Since 1929, the Hotel Alfonso XIII—commissioned by the Spanish king of the same name—has ruled as the grandest hotel in Seville, Spain. Its reign stands to continue, thanks to a glorious transformation by Hirsch Bedner Associates. To honor local traditions, the design firm preserved original details, among them marble floors, coffered ceilings, and azulejo tiles, while also weaving into the 151-room Luxury Collection property new elements that reflect vernacular artistry. Mosaic-covered colonnades border the new dining courtyard, and in guest quarters, swirling cornices evoke the ruffled skirts of flamenco dancers. From $290/night; starwoodhotels.com