Stepping off the street through the colonial doorway past the thick mesquite wood doors, you step-out of the heat and bustle of Mérida’s city center into an oasis of light and color.  There’s no opulence or grandstanding here, and instead the immediate feel of a friendly, easy-going, and comfortable hotel that’s created for people who like to explore, meet others on the journey, and be close to a city’s heart and soul.  And this is precisely what Tom and Donard intended when they set out to create Luz En Yucatán.

Described as an ‘urban retreat,’ the property might have been part of the old convent situated next door; it has now been tastefully restored to bring its colonial-era courtyards, nooks and crannies back to life with light, color and flora—creating spaces for guests to relax or socialize around the pool, terraces, fountains and alcoves.

Each of the 16 rooms and studios are individually designed and appointed—each one as unique as the property itself, and guests may choose the one they would like from the booking system on the hotel’s website. The amenities in-room have been carefully thought out to provide comfort and convenience for guests, and the entire property enjoys access to WiFi for those who need to keep in touch.

With its central location in the historic district of Mérida, Luz En Yucatán is perfectly situated to explore and enjoy this most vibrant of Mexican cities: situated less than two minutes’ walk from the one of Mérida’s most popular dining and cultural plazas, and just a short cab ride away from every major attraction.

After a day exploring the city, guests can return to a refreshing swim in the pool, enjoy a drink from the complimentary selection of beverages on the bar cart, and rest or catch-up with other guests’ stories.  The rooms are cool and comfortable, and some also offer cozy private terraces to while away an afternoon or evening.

The owners and staff are very welcoming, paying attention to details and providing local assistance to help you get the most of your visit to the area, including travel tips, maps and personal recommendations for eating and entertainment; Donard even knows a cenote off-the-tourist-radar situated an hour’s drive away—and has a hand-drawn map he shares with guests to help them find it!

When you’re looking for a comfortable and friendly place to stay in Mérida that offers convivial accommodations amidst an authentic colonial feel and atmosphere, Luz En Yucatán offers great value and a genuine oasis in the heart of Mérida.

Hacienda Uxmal is a working plantation that offers comfortable and very agreeable accommodations in the heart of the Yucatán jungle.  The property is situated less than a ten-minute walk away from Uxmal archaeology site—the best-known Maya site along the Ruta Puuc.

As we remarked in a related article, staying overnight near the archaeological ruins of Uxmal or Chichen Itzá offers several advantages and helps you to get the most out of your visit to these famous archaeology sites—which are among the most visited in all Mexico.

Practicalities aside, the Hacienda Uxmal is an experience in its own right.  From the midst of a thickly-wooded jungle springs a beautifully planned and well-kept property featuring beautifully appointed rooms surrounded by carefully manicured gardens, and refreshing swimming pool which offers cool refreshment after a long day exploring archaeology ruins.

The hotel features an elegant restaurant on-site offering Mayan, Mexican and International cuisine prepared using fresh local ingredients.  Breakfasts offer a buffet, or choices from an a-la-carte menu.

Uxmal is an easy drive one-hour from Mérida.  Arrive early afternoon and settle-in to your room, wander and relax around the grounds, or take a tour of the remarkable Cacao Museum, run by the hotel just a five-minute walk away.  For an evening of light entertainment, consider the nighttime ‘light and sound’ show at Uxmal which begins around 7:30pm (check times locally) and tickets can be purchased at the hotel’s reception.  Dinner at the elegant restaurant can be taken on the terrace in the evening when the air is cooler.

After an early breakfast, a ten-minute walk will have you at the gates of the Uxmal archaeology park long before the tour buses and crowds arrive.

Hacienda Uxmal also offers a range of other amenities including a spa, an Aztec steam bath (Temazcal), horse riding tours, free use of bicycles, and a games room.  Local tours can be organized from the hotel including outings to local cenotes which offer you an opportunity to swim in fresh water underground pools, situated in remote jungle areas surrounded by natural beauty.

