Can anyone recommend a quiet hotel in either of these cities? I would like something Mexican colonial and close to the center or a Hacienda, not too expensive. Going there the 20th of May, 2007. Thanks

Hi Margot -

In Merida, we really liked the Casa del Balam. Not too expensive, but not exactly cheap. I have also stayed at the Dolores Alba, which is cheap, and which everyone seems to love. Except me.

The Balam was very beautiful, with a lovely courtyard, pretty paneled bar, nice quiet pool area, and excellent good ized well decorated rooms. The Balam is very well located, about 3 blocks north of the zocalo in a nice area of town. It is also, conveniently, a few doors down from about 4 rental car places.

The Dolores Alba was at best just OK. It's got an interesting old arcaded front courtyard, and a more modern rear courtyard with a pool full of children. The room was basic, which is fine, but was not clean, which was not. And the location - a 6 block, not entirely pleasant walk from the zocalo, was not nearly as good as the location of the Balam.

In Valladolid, I have eaten at the Marques, but did not sleep there. Beautiful courtyard. Great examples of Yucatecan food. The hotel looked fine, I guess, but I didn't see a room.

Um, why are you staying overnight in Valladolid?

I found a great Hacienda just on the outskirts of Merida, called Hacienda San Pedro Nohpat. The rates are great compared to other haciendas and they include a full american or mexican breakfast. The hacienda is in a small mayan village and is very peacefull at night. You can catch Merida bus or taxi service right from the hacienda. The owners are Canadians and take care of you like family. I am already planning my next trip back there. You can find this place at www.haciendaholidays.com

We stayed at Casa Esperanza--it's a B&B in an old colonial about five blocks from the zocalo. Rates were great, included wonderful breakfasts. Grounds are beautiful with lovely pool. The hosts were friendly and very informative.

I'm going to second Casa del Balam in Merida. It's location is on Calle 60, one of the main drags thru town, perfect for tourists. The restaurant is reasonable, fairly good, wireless internet, CNN, free parking and a pool. Within two blocks are a Burger King(if you're into Burger Kings), Subway, and assorted Mexican restaurants. Several bars are within two blocks south on Calle 60. Casa de Frida and Vila Maria (excellent restaurants) are both within walking distance. A couple of tourist restaurants, Pancho's and another (I can't think of the name) which has balconies where you can eat are also just a block or two. The food is okay but you mainly go for the tourist attractions. You can catch a bus to Progresso on either Calle 60 or Calle 62, I can't remember. The central market is within six blocks and another little market is easliy walkable toward the north. Merida is easy to navigate in that the even numbered street streets run north to south and the odd numbered streets run east to west. Very safe city, many locals speak English, and the prices of food and alcohol is cheap.

I second TvMaven, we loved Casa Esperanza and would return in a minute.Charming hosts, lovely serene setting.