The Best Hotels in Mexico

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
Multiple locations
18 Places
@afar
The best hotels in Mexico fit well in a country that dazzles visitors with world-class art, museums, and food, but also relaxes even the most harried traveler with its beautiful beaches. Choose from boutique properties in the city, eco-friendly accommodations on the coast, or luxurious spots that offer the ultimate spa experience. Credit: Collected by AFAR Editors, AFAR Staff

"Mexico City has no dearth of luxurious boutique hotels, but Las Alcobas is a special option. Designed by famed firm Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel is full of gorgeous details, from hand-stitched leather wall coverings to a spiral staircase that surges up from the lobby. Upon arrival, guests enjoy a welcome drink as a bellman leads them to their room; explains the technology that controls the light, sound and temperature; and offers them a selection of handmade soaps. Once settled in, they can lounge in plush robes on their goose-down comforters while sampling snacks from the minibar. For a heartier meal, Las Alcobas offers two excellent restaurants. Just outside the hotel’s front door, there’s also Presidente Masaryk, Polanco’s main avenue full of restaurants and high-end boutiques."

Photo by Evan Dion

Rosewood Mayakoba

Hotel · Solidaridad

"Secluded and service-oriented are the adjectives that best describe Rosewood Mayakoba, a resort in Playa del Carmen that opened in 2008. At 1,600 acres, the resort is expansive, offering plenty of room for guests to feel that they have their own space. Rooms, too, are spacious and have either tile or wooden floors, comfortable beds and chairs, and a layout and design that draws guests to outside spaces such as patios and balconies. The sense of privacy is reinforced by special en suite features, including private plunge pools, garden showers, and sundecks. Service, which includes butler, concierge, and valet support, is first-class. Staff can facilitate or organize a wide range of experiences, both on the hotel property and in the surrounding area. These range from horseback riding on the beach and ocean kayaking to private dining and aerial tours of the Mayan site Chichén Itzå."

Photo by Courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba

Olas Tulum

Bed & breakfast · Tulum

"As is the case with many hotels in the Tulum section of Riviera Maya, Casa de las Olas shies away from the “luxe” label, preferring to promote itself as a simple, eco-friendly retreat where intimate spaces and five-star service are more important than linen thread counts and extra amenities. Bright white walls, mosquito nets, private balconies, and canopy beds are what guests can expect in their rooms. This doesn't mean that Casa de las Olas is skimpy in any way. The staff are known for their thoughtful attention to guests, and the small size of the hotel—justfive suites—ensures they are never overwhelmed by guests' requests or needs.Plus, each room has views of the Caribbean Sea, and the hotel’s private beach is never more than a few steps away."

Photo courtesy of Casa de las Olas

"Las Ventanas al ParaĂ­so represents the epitome of luxury, with gorgeous, gigantic rooms featuring traditional crafts, handmade mosaic headboards, and classy furniture and accents. Balcony railings are awash in pink blossoms of bougainvillea. Some rooms take amenities further still, with private kitchens and wine cellars, as well as personal butler service. The property is set between the desert and the sea, and common areas, such as pools, have exceptional ocean views. Service is ultra-attentive, as one would expect at this price point, and guests rave about on-site restaurants and dining, especially in La Cava, the resort's private wine cellar. Concierges can assist with planning a host of excursions and experiences, from cooking classes to whale-watching trips."

Photo courtesy of Las Ventanas al ParaĂ­so, A Rosewood Resort

Hotel La Semilla

Hotel · Playa del Carmen

"“We hope you adapt to our bohemian philosophy,” say the staff at Hotel La Semilla, by way of explanation when guests ask why rooms have no televisions (there is, however, Wi-Fi and AC). With distressed walls and furniture, the hotel has a shabby chic feel (or, as they describe it, “rough luxe”), and owners Alexis and Angie treat all guests as friends. Part of the room rate is earmarked as a donation to the Friends of Sian Ka'an, a conservation group dedicated to the preservation of the nearby Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve."

Photo courtesy of Hotel La Semilla

Centro

Todos los Santos

"“Dude” is a word that's used a lot around Rancho Pescadero, a small hotel in the surfing town of Todos Santos, located in the Mexican state of Baja California. The rooms here, however, don't reflect the dude aesthetic, which is to say they are clean and classy. Spacious suites offer comfortable spots to relax, with most having retractable glass doors that eliminate barriers between indoors and outdoors and open up onto terraces that have hammocks or lounge beds. Terra-cotta tile floors, rattan and wood furniture, and locally made accents—such as hand-embroidered throw pillows—are some of the decor elements found in rooms. Surfers won't feel totally out of their element, though; world-famous breaks are less than 10 minutes away and staff can give pointers on the best spots to hang ten. Apart from surfing, the hotel encourages guests to spend a lot of time relaxing and immersing themselves in the laid-back Baja lifestyle."

