Mexico is a great holiday destination for families. It offers a range of activities for families to enjoy together, including world-class snorkeling, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and diving in limestone cenotes, as well as more traditional activities like golf, tennis and of course just relaxing and enjoying the sun!
All of the hotels we've selected below welcome children of all ages. Many have dedicated facilities for children and some offer kids clubs, supervised play activities and even babysitting if you fancy a night out on the tiles! Everything you'll need for a perfect holiday.
| • Acapulco • Campeche • Cancun • Celestun • Centro • Chichen Itza • Condesa and Roma • Costa Alegre • Cozumel • East Cape • Guadalajara • Guanajuato • Huatulco • Isla Espiritu Santo • Isla Holbox • Isla Mujeres • Juarez • Los Cabos • Manzanillo • Merida • Morelia • Oaxaca • Patzcuaro • Playa del Carmen • Polanco • Puerto Escondido • Puerto Vallarta • Punta Mita • Riviera Maya • San Miguel de Allende • Tulum • Uxmal • Valladolid • Zacatecas • Zihuatanejo • | ||
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Acapulco Hotels | ||
| Las Brisas WE LIKE: Unique and legendary resort, casitas with private pools at amazing prices This prestigious 'pink and white paradise' with its secluded casitas and 250 swimming pools is bigger than most of our other Mexican recommendations, but the privacy and indulgence of the accommodations make it one of our favorite choices in Acapulco. The excellent service and personal attention are more typical of a small and intimate resort, and you won't find crowds here even in high season. Romantics and honeymooners will revel in the seclusion of their casitas and we'd particularly recommend the Private Pool or Brisas Beach Club casitas for those who seek real privacy. |
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| Quinta Real Acapulco WE LIKE: Ocean view rooms; great restaurant; beachfront location Perched on a bluff above Diamante beach, this is one of the most intimate and stylish hotels in Acapulco. The sumptuously furnished suites are decorated in the group's signature neutral tones and feature lavish bathrooms, many with Jacuzzi tubs. All rooms are ocean view and have at least a step-out balcony. Choose the magnificent Governor Suites if you'd like a large terrace and plunge pool too. This hotel is perfectly placed for guests to take advantage of all that Acapulco has to offer and yet has a delightfully tranquil and exclusive ambiance. |
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| Villa Aranjuez WE LIKE: Luxury private villa with six bedrooms, fantastic views and excellent concierge service, amazing value Villa Aranjuez offers an amazing level of luxury and privacy for a group of up to twelve people. Located in the lower levels of the exclusive Las Brisas gated community, the villa enjoys breathtaking views of the bay of Acapulco and is staffed with a housekeeper and cook. Guests can enjoy spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, a large pool and a Jacuzzi. With this villa we can also offer an extensive range of add-on services, including all-inclusive rates, yacht rental, spa treatments, diving, and private transportation. All the services of a prestigious hotel, at a fraction of the cost, and exclusively for your group!
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Campeche Hotels | ||
| Hacienda Puerta Campeche WE LIKE: Small intimate feel; superb pool; excellent seafood menu Located in Campeche this 17th century hacienda has been carefully and sympathetically restored to its former glory. Many of the hacienda's original features are still evident, from its thick stone walls to the beautifully tiled floors. With just 16 rooms, the hotel feels small and intimate, more like a grand home than a hotel. With every luxury to pamper guests, from its excellent restaurant to the unique swimming pool, it's a great place relax and unwind. The decor and furnishing of the guest rooms is elegant and lavish, reflecting the opulence and style of the hacienda's heyday. |
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Cancun Hotels | ||
| Ambiance Villas WE LIKE: Stunning beach; great pool; lots to see and do The Ambiance Villas has a perfect beachfront location that provides high quality accommodation with self-catering facilities and child-friendly amenities. Guests can choose a luxurious one bedroom suite, with fully equipped kitchen and comfortable sitting room, and then add one or two more bedrooms as required. The suites are also indulgent enough for honeymooners, with their spacious king bedrooms and large dressing area. For an economical choice, there is also a range of large one-room studios with kitchenettes. |
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Celestun Hotels | ||
| Eco Paraiso Xixim WE LIKE: Secluded location, virgin beaches, ecological resort Eco Paraiso Xixim is a perfect beach resort that is tranquil, ecologically sound, family-friendly, and close to some of the most spectacular attractions in the country.
