Hotel Bo

Hotel Bo

"The look: Though the eclectic style is part camp, part-Danish modern, with hexagonal-tiled floors, teak sofas, and geometric-patterned tables, the design also pays generous tribute to the area’s master textile artisans, incorporating their original works in the bed linens, throw pillows, and staff uniforms. Sleeping rooms sport charcoal-felt blackout drapes, hand-woven coverlets in colorful stripes, and black throw rugs made from the same pulled wool as the native women’s tribal skirts. The experience: Once the domain of backpackers on the Mayan pyramid circuit, San Cristóbal and its lively street scene can thank the Bo for giving a different breed of traveler a reason to come. The stylish crowd, mostly young, hip, and well-coiffed, hails from Mexico City or Veracruz, throwing back international cocktails in the lobby or outside by the reflecting pools that cascade down into lush gardens. Staff go out of their way to please guests, starting with their own bonhomie. There's a buzz in the dining room (maybe it’s the beer for just $2) and the crowd hums, digging into haute-Mexican cuisine. When there’s a nip in the high-altitude air, waiters drape you in an wool rebozo fit for a Mayan princess. The glass, apothecary water bottles in the bedrooms (where sleeping is so easy on the divine mattress) are filch-worthy. Recycle a few for your own bar."