, the draped four- poster bed is enveloped in fluid, hand- embroidered fabrics. Overlooking the fabulous gardens of the neighbouring palace is the Reales Alcázares Suite. The designers envisioned this space as the private boudoir of María de Padilla, the secret mistress of the legendary King Pedro the Cruel. In the living room, charcoal walls cast a tone of clandestine and moody seduction which is brightened by flirtatious Chinoiserie patterns that play upon the joyful aspect of the greenery outside. The master bedroom is heavily draped with plush deep- toned velvets combined with wrought iron furniture, while the second bedroom is dramatically dressed in scarlet red. Inge Moore, Principal of The Gallery and HBA London, summarises the design team s experience, With the restoration of the legendary Hotel Alfonso XIII, we were given both an exceptional challenge and opportunity to enhance the soul of this beloved treasure, a must- see architectural landmark in its own right. Our research into the stories of Seville s layered heritage and reimagining of the hotel invites guests to join in the discovery of the passionate Andalucian culture through a design abundant with the best of today s comforts. Ends Courtyard Bodega Alfonso American Bar Salón Real Royal Suite Royal Suite Bathroom Reales Alcázares Bedroom Reales Alcázares 5

6 Note to Editors About the Hotel Alfonso XIII The Hotel Alfonso XIII is one of Spain s quintessential landmark properties. Located in Seville along with the fabled Cathedral and Alcázar, both UNESCO World Heritage sites the Hotel Alfonso XIII is on the short list of architectural attractions in a city that brims with them. Commissioned by the Spanish king whose name it bears, the Hotel Alfonso XIII was designed by the architect José Espiau y Muñoz. The elaborate and ornately detailed building took 12 years to complete. King Alfonso XIII, Queen Victoria Eugenie and a bevy of royal guests attended the official opening in The hotel remains a prestigious destination for royalty and luxury travellers to this day. A significant point of pride among Sevillians, local residents came forward out of love and concern for the hotel to offer stories, era- appropriate antiques and other artefacts to aid in research and its restoration. Hotel Alfonso XIII, part of the Luxury Collection ensemble, is one of a select few European properties voted to be a 2012 Platinum Circle Hotel by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. About HBA HBA creates inspired, brand- defining hospitality design experiences that are a fusion of tradition and innovation, craft and cutting- edge. The company s portfolio spans more than 80 countries and, from 13 studios around the world, its designers blend incomparable industry experience with a passion for artistic exploration. By expanding the aesthetic envelope, HBA develops strong, inspired identities that set new standards for luxury and comfort. HBA London s current and recent projects include: St. Regis Rome; Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastian, Spain; Westin Dublin; Worli Centre, Mumbai; InterContinental Park Lane London; Waldorf Astoria Al Hamra, Ras al- Khaimah, UAE; Alpina Gstaad, Switzerland; Hilton Heathrow; Mena House Oberoi in Cairo; La Stejarii, Bucharest, Romania; Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center; Kempinski Minsk; Sea Hotel, Bat Yam, Israel; Westin Florence; ESPA at the Istanbul EDITION and the Ritz- Carlton ESPA, Hong Kong. The studio is housed in a former theatre in London s Notting Hill Gate. For more information, visit For more information about this release and hi- res images, please contact: Lemor Moses LemorM@hbadesign.com 6

Calling for attention

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