Fiesta Americana Hotel or Hyatt Regency hotel. Merida Mexico. Has anyone stayed at either and can offer preference? Also any hints for a two day stay in Merida. Spending 3 months in Playa so it is just a weekend get away. Have done the ruins etc. so I just want the city of Merida only. Thanks.

Never really been to either one. Wouldnt be my first choices in Merida with so many hotel choice. Both very large and Americanized. But, maybe that is what you want.

If you're NOT looking for large and Americanized in Merida, check out Casa Mexilio. We stayed there a year ago and just loved it. It's beautiful. Every room decorated differently and every room on a different level. Lovely breakfast room as well.

Glad to hear someone enjoyed Casa Mexilio. We're staying there next Friday before venturing to various ruins & the beach. Is it near the central plaza area?

Hotel Dolores Alba is my preference.

Lovely old-hacienda original section and spanking new section, too. Take your choice.

Pool + OFFSTREET PARKING (a rarity in Mexico). The price is right, too.

Many public musical events in Merida. Also, eat seafood with the locals at either of the two Exelencia restaurants.
Eat a late breakfast and begin lunch at 2-3 ... the "scene" as the locals pile in for yummy food is terrific.

swimmr- I know we walked to the Central Plaza area from Casa -- I don't recall how long a walk -- not terribly I don't think. You'll really enjoy Casa. Very unique. The central plaza area of Merida too is wonderful -- especially at night when everyone's out. If you get the chance, hop over to Celestun and see the flamingos -- fabulous.

We enjoyed a great meal at Los Almendros, authentic Yucatecan cuisine. Was taken there by my mother-in-law's family who are Merideanos (?).

Also, there is great seafood to be had for cheap at the shore in Progreso, just north of Merida.

Thanks glover, we're looking forward to the quick stay in Merida. Any restaurants near by worth recommending?

RESTAURANTE EXELELNCIA

Great seafood, two locations, I like the one out the Prolongacion Paseo Montejo. Ask a local.

Lunch starts at 2.

I have stayed at both perfectly acceptable American-style business hotels. As someone suggested before - have dinner at "Los Almendros" (inside Fiesta Americana). You will have to catch a cab to go downtown (5 minutes, couple of bucks). Try to go during a Sunday - downtown is close to cars and there is a craft "mercado" in the main plaza with Yucatecan music etc. Lots of fun!

Much good advice here. The Fiesta and Hyatt are very good hotels--I just prefer one of the many fine hotels located closer to the center.
Enjoy!