Hotel Bo

"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."

"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."