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Centro Hotels | ||
| Hotel Majestic WE LIKE: Great location for sightseeing, good value For a first visit to Mexico City, the Hotel Majestic would be our highest recommendation whatever your budget. There is no better introduction to the city than to wake in the morning to the sound of trumpets as the National Guard raise the flag in the Zocalo - the second biggest plaza in the world after Red Square in Moscow. The location and the view are certainly the greatest draws of the Majestic, but they wouldn't have the same appeal in a modern hotel. Although the guest rooms may not be the most luxurious in town, they wallow in a sense of historical significance whilst remaining comfortable and roomy. We reckon that the combination of unrivalled location and value for money is one of the best deals in town. |
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Chichen Itza Hotels | ||
| Mayaland WE LIKE: Good facilities, located direclty next to the archaeological site The Hotel Mayaland is located just by the main entrance gates to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. The hotel is set in over one hundred acres of tropical forest. Pretty thatched roof bungalows are dotted through the grounds. Rooms although like traditional Mayan Houses have many modern amenities including air-conditioning, satellite TV and mini bars. Other rooms are arranged through the original hotel building which was the first hotel constructed at Chichen Itza in 1923. All rooms feature beautiful mahogany woodwork, hand-carved furniture and beautiful stained glass windows.
The hotel has several restaurants, three swimming pools, tennis courts and hiking trails. |
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Condesa and Roma Hotels | ||
| La Casona WE LIKE: Intimate and charming hotel near to the popular Condesa district. Quiet location. A home from home in the hustle and bustle of the city and a cozy retreat after a busy day sightseeing, La Casona is perfect for those who love cities but want an alternative to the impersonal large hotels on busy boulevards. Uniquely amongst the luxury hotels in the city center, it has the atmosphere of a private home - it has only 30 individually styled guest rooms. Each room features part of the music-orientated antique collection of its Swiss owners, and other antiquities are scattered around the corridors and public areas. All the luxuries that you would find in a large hotel are here - from express laundry service to traditionally styled bathrooms - but the service is friendly and personal. We'd rate this small luxury hotel as unsurpassable for character in the heart of the city. |
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Costa Alegre Hotels | ||
| Careyes WE LIKE: Small resort atmosphere, range of accommodation, for couples or families This is the perfect hideaway for those who prefer a more cosmopolitan ambience over total seclusion. The location is fairly remote - a pretty cove with lush forest surroundings on the undeveloped Costa Alegre - and with the maximum number of guests at around 100 or so, it isn't a large resort. Yet there's usually a buzz of activity around the attractive terraced restaurant, and the irregular array of red tiled roofs and balconies give the air of a Mediterranean village. There's even a small selection of boutiques and a deli. We also like the range of accommodations at the Careyes; the junior suites are spacious and indulgent enough to envelop honeymooners for a week or more, whilst the luxurious casitas can accommodate a family in comfort. And the facilities are surprisingly child-friendly; the pool is big enough for everyone to share, baby sitting services are available and there's a good range of activities for all ages. |
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| Cuixmala WE LIKE: Incredibly private, secluded and with amazing views. Good accomodations for families. This spectacularly secluded resort lies in an estate covering 25,000 acres and includes the ecologically important Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve. Cuixmala was once the private hideaway of Sir James Goldsmith, and is still owned and managed by the Goldsmith family. Those looking for exclusivity, privacy and exceptional service can take their pick of the nine casitas (sleeping from two to six people) or the fabulous fully-staffed villas including La Loma, Goldsmith's former residence. The casitas are clustered around a large swimming pool and the restaurant Casa Gomez, with the ambiance of an intimate hotel. The villas each have their own stunning swimming pool and feature huge verandas, lavish indoor and outdoor living spaces and breathtaking views. There are several beaches on the estate, horseback riding can be arranged at the well equipped stables, and there's even a soccer pitch on site.
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| Cuixmala Villas WE LIKE: Incredibly private, secluded and with amazing views. Good accomodations for families. This spectacularly secluded resort lies in an estate covering 25,000 acres and includes the ecologically important Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve. Cuixmala was once the private hideaway of Sir James Goldsmith, and is still owned and managed by the Goldsmith family. Four fabulous fully-staffed villas are here, including La Loma, Goldsmith's former residence. The villas each have their own stunning swimming pool and feature huge verandas, lavish indoor and outdoor living spaces and breathtaking views. There are several beaches on the estate, horseback riding can be arranged at the well equipped stables, and there's even a soccer pitch on site.
