165 Best Hotels in Mexico

This restored 18th-century henequen hacienda 13 km (8 miles) from Mérida has a mix of historic and new suites—all of them spacious and understatedly elegant, with beige and taupe color schemes and a design that marries Asian minimalism with Mexican details. The restaurant serves a standard breakfast as well as French, Caribbean, and Yucatecan dishes for lunch and dinner. The spa offers innovative treatments like cacao-and-honey massages. If you want to explore beyond the property's 3 acres of manicured gardens, staffers can arrange tours to nearby sites.

The luxurious InterContinental has top-notch service, expansive lawns, pristine beaches, and spacious, modern rooms. Situated in a quiet patch of jungle, this property is away from the cruise-ship hustle and bustle, making it the perfect place for those looking to escape. Guest rooms are sleek and creatively utilize wood and earth tones to set the mood. The rooms are enhanced by luxe touches like outdoor rain showers, spacious outdoor lounge furniture areas, or whirlpool tubs with a sea view. The spa is the island's best, and active types can take advantage of the dive shop, tennis courts, 24-hour modern gym, putting greens, and daily roster of activities. There is even an adults-only pool away from the main areas and a dedicated kids' area located at the opposite end of the facility.

It takes a long walk up a steep hill at Playa Conchas Chinas to reach this bed-and-breakfast, where rooms are furnished with antiques and local art; most have kitchenettes, or full kitchens, along with balconies. Other draws are the efficient and welcoming staff, the fortifying breakfast (cooked to order) served on a palapa-covered patio, the nearly private beach below, and the views from the rooftop sundeck.

Named after the Maya sun god, Kin Ahau, this beachfront property has rooms ranging from simple Balinese huts to palapa suites with 20-foot vaulted ceilings, enormous decks, and two-person hammocks that make you forget the day of the week. Suites are in two-story buildings, and top-level rooms have vaulted ceilings and sprawling ocean views, while those on the ground floor open onto the sand. The more affordable huts offer jungle views and portable air-conditioning units on request. Yoga and aerial dance classes are available for an extra fee. For a sunny nap with an ocean breeze, head to one of the beach beds or shaded hammocks dotting the sand.

This small, eco-friendly resort hotel caters to the yoga and meditation set, with three spacious, second-floor yoga studios—one with sweeping beachfront views. Rooms are small and simple, with large, firm, comfortable beds draped in gauzy mosquito nets, open bathrooms, and decks or balconies that open to the sand. A small pool, spacious deck set with sun beds and tables, and small, health-conscious restaurant overlook the beach.

This trendy outpost of Hyatt's stylishly upmarket Andaz brand, located inside an enormous restored art deco building, has spacious, tech-savvy rooms with large windows and plush bedding, as well as the greatest array of amenities in the neighborhood, including a full-service spa and multiple dining and drinking options. The tree-shaded blocks in and around Avenida Amsterdam are just a few steps away. It's also one of the few hotels in Condesa with valet parking. Note that the building shares space with the Mondrian hotel and you won't be able to charge meals at the restaurants and businesses run by them to your Andaz account.

Professional and amateur surfers alike claim the prime ocean-view rooms in this small hotel on the cliffs above Playa Costa Azul that has successfully blended surfing and pampering into one property. Tastefully decorated with surfing photographs, rooms have marble floors, huge terraces, minibars, king beds, and pull-out sofas; some have French doors that open to the sea breezes. Guests mingle by the two swimming pools and in the 7 Seas Seafood Grille (which has great fish tacos), and they schedule their day's activities around the daily surf report. A second "quiet pool" makes for a nice resting place after morning yoga. The hotel has a surf school, and surfboard rentals. The small Sea Spa & Salon offers massages developed specifically for surfers' wave-taxed muscles, with many other treatments for nonsurfers, too. Unlike most surf hotels, this property is not pet-friendly and rooms are not for budget travelers. Book early at this popular spot.