Photo courtesy of Rancho Pescadero

Las Alamandas

Hotel · La Huerta

"Las Alamandas is a colorful, comfortable hotel with just 16 suites located on Mexico 's Costalegre, or “Happy Coast.” Rooms here are spacious, comfortable, and bright, suffused with natural sunlight washing over the vivid colors of the furniture and decor. While design details differ from one room to another, expect Mexican accents such as a cotton bedspread embroidered with colorful traditional Mexican textiles. Pinks, yellows, greens, and blues abound. Despite the limited number of rooms, the property itself is expansive at 1,500 acres, and guests find that they are able to stake out their own private space on the grounds. Amenities and services at the individual room level and across the property include personal pools and spaces for a variety of physical activities, such as yoga, and sports, including basketball, tennis, and bocce ball."

Photo courtesy of Las Alamandas

Playa Viva

Hotel · Petatlån

"The owners and staff of Playa Viva (whose name means “Living Beach”) promise guests “guilt-free luxury” at this beachfront eco-resort where the dividing line between the indoors and the outdoors is hard to distinguish. Common areas such as a kitchen, dining room, and yoga deck are built on platforms under thatched roofs and have open walls or, in some cases, no walls at all. Like the common spaces, the bungalow-style casitas allow guests to be one with their surroundings, with retractable walls dissolving boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. Almost all of the building supplies were sourced locally, as were design elements such as bathroom fixtures and towels and sheets. Solar energy provides both lights and hot water on the property. Eco-consciousness doesn't signify deprivation, though; the casitas are comfortable, with relaxing hammocks in addition to beds draped with gauzy mosquito netting. Room rates include meals and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as transfers to and from the airport."

Photo courtesy of Playa Viva

L'Ôtel

Hotel · San Miguel de Allende

"L'Ôtel L’Ôtel may not have a Mexican-sounding name, but the intimate boutique property is pure San Miguel de Allende. A colonial-style stone facade covered in vines gives way to four exceedingly stylish rooms with eclectic influences that nod to the diversity of the city itself: exposed wood beams, gilt picture frames, dramatic headboards, and terra-cotta floor tiles join luxury touches like Italian linens, personal fireplaces, and silk coverlets. There’s free Wi-Fi and a film and music library from which guests can borrow titles to play on flat-screen TVs, but you won’t want to miss the cinematically romantic views from the rooftop terrace, where a heated plunge pool and breakfast area afford incredible vistas overlooking La Parroquia. Those with more contemporary tastes should check in at sister property Dîce 18 Concept House, just a few blocks away."

Photo courtesy of L'otel

Punta Ixtapa

Zihuatanejo

"Built into the side of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Capella Ixtapa is a luxurious resort hotel with 59 rooms, all suites with ocean-facing views. As might be expected, accommodations are generous in size, with each guestroom featuring a master bedroom, a living room, and a private terrace with its own plunge pool. Decor features tiled floors, dark wood furniture, and local handwoven crafts as accents. Included in the room fee is a range of personal services and amenities, from standards like Wi-Fi and nightly turndown service to more coveted benefits such as a personal assistant who provides individualized concierge services. There are lots of common spaces in the hotel for guests to enjoy, among them an open-air lobby and a library, where drinks and snacks are served nightly. Two pools, an award-winning spa, and three restaurants round out what's on offer here."

Photo courtesy of Capella Ixtapa

C. Jose Guadalupe Posada 116

Building · Toluca

"La Purificadora (“The Purifier”) is named for the former industry in the building where this boutique hotel is housed. In the late 19 th century, the site was a water-purification and ice factory. While the building underwent renovation, archaeologists found numerous pieces of glass dated to that period; many such artifacts were incorporated into the design of the hotel. Other quirky design details? Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta—famous for, among other things, his love of color—oversaw the project, with its black-and-white scheme. Most of the materials in the hotel, including stone, wood, onyx, and tiles, are native to or were made in Mexico . Rooms are somewhat spare, with no art or decorations to distract the eyes, but amenities and toiletries are first-rate, including L'occitane products."

Photo by Undine Pröhl

Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + SPA

Restaurant · Mérida

"With a name like that, it’s no wonder this boutique hotel is a prime spot for romantic getaways in the Yucatan’s capital city. The two pink-hued colonial mansions are as charming as they are camera-friendly, bedecked in vibrant modern art and picturesque patios and outdoor corners that mix lush greenery and sleek furnishings. Life here feels like its perpetually viewed through rose-colored glasses, and it’s not just the walls: the spa offers an enticing menu of xocolatherapies; the tequila bar has over 250 varieties to sample; the oasis-like swimming pool is a palm-shaded spot for afternoon dips; and there’s even a chocolate shop on-site. Guests can dine on gourmet fusion fare in the restaurant, or head up to the rooftop lounge for cocktails with a side of live jazz. As for the guest rooms, they’re no less indulgent with their rose and cocoa palettes and patterned-tile floors; minimalist bathrooms have sumptuous open-air stone tubs, large walk-in rainfall showers, and handmade chocolate soaps."