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Cozumel Hotels | ||
| Playa Azul WE LIKE: Great beach; charming rooms; complimentary golf Playa Azul is a lovely small hotel that positively oozes with Mexican charm. Located in a quiet area of Cozumel, just opposite Cozumel Country Club, it is just 10 minutes drive from the main town, San Miguel, and the ferrry dock. The hotel has just 50 rooms, in both the original hotel building and a newer section located around the pool. Room interiors are bright and spacious and feature lovely pieces of Mexican arts and crafts throughout, and almost all have great views of the Caribbean. It offers an excellent selection of accommodation from romantic Master Suites for couples, spacious Suites for families, and versatile Standard Rooms that are perfect for couples, friends or families with young children. |
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East Cape Hotels | ||
| Rancho Leonero WE LIKE: Wonderful beach and ocean; good fishing; remoteness Rancho Leonero is situated on Baja's beautiful East Cape and offers charming thatched roof bungalows and the calm, incredibly enticing ocean. We enjoyed our best off-the-beach snorkeling in Mexico here; the water is so clear that you barely need a mask to see the multitude of colorful fish in the shallow water. And it's spectacularly remote - the Rancho estate includes two miles of pristine coastline and access is via an unpaved road that winds through a spectacular desert landscape. |
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Guadalajara Hotels | ||
| Hotel de Mendoza WE LIKE: Great location for sightseeing, good value The hotel de Mendoza is located close to all the main city attractions - the Delgado theater can be seen from the lobby, just across Avenida Hidalgo, and the Cathedral is just two short blocks away. Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious, and many have attractive views of the pool or the adjacent church Santa Maria de Gracia. The hotel's swimming pool is a welcome feature and the staff are very friendly and helpful. |
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| Hotel Morales Historical and Colonial WE LIKE: Central location, colonial character Steeped in history, this charming property offers comfortable, affordable accommodation right in the heart of Guadalajara. The hotel's spacious suites and junior suites are furnished with one queen or two double beds, while the lavish imperial suites offer a king bed and jacuzzi bath. A restaurant and cozy bar are set just off the hotel's stunning lobby; and with meeting facilities and free high-speed Internet access throughout, the Morales provides the perfect base for leisure and business travelers alike.
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| Quinta Real Guadalajara WE LIKE: Quiet location, swimming pool, great restaurant and secure parking. Guadalajara is Mexico's second biggest city, so within this metropolis it's a delight to find such an intimate hotel. Located in a pleasant residential area about three miles from the center of town, it is only a few minutes to the main attractions by taxi.
One of the outstanding features of the hotel is the restaurant. It is highly regarded and popular with Guadalajara's business community - yet still very suitable for a romantic tete a tete. The Quinta Real also now boast an attractive outdoor swimming pool, a well equipped gymnasium, and a business center where guests can check emails free of charge. |
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Guanajuato Hotels | ||
| Posada Santa Fe WE LIKE: Wonderful location right on the main plaza, good restaurant Probably the oldest hotel in Guanajuato, and certainly the best known, the Posada Santa Fe is the place to stay in town. Not only does it house a venerable collection of the works of local artist and historian Manuel Leal, it also has the most desirable tables for soaking up the local atmosphere - right on the lively Jardin de la Union. Enter the magnificent lobby and you could be in one of the finest hotels in Mexico. Lofty beamed ceilings, delicate chandeliers and antique chairs all fade into insignificance alongside the giant paintings dominating the walls. |
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Huatulco Hotels | ||
| Camino Real Zaashila WE LIKE: Great beach, good for families With its superb pool and great beach, the Camino Real Zaashila is a tropical delight for both families and couples. The Deluxe Rooms are spacious, easily sufficient for two adults and two small children who don't mind sharing two double beds and one bathroom. They are slightly elevated so have good views over the bay and are close to all the amenities. The Club rooms also offer a pretty plunge pool. |
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| Quinta Real Huatulco WE LIKE: Luxurious rooms, good restaurant, very stylish The Quinta Real offers sumptuous suites with a well-planned and exceptionally attractive design. Moorish domes dominate the skyline and give a grand elegance to the restaurant and bar, whose terraces offer fantastic views over the bay for the most memorable evenings. The outlandishly romantic bathrooms include large oval Jacuzzi tubs directly overlooking the ocean. Grand Class suites have large balconies complete with hammocks and outdoor dining furniture plus more fantastic views, while the Private Pool suites have an appealing duplex arrangement, with the lower floor occupied by a private terrace and a good sized plunge pool. |
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Isla Espiritu Santo Hotels | ||
| Baja Camp WE LIKE: Stunning landscape; superb cuisine; sense of adventure The virtually uninhabited island of Espiritu Santo plays host to one of the most luxurious of camp-hotels. Five safari-style tents lie on a pristine beach, with a maximum of ten people at any one time to share the starkly beautiful landscape, the spectacularly clear ocean and the breathtaking night sky. Add to this some of the finest cuisine you'll find anywhere on the Baja peninsula (we enjoyed scallop carpaccio, chocolate clams, delicately flavored seafood pasta and flambéed bananas during our stay) and the genuinely warm hospitality, and the result is close to perfection. Note: Baja Camp is only open from May to early October. |
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Isla Holbox Hotels | ||
| Villas Delfines WE LIKE: Tranquility; nature activities; huge natural beach The little island of Holbox is about three hours from Cancun but the journey is worthwhile, for at the end you'll find Villas Delfines, an enclave of thatched-roof casitas by a wide and deserted beach, a natural paradise and a perfect escape from the crowds. It's a great destination for fishing and bird watching, and the hotel offers some excellent excursions. The enchanting casitas, with their huge terraces and hammocks, are idyllic tropical hideaway cottages and they're also big enough to accommodate a family with two or three children - kids will love the huge beach with its powder soft sand scattered with seashells. |
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Isla Mujeres Hotels | ||
| Na Balam WE LIKE: Located on the island's best beach, short stroll to town Na Balam has an enviable location directly on Playa Norte, the best beach on Isla Mujeres. Beach View rooms and Suites are just a few steps from the sands, whilst the Pool View rooms are in a separate section across a small road and set around the swimming pool. This charming hotel has a good restaurant and is only five minutes walk from the island's town. Na Balam is a family-friendly property and offers rooms with two queen beds and also connecting rooms.
