Best Small Hotel in Merida Centro
Even though we have lived here for six years and have at least three places in Merida where we can hang a hammock, we occasionally have the need to recommend or put up a friend or family member at a hotel. Most of our friends don't like sleeping in hammocks, and the number of beds we have is limited.
So we find ourselves every few months in the position of having to recommend a place to stay for someone we care about. And of course, since we live here, they expect us to choose the best place for them, depending on their tastes. What we realize is there are a lot of charming small hotels that have sprung up over the last few years, just in the downtown area, and we haven't stayed in all of them... or many of them, for that matter!
So it's time to tap the collective wisdom on which is the best small hotel in Merida Centro.
The following are our first five nominations for Best Small Hotel in Merida Centro. To qualify, a hotel must have fifteen rooms or less and the nightly tarifa (rate) for at least some of the rooms must be under $100 USD. The hotel must be located within the confines of the Circuito Colonias in the Centro Historico of the city. That's about it. This isn't about price, though. It's about selecting from a distinctive style of hotel... we'll post Reader's Choice Polls for luxury, hostel and B&B hotels in the months ahead.
We think the things to keep in mind here are ambiance, service, location, and whether the bed is comfortable. Not to mention the all important consideration: If you book your best friend or mother-in-law a room at that hotel, will they be pleased and think you really know what you're talking about?
Here are our five nominations. As always, we hope that you will add your nominations (if you don't see your favorite on the initial list) by leaving a comment, and we will add the new name to the poll.
Nominations are open until September 15th and the voting will be open until midnight on December 31st, 2007. The winner of this and the other Reader's Choice Polls will be announced early in January 2008.
The initial nominees for Best Small Hotel in Merida Centro under $100 in alphabetical order are...
Casa Mexilio - The Grand Dame of small hotels here, Casa Mexilio has been in operation since before we came to Merida. Located in a multi-story colonial home, it is chock full of antiques and ambiance. We hear the rooftop bar is really lovely, but we've never been there. Casa Mexilio has --- unique rooms priced between $55 and $120 US.
Website: www.casamexilio.com
Casa Sacnicte - Located on Calle 62 just a short stroll south of the zocalo, Casa Sacnicte is one of the newest small hotels in Merida, but it is already enjoying favorable word-of-mouth. While it sometimes bills itself as a bed and breakfast, we think its eight rooms places it in the small hotel category. Room rates are priced between $40 and $65 US.
Website: www.casasacnicte.com
Luz En Yucatan - Located next to Santa Lucia Church in what is rumored to have once been a nunnery, Luz En Yucatan's room are each different, all with kitchenettes. There's a pool, a community dining room and kitchen and lots of nooks and crannies. One of the friendliest and quirkiest hotels in Merida... perhaps in the world. Luz en Yucatan has rooms priced between $30 and $85 US.
Website: www.luzenyucatan.com
Hotel Marionetas - We used to live across from this colonial jewel of a hotel and we watched them build it into the popular spot that it is today. All the rooms have beautiful tiled floors in a riot of Mexican color. Rooms also have modern amenities, they surround a pool and garden, and guests are treated to a different delicious breakfast every morning. Hotel Marionetas has 8 rooms priced between $80 and $100 US.
Website: www.hotelmarionetas.com
Hotel Mediomundo - The first place we ever stayed in Merida, and we aren't alone. The bright colors and lush garden continue to be a great initiation into the living experience of Merida for many people. Hotel Mediomundo has a gift shop, a pool and 12 rooms priced between $55 and $90 US.
Website: www.hotelmediomundo.com
Casa Álvarez Guest House - This is the first reader-nominated hotel (See Tito's comment, below). While it doesn't have a pool and they don't offer breakfast, this is a good choice if you want to experience authentic Merida Colonial ambiance and be only steps away from the zocalo. There are eight rooms, each with private bath and cable TV. Casa Álvarez Guest House is located at Calle 62 #448 between 53 and 51. The rooms cost between $30 and $35 US.
Website: www.casaalvarezguesthouse.com
Comments
Susan 17 years ago
Is it possible to be comfortable staying at a B&B or hotel in a room with fans only during the month of April? Is a.c. mandatory?