Photo courtesy of Rosas y Xocolate

Hotel Bo

Hotel · S. Cristobal de Las Casas

"Hotel Bo is a so-called design concept hotel, and its particular concept is the unification of contemporary and traditional Chiapaneco architecture and design. (Chiapaneco means indigenous to the state of Chiapas, where San Cristobal de las Casas is located.) The four elements—wind, water, fire, and earth—are central to the hotel's aesthetic, with different design details, such as fireplaces and candles, alluding to these elements. Rooms are decorated with some local crafts, and beds are dressed with colorful spreads. The hotel really is in the heart of San Cristobal, within easy walking distance of markets, restaurants, and the city's main sights, many of which are architectural gems dating back to the colonial era."

Photo courtesy of Hotel Bo

Habita Hotel

Hotel · Chapultepec Morales

"Ultra-modern Hotel Habita sits on upscale avenue Presidente Masaryk, in the midst of the Polanco's fine restaurants and shops. Opened in 2000 and renovated in 2012, the hotel, which looks like a glass cube, continues to attract travelers who appreciate its sleek design and superb location. Rooms are typical of Grupo Habita hotels-spare and uncluttered, with luxurious toiletries and high-tech amenities, like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The staff is accommodating and will help guests with everything from transportation recommendations to securing reservations at top nearby restaurants, such as Biko, Pujol, and Quintonil. All three appeared on the 2015 "Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants" list."

Photo courtesy of Hotel Habita

NIZUC Resort & Spa

Hotel · CancĂșn

"The 29-acre Nizuc Resort & Spa excels in size, service, and amenities. The soothing design scheme blendscalming neutrals and natural materials, which recur across multipleinterior elements, including lamps, furniture, and tile flooring. Spacious, sun-filled rooms featureterraces and tropical gardens, and the private villas includeinfinity pools . Staff lead many activities to keep visitors as busy as they want to be; a typical day at the resort might include learning how to roll cigars, participating in a session of paddleboard yoga, or simply trying to choose a favorite between the two pools."

Photo courtesy of Nizuc Resort & Spa

"There are at least two kinds of luxury when it comes to hotels. The first is overtly lavish: suited staff, hardwood floors, heavy furniture, and spare-no-expense design details and amenities. The second is understated, even simple, with effort and expense invested in doing just a handful of things really well. Coqui Coqui falls into the second category. Rooms are spare but by no means spartan; everything guests need is here, while everything extraneous has been left out. High, thatched ceilings and gauzy mosquito nets surrounding the beds give a tropical air. The idea here is to unplug, relax, and recharge. Guests who feel intoxicated by the exotic scents wafting throughout the hotel can purchase some to take home from the on-site perfumery. Tobacco, orange blossom, and coconut are just a few of the locally inspired aromas."

Photo courtesy of Coqui Coqui

"Esperanza, an Auberge Resort Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, sits on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, offering guests exceptional views of the Sea of CortĂ©z. Each of the hotel’s 57 rooms faces the sea and Esperanza’s private beach but also offers access to four separate swimming pools. Hotel staff keep guests as busy as they want to be with a full schedule of activities, some of which are the usual Baja resort suspects like yoga lessons and cooking classes. A number of options are quite unique, however—book a master tequilero to teach you about the fine art of tequila appreciation, or take classes in Spanish, salsa, painting, and more. Guest rooms are gorgeous, with an earth-tone color scheme and fine, locally made handicrafts as decorative accents. Bathrooms in thecasitaslook out onto water, while villas have full kitchens and dining rooms."

Photo courtesy of Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection

Casa Oaxaca Hotel

Hotel · Oaxaca City

"Hotel Casa Oaxaca Small and intimate, Hotel Casa Oaxaca feels quintessentially Oaxacan: It’s colonial in style, with whitewashed walls contrasting with vivid pops of carnelian red and fuchsia. It’s surrounded by local vegetation. And it’s filled with Oaxacan handicrafts and art. Common areas invite visitors to settle in and relax, like the on-site library, pool, and terrace with beautifully-made cotton hammocks. The hotel's seven rooms are arranged around the central patio. Visitors consistently say the service is exceptional, with attention to detail and a “go the extra mile” attitude mentioned frequently as one of the main reasons to return. Another is the hotel's central location, as it offers an easy walk to many of Oaxaca's top sights."

Photo courtesy of Hotel Casa Oaxaca