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| Playa la Media Luna WE LIKE: Good location; all ocean-front rooms; family friendly Set on the tranquil Half Moon beach and just a couple of minutes walk from Isla Mujeres town, the Playa la Media Luna enjoys a perfect location. All 18 rooms at the hotel are ocean front, each commanding stunning views of the pool, beach and ocean. The hotel is family run, and they welcome children - it's a lovely place for them to wander around, and there's a children's pool for them to play in - the first (ground) floor double rooms are particulary recommended for families.
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Juarez Hotels | ||
| Hotel Imperial WE LIKE: Historical property, good value, popular with business people Reassuringly grand and European in style, the Imperial would be an excellent choice for those seeking some familiarity on a first visit to the city. It has had a long history, including a spell as the American Embassy, and a prestigious location on Paseo de la Reforma. The lobby is impressive; full of marble and chandeliers - and very efficient bell-boys. Service here is as you would expect from a business-oriented hotel, proving that you don't need to spend a fortune at one of the top chains for five-star facilities. Rooms are generously sized, with modern style and facilities. Though they don't reflect the character of the building, they do provide a very comfortable base to explore the city. |
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Los Cabos Hotels | ||
| Cabo Surf Hotel WE LIKE: Stylish rooms; excellent restaurant; good value An intimate boutique hotel with stylish rooms, a great restaurant, and reasonable prices too. It's no surprise that the Cabo Surf attracts a high number of repeat guests, and runs close to full occupancy throughout the year. But book early and you can reserve a room with one of the best ocean views around, a suite that's big enough to accommodate up to 8 people comfortably, or a Junior Suite with a kitchenette and dining area. |
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| Esperanza WE LIKE: All rooms are oceanview; great spa; incredible suites A current favorite of Hollywood stars and a member of the prestigious Auberge Resort group, Esperanza is an elegant and tranquil hideaway. Guests return here time after time to enjoy blissful dinners under the stars, wallow in the infinity pool while watching the waves crash on the rocks below, and to indulge in a comprehensive range of naturally therapeutic spa treatments. Each of the resorts' casitas has a large balcony or terrace with ocean views, a fabulously equipped bedroom and a lavish bathroom. |
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| Las Ventanas al Paraiso WE LIKE: Amazing opulance; top-notch service; beautiful rooms Lauded as one of the most luxurious properties in the world, Las Ventanas al Paraiso maintains its high reputation with outstanding service and constant innovations. One of the first properties to furnish guest rooms with a telescope for star gazing or whale watching, its recently added a fleet of convertible Mini Coopers for guests use. Pre-loaded iPods and Sony LocationFree TVs are available pool-side and there's even a Department of Romance overseen by a Director of Romance (perfect for extravagant honeymoons!). |
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| Marquis Los Cabos WE LIKE: Luxurious, all oceanview rooms; casitas perfect for families A luxurious and family friendly property situated on a beautifully wild beach on the corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
We love the property's Ocean Front Junior Suites for their magnificent views and well appointed interiors - Jacuzzi bathtubs, luxury bed linens and CD players are standard here . The Casitas are our top choice for families, with private plunge pools and close to the ocean. They also feature kitchenettes and sitting rooms. |
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| One&Only Palmilla WE LIKE: Incredible facilities; superb service; family friendly The lavish remodeling of the already-legendary Palmilla has boosted the resort to the top rank of super-luxury hotels in Los Cabos. You won't find a better class of hotel anywhere in Latin America. It's impossible to overstate the decadence here - from butler service in every room to the opportunity to reserve your own private cove, complete with four-poster bed and over-water sun loungers. The main restaurant 'C' is one of the finest we've experienced, while the lush spa and golf facilities are second to none. Although Palmilla is heavenly for honeymooners, families too can enjoy the superb facilities; there's a special Club house for kids and an activities program for children from four to eleven years old. |
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Manzanillo Hotels | ||
| Dolphin Cove Inn WE LIKE: Flexible and family-friendly accommodations plus romantic suites, wonderful ocean views This unusual property consists of forty five rooms and suites hugging the hillside of Manzanillo Bay, close to Las Hadas. Each room has a balcony or a terrace with wonderful ocean views plus a kitchen or kitchenette. There are a multitude of different options for families, from studios with an extra bed to two or three bedroom suites and connecting rooms and suites. Within walking distance of your suite are a small grocery store, the swimming pool and beach, tennis courts and a golf course. Note that since the property is located on many levels of the hillside there are lots of steps, and the hotel is not recommended for those with walking difficulties. We recommend the Dolphin Cove in for those looking for an economical and convenient beach vacation and it works especially well for larger families and for groups.
