Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Villa Montecarlo

Built around a Mediterranean-style villa nearly a century old, this hotel has well-maintained grounds with plenty of places for picnics or for the kids to play. One of the two swimming pools (the biggest in the area) is filled with water from the nearby hot springs; it's usually open only on weekends and holidays. The simple, clean rooms all have patios or terraces. Popular with Mexican families, the hotel has packages that are often good deals. For about $20 more than a standard room you can get a suite with larger terrace or balcony, a kitchenette, and king-size bed.