Merida
 

Would like information on Merida. We expect tobe there in Jan. I know it is not a tourist destination but any info would be helpful Thanks

Merida is a very nice place to visit. I went in June, and there were very few tourists there. Go to the Plaza Mayor on a Sunday if you get a chance. There you will see dancers, musicians, and many local foods and crafts. A lot of fun and great for photography. Go see the Cathedral, which is on the same square. It doesn't compare to those in Europe, but it is one of the oldest in North America. Go inside the building to the right side of the square when exiting the cathedral. I can't remember the name, but it is a government building that has a courtyard surrounded by many beautiful and historic paintings. You can get a nice overall view of the square from the upper floor of the municipal building which is directly across the square from the cathedral. Also see the big avenue there. I can't remember the name (check the guide books). It is a very very long street of old mansions. Try to see the anthropology museum, especially if you are interested in Yucatan history. Closed on Mondays. <BR> <BR>Shop for arts and crafts. Merida has the best shopping in the Yucatan for these items. Try Casa Artesanias (closed on Sundays), which is 5-10 minutes walk from the square. Also good is the marketplace, a big building about 10 minutes from the square, but I have heard the prices are better in shops on the street. For food, you must try Los Almendros (see the Lonely Planet or any guide book), which is famous for its Yucatecan food. I highly recommend the Poc chuc and any chicken dishes. There are many nice and very inexpensive hotels a block or two off of the square (see the Lonely Planet guide). We got one with air in an old mansion with courtyard for about $20 a night. <BR> <BR>Use Merida as a jumping off point to explore the ruins at Uxmal (even better than Chichen Itza) and other smaller sites. You may need a car to see all the sites well.

We were in Merida for 6 days in August and absolutely loved it. Ditto to everything in the first post. We stayed at the Hotel Caribe, a block from the central plaza for about $40/night with air conditioning, but make sure you reserve a room with air, they have some without. The Hotel used to be a Catholic mens school - it was quite interesting. The street mentioned above was named Paseo Montejo. It has many magestic mansions along it. We took a carraige ride from the Cathedral to the Paseo and back for about $10. <BR> <BR>Another restaurant to try only a couple of blocks away from the Cathedral is Panchos or Pancho Villa's. They have live music and very good food. Los Almendros had great food but lacked atmosphere. <BR> <BR>If you like beer, make sure to order a "chelada". Its a corona with lime juice in a salt rimmed glass. Never tasted anything better on a hot day!! <BR> <BR>Uxmal was fantastic, you can rent a car or take a bus. There are tour companies all over. If you are inclined, there are a couple of hotels just outside the entrance to the ruins. You can stay there, and visit the ruins early in the morning and have them all to yourself. Some of the best food we had on our trip was in the open air thatched roof restaurant next to the hotel pool at Uxmal. If you rent a car, you should be able to not only see Uxmal, but several other sites nearby also. <BR> <BR>We also went to Celestun and went up the river to see the flamingo santuary. This was also a bus tour. <BR> <BR>Merida is much less 'touristy" than most other places in Mexico. Most of the tourists we did see were European. The city is very clean, and they have done a marvelous job of preserving their colonial buildings. We will go back. Email me if you would like more info.

I also stayed at the Hotel Caribe and recommend it. I felt Pancho's was a toruist restaurant and would recommend <BR>La Casona — gorgeous rest. in mansion with interior courtyard. We had huachinango and filet mignon in brandy cream sauce (THE BEST)and tater tots, with lots of garlic bread. The service was excellent. Our bill was $237 ($30). I also would recommend a trip to Celestun to see the flamingoes - my favorite part of our journey.

I spend my night at "Dolores Alba". It's a nice place to stay and during summer, I stayed there 2 weeks ago, a double room is 270 pesos in the old part of the hotel and 320 in the newest one (1 USD=9 pesos). Even if looking by outside you will never bet a cent on this place, as soon as you enter you can change your opinion; there is a nice patio, a delicious swimming pool, and the new part of the hotel is really a good location (ac, cable TV, king size bed,...) The only reproach concerns the service: the girl at the desk, her brother and may be the granma are really rude (I spent one month travelling in Mexico and they were the worst and rudest I have met) but if you will keep a minimum contact with them you will enjoy your stay for sure!! <BR>Ciao, Biro