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Merida Hotels | ||
| Casa del Balam WE LIKE: Swimming pool; tropical courtyard; friendly service The Casa del Balam has all the expected advantages of a great location, plus a few pleasant surprises. The central courtyard is a tropical delight and the ground floor swimming pool is unusually large for a traditional city hotel. Both spots are perfect retreats from Merida's sweltering summers. We love the big, bright rooms with windows overlooking the University buildings and filled with afternoon sunlight. If you can, try to book one of the three master suites in the oldest section of the mansion - you'll be rewarded by huge rooms, balconies and terraces, plus more character than you'll find anywhere else in town. |
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| Hacienda San Jose WE LIKE: Sumptuous guest rooms; beautiful gardens; excellent service With just fifteen sumptuous guest rooms, the Hacienda San Jose offers guests the chance to experience the lavish lifestyle of the henequen lords. The Hacienda is ideally situated close to Chichen Itza and many other of the "must-sees" of the Yucatan, yet also offers guests the chance to lighten their sightseeing trip with a little indulgent relaxation. |
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Morelia Hotels | ||
| Virrey de Mendoza WE LIKE: Central location, lots of colonial character Travelers searching for true colonial splendor and a prime location in downtown Morelia will find no better choice of accommodation than the Hotel Virrey de Mendoza. Located right on the city's main plaza, this historic mansion was once the home of Antonio de Mendoza, the first viceroy of Mexico. Today it is the choice of visiting presidents, and the country's most notorious bullfighters rush to reserve the 'lucky' Suite de Mendoza for the night before an important tournament. |
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Oaxaca City Hotels | ||
| Camino Real Oaxaca WE LIKE: One of the most beautiful historical properties in Mexico, great location and courtyard swimming pool Formerly the 16th Century convent of Santa Catalina, the hotel is a beautiful combination of the historical, together with the excellent facilities and services of the prestigious Camino Real Group. In one of the bougainvillea decked courtyards is a stunning swimming pool, surrounded by ancient stone walls, restored frescoes and flowering shrubs. In another, tables from the restaurant spill out under colonnades, and echoes of Gregorian chants drift in the breeze. |
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| Parador del Dominico WE LIKE: Great location; modern in-room facilities; good value The Parador del Dominico is a long-standing feature on central Oaxaca's lodging lists, and has always been a very welcome one. The attractions for us lie in the simple, clean and unfussy lines that harmonize old and new. Traditional materials of stone and tile are tastefully mixed with modern furniture and even halogen lighting in the dining room. Suprisingly modern facilities include satellite TV, minibar and phone, together with a hook-up for fax or PC. |
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| Victoria WE LIKE: Pretty gardens, large swimming pool, great views The Hotel Victoria allows its guests to enjoy all that Oaxaca has to offer, and a relaxing retreat to come home to. After a day's sightseeing, it's bliss to come back and have a refreshing dip in the pool, followed by a drink on the terrace - the perfect place for postcard writing as you gaze down over the city. If you're feeling energetic, you could even have a game of tennis at dusk! The hotel is set up on the Fortin hill, about five minutes out of town by car - there is a regular shuttle service from the hotel which drops you off downtown and picks up again. This service means that you don't miss being in the center of town at all. |
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Patzcuaro Hotels | ||
| Mansion Iturbe WE LIKE: Great location; warm, friendly service; cozy rooms Located in the town's main square, Mansion Iturbe is one of the most charming small hotels we've found in Mexico, with a warm welcome and attentive service. We particularly love the cozy rooms with their dark wooden furniture and 'Dona Paca Cafe' offers some of the best regional cuisine in the area. The hotel makes a great base to explore the area, and tours of the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Janitzio Island and local artisan towns such as Santa Clara del Cobre are highly recommended. |
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Playa del Carmen Hotels | ||
| Playa Maya WE LIKE: Central location; good value; great service and hospitality Playa Maya offers a perfect combination of a central location, well equipped and charming rooms and affordable rates. It's only a small property, but clever use of the space has resulted in some unique and very appealing features. As the only access to the hotel is via the beach, it's surprisingly quiet - even the swimming pool is elevated from the beach level and is very private. We like the variety in the rooms and suites available here - from the romantic Deluxe rooms with prime ocean-view balconies or large terraces with hammocks, to the spacious family suites that can accommodate up to 8 people in two connecting bedrooms. The biggest selling point though is the wonderful hospitality and excellent management. |
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| Riviera del Sol WE LIKE: Good location; family friendly; kitchenettes in some rooms Ideally located at the end of Playa del Carmen's lively 5th Avenue this small hotel is an excellent choice for families. It's just a pleasant ten-minute stroll into the center of town, passing some wonderful bars and restaurants en-route, but without the noise of more centrally located hotels. It's also just one block from the finest stretch of beach in Playa del Carmen, where you'll find the most popular beach clubs (hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to one of these clubs, so they can use the sun loungers and beach towels there and of course enjoy bar service by the ocean). |
