A former police station that stood empty in central Sevilla for almost 25 years has reopened as a luxury hotel.

The historic La Gavidia building welcomed its first guests on Tuesday following its transformation into a 101-room hotel operated by the American Thompson brand.

The opening marks a significant step in the regeneration of this part of the city centre after years of administrative obstacles and delayed development plans.

It forms part of a wider project that includes the redevelopment of the neighbouring Plaza de la Concordia.

The Sevilla property is only the second Thompson hotel to open in Spain and Europe.

The Hyatt-owned brand entered the European market with its Madrid hotel in 2022.

Four years of work have gone into converting the former police headquarters into what the company describes as a new form of luxury closely connected to its location.

Paloma Navarro, the company’s commercial director, called it ‘a benchmark for the new luxury coming to Spain’.

Although Thompson is an American brand, those behind the development said Sevillian culture, design and creative talent had played a central role in the project.

This includes a mural at the hotel entrance featuring work connected to both local and international artists.

The hotel has 101 rooms, including 23 suites.

Facilities include a rooftop terrace and swimming pool, a bar with panoramic views, a lobby bar and a dedicated events space.

Its Casa Mayo restaurant began serving hotel guests on Tuesday and is expected to open to the wider public shortly.

The menu is intended to highlight Andalucian flavours and ingredients, including the celebrated tomatoes grown in Los Palacios.

Hotel representatives said Sevilla’s hospitality, architectural heritage, art and distinctive local character were among the main reasons the company chose the city.

They added that Sevilla deserved a prominent position among the world’s leading destinations, comparing its cultural importance and historic connections with those of Rome.

Sevilla’s tourism councillor, Angie Moreno, attended the opening and excused the absence of Mayor Jose Luis Sanz, who is continuing to recover after recently becoming unwell.

Moreno highlighted the hotel’s expected economic impact, including new jobs and business opportunities.

She also defended Sevilla’s efforts to develop a tourism model focused on quality rather than continuing to increase visitor numbers.

‘We do not want more tourists to come, but better tourists,’ she said.

The ceremony ended with a traditional ribbon-cutting, formally returning the former police station to use after nearly a quarter of a century.