Chain hotels often lure travelers with global name recognition and convenience. But many off-the-beaten path hotels in Mexico offer the same high-quality services and local reputation with a lot more character.
Whether visitors prefer cozy bed and breakfasts, historical hotels, or unique locations, Mexico boasts choices for everyone. Staying at the right place can be difficult if booking online without ever stepping foot in the city or having heard of the hotel. Because the hotel experience often helps enhance or bring down the travel experience, consider these recommended options:
Casa de las Bugambilias Bed and Breakfast – Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
Traditional design meets contemporary style in this warm, comfortable and relaxing bed and breakfast. This centrally located hotel features nine beautifully decorated rooms, each with its own Mexican flair. The rates range from $50 USD a night for a single room to $125 USD a night for a suite.
Reasons Casa de las Bugambilias is a Oaxacan favorite:
- Eat amazing two-course Mexican gourmet breakfasts, mostly cooked with ingredients from local and organic growers.
- Welcoming service with a multilingual staff - extremely helpful without being overbearing.
- Home to top-notch restaurant "La Olla," which serves excellent Oaxacan cuisine and vegetarian dishes at affordable prices in a casual setting.
- Not only do visitors get to eat delicious food, they can also learn how to make it. "La Olla" chef provides Oaxacan cooking classes.
- Melt away stress with a massage or a traditional steam bath (temazcal) right at the hotel.
And just because Casa de las Bugambilias offers unique features doesn't mean visitors have to give up some convenient services like:
- wireless Internet
- computer access
- room service
- TV room
- free local and international calls (to eight countries)
La Selva Mariposa - Tulum, Quintana Roo
Step into nature and experience a hotel stay like no other. The sounds of exotic birds and sights of beautiful flora surround this unique bed and breakfast nestled in the jungle. Though a beach side hotel appeals to most Tulum visitors for its convenience, this jungle hotel is worth the visit for its authenticity and beauty.
If visitors want to splurge while in paradise, then La Selva Mariposa is the place to go. Rates range from
$125 USD a night for two people to $225 USD a night for two people. A 50 percent deposit is required, and must be sent by check to a U.S. address. Online payments through PayPal are accepted, but no credit cards.
Lush tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls surround the property. The beach and nearby ruins are just a short drive away, and visitors can have taxis come for pickups if necessary. Each of the four suites are decorated with Mayan art and luxury features that focus on enhancing the jungle experience.
Perks include:
- a bathroom with a transparent ceiling to make the jungle canopy visible
- open-air showers to enjoy under the stars or morning light
Even though it's the jungle, wireless Internet, telephone, cell phones and two-way radios are available for visitors to use.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