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Polanco Hotels | ||
| W Mexico City WE LIKE: Trendy and buzzing city hotel, lively bar, great service The hottest place to stay in Mexico City right now is the ultra-modern W Hotel, with its vibrant red interiors and buzzing lounge bar. Although critics may say that the hotel lacks traditional Mexican flavor, we reckon that it offers the perfect opportunity to witness the every day city life of the affluent young Mexicans who frequent this area. The bar is usually full of dating couples, smart business people and occasional tourists, and it stays busy often until the early hours. The restaurant also serves until at least midnight and the menu includes a "by the piece" section featuring sushi, satay, tempura and oysters - perfect for late night nibbles. The W's location in up-market Polanco is ideal for sightseeing, being close to the museums and parks, and is also convenient for the city's best restaurants. Don't forget to save some time to enjoy the fantastic spa facilities at the hotel - these have to be some of the best we've seen in a city property. |
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Puerto Escondido Hotels | ||
| Santa Fe WE LIKE: Great value seaside hotel with real Mexican flavor Excellent facilities together with a beachside location and the best restaurant in town make the Santa Fe an ideal choice for those wanting a resort vacation with real Mexican flavor. We like to spend our evenings here in the thatched-roof open-sided restaurant, overlooking Playa Zicaleta. It's the best place around for cocktails at sunset - we recommend you order the tasty guacamole with your drinks. The restaurant specializes in seafood and vegetarian dishes and has a casual atmosphere - but arrive early for the best tables. It's an easy walk along the bay into the pretty town, but the Santa Fe has everything you need for a relaxing break and you may be tempted not to stray far. |
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Puerto Vallarta Hotels | ||
| Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort WE LIKE: Ultra-luxurious all-inclusive resort, families welcomed, magnificent suites The Grand Velas has taken the all-inclusive vacation to a new level of luxury. Couples and families looking for an alternative to the Four Seasons in Punta Mita will find this resort very attractive. The magnificent two and three bedroom suites are some of the finest accommodations around the Bay of Banderas and resort has impressive facilities, including an excellent spa and childrens' activity program. The standards of service are very high, though in our opinion not quite as polished as the Four Seasons (though for many people the convenience of the all-inclusive plan will compensate for this). The Grand Velas also has the advantage of a convenient location, being within easy reach of both the airport and the town, and a lovely long beach.
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Punta Mita Villas | ||
| Casa Sol WE LIKE: Impressive private villa with ocean views, fully staffed and with concierge facilites, stylish decor and luxury amenites Casa Sol is a luxurious 4 bedroom villa located on the exclusive Lagos del Mar development in Punta Mita, north of Puerto Vallarta. The villa is fully staffed and enjoys wonderful ocean views - during the winter season guests may even be able to witness Humpback whales traversing the bay. Two bedrooms have a king bed and the remaining two each have two double beds, making this property the ideal rental for one or two families. Full concierge services are available.
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| Four Seasons Punta Mita WE LIKE: Excellent family resort, lavish suites, beautiful location The Four Seasons' newest Mexican property lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Secluded, pristine beaches and unusually calm and clear ocean make swimming and water sports especially enticing. These beaches are the nesting grounds of several species of marine turtle, and whales, dolphins and manta rays are occasional visitors. For the moment this is the only resort in the area, although more are planned, and the relatively small scale of the resort adds a sense of exclusivity and privacy. We recommend the resort to couples looking for some serious pampering - a world class spa and breathtakingly scenic golf course may be reasons enough alone for a visit. Punta Mita is also a great place for families. The surprisingly child friendly facilities and the "Kids for all Seasons" club mean that parents have time for some private relaxation. But don't worry if you want to escape the family environment - there's plenty of space for everyone and even during the busiest holiday season, it's still possible to find a secluded beach of your own. |
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Riviera Maya Hotels | ||
| Al Cielo WE LIKE: Great food; beautiful beach; rustic charm Al Cielo is located on a fabulously long, wide powder-soft beach on Mexico's Caribbean coast. For those yearning for the simple life, it is heaven indeed. The hotel has a chic "bare feet and linen" restaurant, a couple of beach bars within walking distance, and just four rooms - each with balcony or terrace and hammock and all with views of the dazzling Caribbean beach. |
