aria

I'm joining a tour from Mexico City to Cancun. Since I'll be arriving 3 days before that, is it worth it to take a sidetrip to Michoacan\Morelia from Mexico City? Any recommended itinerary and any great hotel to stay in? Thanks!

sarozena

I stayed in Morelia last summer at the Hotel de la Soledad and really enjoyed it. It's a block from the cathedral/main squares and has a charming colonial feel (It's been a hotel since 1799.) A double was around $75 a night.
While in the area you should visit Patzcuaro (about an hour away) and the small craft towns surrounding the city.

glover

We loved Morelia! Are you planning to go via bus from Mex City there? If so, it's going to take 4 hours (at best - a few direct buses from the west bus terminal only I believe. Those that leave from termino norte will stop in Queretaro and take more like 6 hrs. A long, but comfortable and interesting drive (lots of lovely farm country, over a beautiful lake etc.) So, to me, it would be worth it if you planned to stay 2 nights in Morelia. A great hotel? We stayed at the Hotel Juaninos -- just across from the side of the beautiful cathedral. A lovely old restored building - with a fabulous rooftop restaurant. We loved the place, but be prepared to hear the church bells early every morn. Goes for about $140 or so a night. Also, people rave about the Villa Montana -- more $$$$ and on the outskirts of town. Also Hotel Virrey Mendoza gets consistent high marks as well -- and is less $$$ than Juaninos. On the opposite side of the cathedral. Morelia is a lovely, sophisticated, clean city -- lots of university influence. Much to see there and some good restaurants. From Morelia it's also easy to go to the lovely Patzcuaro and some surrounding artesan towns. If you have any more questions, ask away.

Carta_Pisana

I visited Morelia in Feb '04 and Patzcuaro for this past New Year's. I stayed at the Hotel de la Soledad also - the corundas for breakfast are so light and crumbly. Morelia is a colonial gem. Have lunch at Azotea at the Hotel Juaninos - great view of the Cathedral. Also be sure to visit Templo de San Diego - the inside is a over-the-top riot of color and decoration - amazing. Patzcuaro has a very mystical quality to me - it's like stepping back in time in some ways.

aria

thanks a lot!!! about the buses from mexico city to morelia, did you make advanced reservations or just got the tickets there? what's the best way to go about it? where can i check out the bus schedule and the fares? would renting a car and travel fr mex city to morelia be a better option?

Patzcuaro -- what's the best way to get there from Morelia?

I'll check out the lodging places. The restaurant at Juaninos sounds great!
just curious, what time does the bell toll every morning at Hotel Juaninos?
THaNkS!!

Carta_Pisana

http://www.hoteljuaninos.com.mx/

http://www.hsoledad.com/frames2.html

I think there are 6 buses daily between Morelia and Patzcuaro - whatever hotel you chose should be able to help you get the times