Family Holidays in Mexico

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.