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| Azul Beach Hotel WE LIKE: Luxury all-inclusive; ideal for families; great beach Azul Beach Hotel has an idyllic secluded setting and yet is within easy reach of both cosmopolitan Cancun and the quieter and more traditional fishing town of Puerto Morelos. It really is a hotel with a difference in this area of Mexico, where in general, families travelling with children have a very limited choice of accommodation. This is a small luxury all-inclusive resort which welcomes children of all ages. The hotel will not only appeal to families but is also the perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. |
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| Casa del Agua WE LIKE: Stylish and intimate rooms; unique Yucatecan design Casa del Agua offers the perfect combination for us; it is a stylish, intimate villa in a beautifully tranquil setting, yet within easy reach of many activities. It is quite unique, and having been built from local materials and in Yucatecan style, is quite unobtrusive on the palm fringed white sand beach. Each of the four Suites here is completely different, beautifully designed and decorated, and each has its own special feature. |
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| Esencia WE LIKE: Wonderful rooms, excellent spa; for couples or families Esencia is an intimate and luxurious property located on a gorgeous beach at Xpu-ha, on Mexico's Caribbean coast. This is one of the few luxury properties in this area to welcome children of all ages, yet it's also one of the most romantic and indulgent honeymoon destinations in the region. With just twenty nine rooms and suites on an estate covering fifty acres, there's plenty of space for everyone. |
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| Royal Hideaway WE LIKE: Excellent service; superb a-la-carte dining; beautiful beach The Royal Hideaway Resort in Playacar is refreshingly different - an intimate hotel with excellent service and exclusively a-la-carte dining in four romantic restaurants. The location is ideal - the hotel faces a beautiful wide, sandy beach less than two miles from the buzzing nightlife of Playa del Carmen. Children under sixteen aren't accepted at the hotel, and there are no discos or kids' clubs here - evenings are spent at a choice of two cozy and elegant bars or perhaps watching a Mexican Fiesta show in the impressive theater.
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San Miguel de Allende Hotels | ||
| Posada Carmina WE LIKE: Authentic Mexican charm; great restaurant; good value This pretty hotel has a perfect location in the heart of the historical center of San Miguel de Allende and boasts genuine colonial charm. Recent refurbishments have seen all rooms equipped with cable TVs, direct dial telephones and sparkling bathrooms. The excellent restaurant is popular with tourists and locals, and prices are very reasonable. The setting is picturesque whether eating beneath the orange trees in the courtyard or inside next to one of the grand stone fireplaces. |
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Tulum Hotels | ||
| Azul Blue WE LIKE: Luxurious rooms, good facilities, close to Tulum ruins This is the first luxury all-inclusive property to be built in the heart of Tulum. The hotel will appeal to couples and families looking for first class service and facilities. It boasts three gourmet a la carte restaurants, four bars, a spa, gymnasium and oceanfront swimming pool. Its 96 suites are arranged through 6 villas; each villa has its own concierge. Beach butlers are on hand to ensure that you receive fresh towels, refreshments and reading material whilst on the beach or at the pool. Rooms are luxuriously appointed and feature plasma TV, iPods and finest quality bed linens. |
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| Cabanas la Conchita WE LIKE: Idyllic location; beautiful rustic rooms; superb breakfast For those in search of a simple but idyllic beach vacation, Cabanas la Conchita is heaven on earth. Wake each morning to bright blue skies and the warm Caribbean just yards from your room; fall asleep to the sound of the ocean and the rustle of palm fronds. Days can be filled with swimming and snorkeling, diving and cycling or hiking - or just relaxing on the quiet little beach. The hotel is our favorite amongst the cluster of casita style resorts on this stretch of coast because of the careful and artistic design, the simple luxuries of spotlessly clean bathrooms with hot water, and the pretty and well screened rooms. As an added bonus, it is (for the moment at least) fairly quiet and isn't big enough to be overrun with large groups and families.
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| Hemingway WE LIKE: Superb beach and oceanfront; on-site restaurant A wonderfully rustic hotel located on a beach of cool white sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. The water here is incredibly clear making it a superb location for swimming and snorkeling. This simple hotel is a true getaway; perfect for those who yearn for rest and relaxation. With some rooms directly on the beach and others just a little way behind you are never far from the tempting waters of the Caribbean. Hemingway is the perfect spot to escape the pressures of day-to-day life and get back to nature in true Mexican style. |
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| La Via Laktea WE LIKE: Quiet location, superb beach, spacious rooms La Via Laktea is a pretty hotel situated in south Tulum, close to the biosphere reserve. It's location means that there are far fewer people passing by on the beach making the hoyel a relaxing and tranquil place to take a vacation. The ocean front rooms are in 3 two storey buildings and are just set a little back from the beach to maintain privacy. They are spacious and have a king bed, table and chairs and a writing desk for those all important postcards. Each room has a large terrace or balcony complete with outdoor table and chairs and a hammock to sleep away the afternoons in. There is no restaurant here which keeps the hotel very quiet but they serve a very simple but excellent continental breakfast on request.