Reply
Yucatan Living - Yucatan Living Readers Choice Award 2007 17 years ago
[...] For the best Small Hotel with rooms under $100 US within the Periferico limits of Merida, our Yucatan Living readers chose Luz En Yucatan. [...]
Reply
Yucatan Living - Yucatan Living Reader’s Choices for 2007 17 years ago
[...] Small Hotel Under $100 a Room - For the best Small Hotel with rooms under $100 US within the Periferico limits of Merida, our Yucatan Living readers chose Luz En Yucatan. Luz En Yucatan is located on Calle 55 next to the Santa Lucia Church, and over the years, has built its reputation as a quirky but charmingly comfortable place to stay when in Merida. It appears that the new owners, Donnard and Tom, with the help of Donnard’s lovely wife Fabienne, have managed to maintain this reputation while giving the place a facelift. The Runner up in this category is the lovely and talented Hotel Marionetas. Read the original poll here… [...]
Reply
DWM from California 17 years ago
Hey there! I've been traveling around Mexico and most of the world and wanted to add my comments about interesting places in Merida. We stayed at the Luz en Yucatan and loved it! The owners are world travelers themselves and they made us feel right at home although we were far from it. We loved the rooms and the common areas including the lovely pool. The decor is authentic colonial Mexico with lot's of charm and interesting artifacts. We will return to Luz en Yucatan for both the convenience, comfort and charm! Thanks Yucatan Living for providing a forum for travelers to share their experiences.
Sincerely,
DWM
Reply
Heidi and Jeff DeHart 17 years ago
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Marionetas. It was like staying in the private home of a wealthy friend. The owners Sophia and Daniel greeted us like friends and Sophia gave us excellent advice on where to go and what to do while in Yukatan. The staff was as helpful and cheerful as the owners. The breakfasts were delicious and beautifully presented by a sweet young lady. They were served on a patio overlooking the pool. The hotel is a very tranquil, clean and safe place conveniently located in the centro. We have already recommended it to friends who are planning on going to Merida. We won't hesitate to return there.
Reply
Dr.Castillo de Monterrey 17 years ago
Estuvimos en el mes de septiembre,muy a gusto pasamos nuestras vacaciones en Casa Alvarez y por sentirnos como en nuestra casa regresamos con nuestros buenos amigos.
Reply
Working Gringos 17 years ago
John,
Casa Esperanza is not in the Best Small Hotel category on our website, and it's not in the Hotels category on TripAdvisor either. We have listed it in the Best B&B Category here:
http://www.yucatanliving.com/readers-choice-polls/best-bed-breakfast-in-merida.htm?results=16
You can still vote for it from now until the end of December.
Reply
John Venator 17 years ago
I guess I am a bit puzzled why our favorite small hotel is not on your list of the "best in Merida"
When you go to the TripAdvisor website you will see that Casa Esperanza is listed as the 3rd best small hotel our of 22 small hotels in Merida that they list - AND they show their average price as $80+ US dollars per night - well below your threshold of $100 USD per night?
What gives?
JOHN
Reply
Mr. Lecters Arrison from Burbank 17 years ago
Congratulations for Guest House Alvarez
Reply
LIC.ALICIA GONZALES DE OAXACA 17 years ago
CASA ALVAREZ:
¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ Felicidades a casa alvarez,por sus atenciones y
el mejor servicio del personal !!!!!!!!!!
Reply
David Coll 17 years ago
David, North Bergen, NJ
About a month ago my family (3) and I spent a week at Hotel Julamis (www.hoteljulamis.com) in Merida Centro and we couldn’t have made a better choice.
This is a small and intimate hotel, around 7 rooms with two levels of open spaces where guests can relax and enjoy delicious breakfasts and peaceful siestas.
Mel is a New York artist and a nice, always accommodating host.
We sincerely recommend this Small Great Hotel and the price, after doing some homework we thought it was unbeatable ($25 / night double room with breakfast included)
Reply
« Back (20 to 31 comments)Next »