Midhilaj TK
Hotel Sevilla
A reimagined casona in the heart of downtown Merida, Hotel Sevilla is the latest opening from Grupo Habita. Continuing its tradition of collaborating with a different creative team for each property, here, the design-led, homegrown hotel brand has tasked interdisciplinary studio Zeller & Moye with envisioning both the architecture and interiors. Striking concrete interventions—a pool, bar, and spiral staircase—are juxtaposed with original features, revealed through a painstaking peeling back of layers, which have been carefully restored. A double-story cloistered courtyard houses a casual Mexican cantina and more formal bistro-style restaurant across two large patios. Meanwhile modern, minimalist rooms and a spa
styles iplemented
Built in the 16th-century as a private residence before later being transformed into a hotel, the corner plot hacienda—a landmark monument close to the historic center’s main square—was practically a ruin when Grupo Habita found it seven years ago. In a nod to the past, Christoph Zeller and Ingrid Moye (who are based between Mexico City and Berlin) retained the colonial-style façade and layout inside. “As a group, we are known for taking over neglected spaces and giving them a new life, and that’s the story of this hotel,” says Grupo Habita co-founder Carlos Couturier. “We have kept the essence and soul of the building but added comfort in the rooms and new elements that look to the future through the contemporary design of the bar, pool and spa. We want to recreate the same kind of experience someone might have in the old towns of Cartagena or Havana, where all the places of interest are within walking distance.”
concept
Guests enter through the light-filled lobby where stone floors, limewashed walls, and a concrete check-in desk, set the visual tone for what awaits. A window frames the view into the central courtyard—the social hub of the hotel. Four almond trees provide shade to the laidback outdoor cantina while the new, showstopping concrete spiral staircase leads to a 24-seat bistrót. This is the setting for French-Mexican dishes at breakfast and a daily changing prix fixe dinner, based on the fresh produce available at the nearby market. Both are overseen by French chef Marion Chateau, who also oversees Grupo Habita’s Hotel Humano in Puerto Escondido. At the bar, classic cocktails are rooted in Mexican spirits such as mescal and tequila. Huge plants in terracotta pots add a leafiness to cloistered corridors with preserved tropical wood ceilings and doors that open onto the 17 rooms and four suites. All vary in shape and size but share the same materials palette: polished ceramic tiled floors that reference those found in typical Yucatan houses but painted black; custom Modernist-inspired furniture made from local woods; lighting by Mexican architectural designer Luca Salas; and traditional woven henequen textiles as upholstery for chairs or lampshades. On arrival, a looping video plays on the television in each room, acting as a virtual concierge that highlights a curated list of nearby museums, art galleries, restaurants and bars (there is also a QR code for downloading the hotel’s music playlist). Behind the bed, the bathroom comprises a series of gray concrete Brutalist-like walls while contrasting brushed brass accessories add warmth. Grupo Habita’s own-brand lime-scented toiletries will be