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| Om Tulum Hotel Cabanas and Beach Club WE LIKE: Relaxing atmosphere; stylish rooms; beach lounge The nine cabanas at Om Tulum offer a rustic yet stylish retreat from the rush of everyday life. Furnished in a minimal style, the rooms offer the basic essentials for an uncomplicated beach vacation. Each room has a balcony or terrace from where you can enjoy views of the hotel's lush tropical gardens or even the Caribbean Sea. Electricity is available from 8:30am to 1:00am daily and there are electrical outlets in the rooms for guests use. Om Tulum is situated on a fine white sand beach that stretches for miles into the local biosphere reserve yet only a short distance from the history of Tulum ruins. |
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| Posada Margherita WE LIKE: Amazing beach; great food; rooms cool at night A small and friendly rustic resort located on a beautiful stretch of beach with comfortable, spotlessly clean rooms and a great restaurant. Though the rooms themselves aren't directly on the beach, they are all only a few steps away and most have glimpses of the powder-white sand and turquoise ocean. Although there are no electrical outlets there is 24-hour electrical lighting and the recent addition of surprisingly effective tower fans ensures that the rooms are kept cool in the evenings. We were also pleasantly surprised to find other amenities not typically found in this part of Tulum, including room service, and wireless internet access in the restaurant and surrounding beach area. |
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| Suenos Tulum WE LIKE: Amazing beach; good snorkeling; tranquil location This beautiful little hotel has everything for the ultimate get-away-from-it all vacation. Located on one of the most wonderful stretches of beach on the Riviera Maya, wth miles of soft white sand, it's perfect for those looking for solitude and relaxation. The water here is crystal clear and perfect for swimming; there is even a reef within swimming distance of the beach which provides some good snorkeling.
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Uxmal Hotels | ||
| Hacienda Santa Rosa WE LIKE: Good for sightseeing; luxurious rooms; friendly atmosphere The Hacienda Santa Rosa is a true haven for those intent on seeing the very best that the Yucatan has to offer. We particularly like the intimacy and serenity of the Santa Rosa. A visit here is rather like staying with friends - the welcome is warm and sincere and it's fun to watch the daily activity around this rather grand house. Rooms offer glorious oversized bathrooms, soaring ceilings - some more than twenty feet high - and enormous, heavy doors that lend so much to the atmosphere. Some original floor tiles also remain, and the rough walls have been repainted in typically Mexican yellows, oranges and blues. |
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| Hacienda Temozon WE LIKE: Historical rooms; grand estate; excellent tours; Temozon is a grand and formal hacienda estate. Its exquisitely furnished reception rooms and guest quarters offer visitors a real taste of the affluent lifestyle enjoyed by the lords of sisal during the early 19th century. The location is ideal, being in the heart of the Mayan countryside and at the gateway to the stunning Puuc sites of Uxmal and Kabah. Much of the original decor has been preserved, from the intricately decorated floor tiles (imported from Italy on board the returning sisal boats) to the picturesque red and yellow mineral pigments used to color the stucco walls. |
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| Hacienda Uxmal WE LIKE: Convenient location; swimming pool A comfortable and attractive destination that makes an excellent location for exploring the spectacular ruins at Uxmal. The restaurant serves good food, both local and international, and service is always with a smile. If you're lucky you can often hear the mariachis gently serenading diners and this gives the place a wonderful ambiance. |
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Valladolid Hotels | ||
| Meson del Marques WE LIKE: Close to Chichen Itza but without the crowds; good food Strolling into town is easy from this charming, centrally-located hotel and Valladolid also makes an excellent base for exploration of the archaeological sites and natural treasures of the Yucatan. The restaurant is excellent too. Many guests are pleasantly surprised by the amenities - including cable TV and telephones in all the rooms; and bidets and tubs in some of the roomy suites. The enticing swimming pool is also a real delight. |
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Zacatecas Hotels | ||
| Quinta Real Zacatecas WE LIKE: Spectacularly beautiful hotel, great bar Architecturally stunning, this luxury hotel and its surroundings are a must-see in Zacatecas. Where else can you stay in a hotel that incorporates the oldest bull ring in North America and lies alongside a 16th century aqueduct?
The interior of the hotel is equally impressive. Hallways circle the bull ring, boldly decorated and filled with a profusion of potted plants and shrubs. You'll find elegant boutiques and grand function rooms around the perimeter, with the prime spot reserved for the sophisticated restaurant. The Quinta Real group are renowned for their high class cuisine with an emphasis on Mexican ingredients. |
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Zihuatanejo Hotels | ||
| Brisas del Mar WE LIKE: Charming small hotel, beachfront location, good value Brisas del Mar is a charming small hotel with an excellent location. It's situated right on Madera beach, just a short walk by the sea from the center of Zihuatanejo town. The hotel is perfect for families and offers an excellent range of accommodation with plenty of space and good facilities. The hotel is built down a steep hill and as a result there are several flights of stairs separating the rooms and hotel facilities; as there is no elevator it wouldn't be a good choice for elderly people or anyone with mobility problems. |
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