Am planning to go to Merida this winter and would like to get as much information about the city as possible. I understand that they have a lot of concerts in the parks, and that it seems to be a fun place. Would appreciate any info, good and bad; also any hotels that you would recommend.

I have not stayed in Merida but have visited there. It is a very pleasant little city - some nice colonial buildings and parks, a good museum and a nice central square and market. Sunday is the day a lot of free concerts and stuff happens - unfortunately I missed this but people who have been really enjoy it. Hopefully someone who has stayed there can recommend some hotels to you. Absolutely not to miss if you go - take a day trip to mayan ruins at Uxmal.

Merida is a fantastic place to visit. Sundays the streets in the centro are blocked to traffic and stay that way until Monday morning. They offer music, dancing,arts and crafts, puppet shows and other entertainment for children and plenty of food. We stayed at the Grand Hotel right in the middle of everything. Its an old hotel with alot of charm. I also recommend you do a search for hotels and see what apeals to your tastes and price range. The culture in this city is breathtaking. Another thing we did, was rent a car and drive along the coast to past Progesso and then took a sideroad and went through all these small Mayan villages. The buildings and catherdals we viewed were unbelivable. Enjoy!

I am certain you will enjoy Merida. A really beautiful colonial city with a true Mexican atmosphere, unlike the touristy cities of Cancun, etc.
Sundays are not to be missed. (also some activities in the center on Saturday night) The streets are closed and much entertainment, dancing and good food!
I would recommend staying in the center, within walking distance of the entertainment. The Gran Hotel is a good recommendation as is the Hotel Caribe, located on the same central square. Many nice sidewalk cafes in the viciinity. (the Hotel Caribe has a website where you can book directly)
Enjoy!

Is Hotel Caribe the same as Plaza Caribe? Is it within walking distance from the bus station? We plan to take the bus and stay in Merida for one night for a weekend trip from Cancun.... Would that be a good choice for hotel so we could be within walking distance to Merida's city attractions?

Sorry, I was thinking about Plaza Caribe in Cancun City. How about the Best Western Hotel Maria del Carmen, is it a good choice for being close to the bus station and Merida's city attractions?

As others have said, Merida is wonderful for any number of reasons.

We like Hotel Dolores Alba (http://dyred.sureste.com/dolores/).

It is a couple of blocks off the main plaza, has off-street parking, and two sections: the older (a restored Merida mansion) and a newer one. I think there are two pools now but their doubles are about $40.

The Caribe may suit you. I have always found it a tad too "Gringo-landia" down that way, but it could be OK.

Merida also gets you into the Southern Zone and the cities of Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labna and the caves at Loltun. If you are intrepid, do them on your own. If not, work out a deal with a taxi driver or take a tour.

Eat at least once at Restaurante Excelencia (two locations) for super seafood and local color. Don't go before 2 in the afternoon.

What is the closest beach to Merida? In other words, if we plan a trip there but also want to spend some time in the ocean, how easy is it to do that?

Merida is not close to a beach. We stayed about an hour outside of Merida at a resort called the Reef Club Yucatan. This was 4 years ago and I believe this resort has since closed. Merida is a great city with lots to see, but it's not near a beach.

Bop on out to Celestun on the Atlantic "Gulf" side.

It is tiny but charming and there are boatmen who will take you out to the mangroves to see the flamingos and other widlife.

Good beach. Nice seaside retsurants.

I strongly advide against the various beach communities including Progresso and those east of it. They are hit and miss although some of the beaches are nice.

Celestun is an easy 60 miles by taxi, bus, or rental car.

Ask at your hotel. They can arrange a taxi or, for some fun, ask where the taxis line up for Celestun. Every outlying area has a taxi rank where people shuttle back and forth all day long.