Must-see hotels in Mexico

  • Hotel Julamis

    Mérida

    The highlight of this B&B is its breakfast, prepared by the gourmet-chef owner, Alex. The rooms are very pleasant (each features unique design details,…

  • Mar de Noche

    Central Pacific Coast

    The fan-cooled cabañas (cabins) here have comfy beds, hammocks, kitchens and private bathrooms. There’s also an adjacent six-room hotel with modern…

  • Hotel Marina San Blas

    Central Pacific Coast

    Near the estuary mouth, within view of the harbor, is this meticulously maintained three-star resort. The grounds are lovely and guests get a free one…

  • Hotel Real Posada

    Manzanillo

    A block back from Playa Santiago, this motel-style setup is on the main road and within walking distance of Playa Olas Altas. Rooms are relatively modern…

  • Hostal El Farol

    Northeast Mexico

    This colonial hotel has a lovely central courtyard and oozes charm. The 25 spacious rooms have some period character, including terracotta floor tiles and…

  • Nueva Alianza

    Chiapas

    Friendly Nueva Alianza, among trees 150m along a side road from the museum, has a plain but cheerful budget section with wooden walls that don’t reach the…

  • Suitel 522

    Mazatlán

    Three blocks from the beach, this is a good-value option offering spotless rooms with kitchenettes and either a king-size, double or twin beds along a…

  • Hotel Casa Conzatti

    Oaxaca City

    An understated but good-value hotel (named after an Italian botanist) that is located opposite a quiet park about a 10-minute walk from the city-center…

  • Hotel Medio Mundo

    Mérida

    This former private residence exudes a casual feel: its bright colors and ample, simply furnished rooms have super-comfortable beds, Talavera-tiled sinks…

  • Mexico City Hostel

    Centro Histórico

    Steps from the Zócalo, this colonial-era structure has been artfully restored, with original wood beams and stone walls as a backdrop for modern, energy…

  • Hacienda Don Juan Hotel

    San Cristóbal de las Casas

    A fair hike to the south of town (taxi M$30–35, colectivo M$6), this large hotel in a beautifully restored hacienda wins points for its eclectic folk…

  • Hotel La Posada

    Manzanillo

    This bright, pink beachside hotel at the end of the Playa Las Brisas peninsula lures repeat guests with cool, rustic rooms, personalized service and…

  • Hotel Aldama

    Western Central Highlands

    Four blocks northeast of the central plaza, this budget hotel punches way above its weight with 15 rooms that, though small, have some value-raising…

  • Hotel Emperador

    Puerto Vallarta

    This brilliantly located beachside complex offers cheery staff and simple but homey rooms with tiled floors, comfortable beds and flat screens on the wall…

  • La Quinta de Don Andres

    Zihuatanejo

    This burnt-orange fauxdobe complex of modern rooms offers terracotta floors, air-con and small balconies overlooking the pool and the sea below. All rooms…

  • WE Hotel Acapulco

    Acapulco

    Overlooking Playa Hornos, halfway between the historic center and the Zona Dorada, this smart new hotel probably won't make your social media posts – but…

  • Hotel Malarrimo

    Southern Baja

    Hot, strong showers and a lot more ambience than the other options in town. Whale headboards and a general whale theme make it impossible to forget why…

  • Casa San Angel

    Mérida

    Bright jungle murals and a massive vine cover the walls of the colonial patio of this welcoming spot, the home of a well-known Mexican mathematician. The…

  • Hotel Los Flamingos

    Acapulco

    Images of Hollywood’s Golden Age adorn the walls at this retro hotel with million-dollar views, once owned by Johnny ‘Tarzan’ Weissmuller, John Wayne and…

  • Hotel Real del Río

    Tijuana

    The contemporary building-block-style exterior here sets the tone for a slick, modern hotel with comfortable carpeted rooms, a gym, a rooftop sundeck for…

  • Hístorico Las Casitas

    Mulegé

    Perhaps inspired by its very pretty courtyard, fountains, statues and shady garden of tropical plants, beloved Mexican poet Alán Gorosave once inhabited…

  • Hotel El Descanso

    Puebla

    New in 2019 though decorated like a stylish ranch with stone arches ringing tranquil courtyards, Descanso is indeed 'restful' with its simple metal beds…

  • Chan-Kah Resort Village

    Palenque

    This large, quality resort on the road to the ruins is an ideal choice for families. It has arty, well-spaced wood-and-stone cottages, some of which have…

  • Eco Bay Hotel

    Bahía de Kino

    Spacious rooms surround a small pool and parking lot at this good-value and friendly bilingual option a few blocks from the beach in Kino Viejo. There are…

  • Techos de México

    Central Pacific Coast

    Travelers interested in meeting locals should consider this organization that helps Chacala residents build good homes with adjacent guest units. Seven…

  • Mirador Acapulco Hotel

    Acapulco

    This simple 1930s hotel has been drawing huge numbers of guests for as long as the clavadistas (cliff divers) have been an organized spectacle. The rooms…

  • Flowsuites Polanco

    Polanco & Bosque de Chapultepec

    An affordable option by Polanco standards, the large comfy suites resemble deluxe apartments, giving you plenty of bang for your buck with minimalist…

  • Hacienda Vayma Beach Club

    Central Pacific Coast

    This relaxing ranch-style hotel is handsome in white and dark wood. It has a patch of beach with private cabañas (cabins) and double-width lounge chairs,…

  • Casa Tara

    Southern Baja

    The most upscale digs in La Ventana is a seaside collection of Mediterranean-style villas and the posh restaurant, yoga shala and postcard-pretty beach…

  • La Posada Condominiums

    Sonora

    Right on the beach (you can hear the waves lapping on the shore at night), these attractive studio, one- and two-bed condos all enjoy fine sea vistas from…

  • Amazing Hostel Sayulita

    Sayulita

    Follow the road upriver on the plaza side of the bridge to reach this modern hostel. It's run by helpful, well-traveled folk and has tip-top facilities…

  • Hotel Nonni

    Bahías de Huatulco

    Nonni has managed to preserve a newish look in rooms with modern fittings, freshly tiled showers and an aura of underlying cleanliness. While modest in…

  • Dalí Plaza Hotel

    Guadalajara

    The nine-story Dalí has recently renovated rooms with midcentury modern style – natural woods, simple lines - plus sleek amenities. Be sure to ask for a…

  • Golden Paradise Town

    Isla Holbox

    Golden Paradise Town and sister property Golden Paradise Hostel (just two blocks south) offer great deals, even during the high season. Rooms in Paradise…

  • Hotel Casa Lakyum

    Palenque

    This understated spot should be shouting its existence from the jungle tops. Or they're leaving that to the howler monkeys (and the macaws) that do just…

  • Hotel Historico Central

    Centro Histórico

    Occupying a restored 18th-century building in the historic center, this colonial-style hotel gives you plenty of bang for your buck. All of the well…

  • Hotel La Siesta

    Mazatlán

    Don't let the garish pink exterior or the tacky generic tropical art in the rooms put you off; La Siesta is a good Centro Histórico option if you can snag…

  • Casa Margarita

    The Copper Canyon & Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico

    This labyrinthine establishment is a long-running budget traveler and tour-group stronghold. Accommodations are provided in simple, clean, brightly…

  • Cabañas Buena Onda

    Puerto Escondido

    Busy but relaxed Buena Onda, set in a shady palm grove with a beachfront palapa hangout area, can seem like surfer dude central station. It is also one of…

  • Casa El Pío

    Isla Mujeres

    Book rooms well in advance if you want to stay at this small – and very popular – adults-only boutique hotel. One of the five rooms has an ocean view, as…

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