The Choco-Story cacao museum, situated adjacent to the hotel, offers a remarkable and very enjoyable learning experience that tells a detailed history of the cacao-growing and chocolate-making business in Mexico.

You could stay one night and use Hacienda Uxmal as a base to explore the ruins, but a longer stay provides an ideal opportunity to get the most from what the hacienda and surrounding area offers—including a visit to local cenotes, the cacao museum, and other important archaeology sites on the Ruta Puuc.

Hacienda Santa Cruz, near Mérida, was originally built in the 17^th century as a Franciscan monastery for nuns and was later converted into a henequen hacienda to capitalize upon a boom in the demand for twine.  It reached its peak of production during the 19^th century, but when demand for henequen collapsed, the estate returned to its agricultural roots and, like some other similar estates across Mexico, has now been restored to become a luxury hotel and social events venue.

Important buildings from the original hacienda remain in place including the main house, the machine room (which processed the henequen), and the chapel.  The machine room has been restored and converted into what is today a grand hall, reception, and bar.  The re-consecrated chapel remains a quiet sanctuary for prayer and meditation, as well as serving as a place for religious weddings, and occasional baptisms.

To accommodate guests, the present owners have constructed twenty-five modern, sumptuous, rooms and suites with facades in-keeping with the original colonial look and feel of the property—and all surrounded by carefully manicured and well-tended gardens where guests can stroll and relax.  Each luxurious room is appointed to a high standard, offering guests modern comforts amidst the echoes of a 19^th century hacienda estate.

The restaurant, café and bar offer guests a range of freshly prepared regional, Mexican, and international dishes served in an authentic colonial setting.

For pastimes which promote health and well-being, the property also features two beautiful swimming pools, a bicycle track (with cycles freely available from the bike shed), a soccer pitch, a man-made ‘cenote’ (50-foot deep fresh-water pool), and fully-appointed spa.

The estate also includes a large dining area and ball-room featuring a retractable roof, marble floors and pillars—a space most frequently used to host elegant weddings.

Situated about half-way between Merida’s international airport (6 miles) and the city’s center (9 miles), Hacienda Santa Cruz offers a luxurious escape from the city in the middle of the Yucatán countryside. It’s an ideal base from which to visit local cenotes and archaeological sites along the Ruta Puuc, including Uxmal.

Spotting an opportunity to open an authentic colonial-style hotel in the area, Arturo Magana and his wife left Los Angeles in 2001, moved their family to Tlaquepaque, and opened the Quinta Don José with the intention to provide a local oasis, where guests enjoy a comfortable stay as well as a base to explore the locality.  It has since become known as one of the most welcoming and friendly hotels in the area.

This family-run boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Tlaquepaque’s historic district, close to the town’s principal attractions and amenities. Stepping-in from the colonial street to Quinta Don José feels like stepping into an authentic colonial Mexican home. The hotel’s staff treat guests with the kind of personal attention that makes you feel immediately relaxed and at home.  Every one of the 17 rooms are individually appointed, each with its own character, and perfectly in-keeping with authentic Mexican colonial style décor.

The central colonial courtyard is marked by a beautiful pool area and surrounding gardens, with seating flecked in nooks and crannies where you can find cool shade in the afternoon sun, or relax under soft lamplight while enjoying the tranquility of a warm evening.

The intimate and friendly bar is well stocked and offers an opportunity to mingle and socialize with other guests, or simply enjoy a quiet cocktail.  Arturo also opened an Italian-themed restaurant on the property—Tlaquepasta—which is well-regarded by locals and guests for its handmade pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.  The wonderful home-cooked breakfasts, which include freshly-baked breads and traditional Mexican favorites, can be taken at your leisure in the restaurant or in the central courtyard amidst the beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel welcomes families and is also pet friendly.

As your local hosts and experts about the region, the staff at La Quinta Don José can arrange trips and activities using known-good local guides and operators—including city tours of Guadalajara, trips to visit the agave-growing region around Tequila, nearby archaeology sites, as well as other nature/adventure activities.