It can't be denied that the outdoor tables at the Posada Santa Fe are the place to be for an evening in Guanajuato. El Jardin de la Union is a gathering point for young and old alike, and the music drifting from its bandstand varied on our visit from a small orchestra playing there to the sounds of an impromptu disco.

Hence you'll find the most popular tables to be those directly on the square, on all except very wet days. This does little justice to the beauty of the indoor restaurant, where heavy wooden beams and ornate chandeliers are perfectly in keeping with the historical paintings by Manuel Leal that dominate the walls.

At breakfast there may be a cook at work under the canopies outside, making tortillas and cooking Gordidas de Maiz and other specialties on traditional equipment. Forget toast and pancakes and try some.

In the evenings you can try Pozole - a dish native to nearby Guadalajara that is almost a soup, made from pork, chicken and maize, seasoned with oregano, onions and chilies. Of course, there are plainer options for those wary of spicy food, from steaks to fish al gusto.

The convivial bar is a nice place to end the evening. It also functions as an internet cafe, with computers having high speed connection available for guests use.