Declared a historical monument and a Yucatán Heritage site, the French-style "Blue House" is notable for its extraordinary antiques, luxurious fabrics, rose-filled bouquets, and superior service. The experience begins with a cordial greeting by one of three daughters who have helped restore the casa as a family project with their parents. Individually decorated rooms named after Mérida neighborhoods surround an inner courtyard; they have outstanding beds with thick mattresses and soft duvets, as well as modern conveniences like plasma TVs, Wi-Fi, and minibars. No detail has been overlooked—from the fine china used at breakfast and the personalized leather journal left in each room to the flower petals in the whirlpool tub. Rates include airport transfers and a lovely à la carte breakfast.

Walking into the open-air sunken lobby of this gorgeous hotel feels like walking into a friend's fabulous vacation hacienda—it's colorful and cozy, yet modern and chic. Spacious accommodations showcase Mexican elements, like terra-cotta tiling, luxe linens, and funky woven accents. Unexpected touches range from Posturepedic mattresses and organic bath products to complimentary stocked minibars and morning coffee delivered to your door. Rooms (except for Jacuzzi suites) don’t have TVs or phones, but you won't miss them considering that on-site amenities include a spa, yoga studio, infinity pool, private dock, and waterfront dining.

At this antiques-filled 18th-century mansion, which is one of Campeche's historic masterpieces, guest rooms are wrapped around a central courtyard and feature elaborate chandeliers, French balconies, and hand-painted floors, yet have modern comforts like plasma TVs, iPod docs, and air-conditioning. Each has a unique history—in Room 4, for instance, guests sleep on a bed that belonged to Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota of Mexico. A stone staircase, originally reserved for servants, leads to a glass-walled bridge that crosses to a garden patio. Climb higher to the rooftop terrace where hammocks, a whirllpool tub, and small pool give way to city views. There is also a tower, once used to scope out pirates at sea.

This somewhat unassuming art deco--style town house beside famed Panadería Rosetta is considered one of the neighborhood's lodging gems, thanks to its chic yet unfussy modern design, abundance of peaceful common terraces (including a gorgeous roof deck), and desirable location. Rooms are done in earthy tones and have sleek tiled bathrooms, soft bedding, and art, fabrics, and many accessories created by Mexican artisans. On the ground floor, restaurant Sesame serves tasty Pan-Asian food, and there are dozens of stellar restaurants just steps away. Many rooms have large balconies, and three of them are accessed via a dramatic yellow three-story spiral staircase.

A trio of imaginative Europeans poured their hearts and souls into this chic B&B, and the result is a masterpiece, where gleaming white colonnades lead you to your spacious room. The design combines traditional materials like adobe and cantera stone with minimalist sensibilities. Each room is different; some have little sunrooms overlooking the indigo-tile pool; others have sitting areas where you can enjoy a cocktail. Put yourself in the hands of a spiritual healer who will guide you through the cleansing experience of temazcal in the small poolside hut.

Located a half-hour from Ek Balam, in the low-key town of Espita, this contemporary cool hotel opened in 2021 and consists of a restored historic building (with the reception area, a shop, and a coffee bar) and 10 rooms on landscaped grounds. The restaurant serves innovative and delicious Mexican dishes. There isn't much to do in Espita, so likely you won't spend more than a night or two, but even a brief visit here may end up being a highlight of your trip. 

This chic, contemporary inn located on the lower slopes of Montetaxco contains nine airy, beautifully appointed rooms with large windows, contemporary artwork, and luxurious bathrooms, all with access to a small pool and lawn with chaise lounges overlooking all of Taxco. Rates include a well-prepared full breakfast in the restaurant and bar, where you can also enjoy lunch and dinner throughout the day with those same dazzling vistas. In-room spa services can be arranged. The drawback to staying here is that you'll either need to take a taxi or the funicular to get back and forth between the inn and town.

A pair of curvaceous buildings contains stylish condo rentals, each complete with a fully equipped kitchen, washer-dryer, and Balinese furnishings. In El Taj Oceanfront, luxurious touches range from stone showers to private whirlpool tubs and rooftop barbecues. Across the street at El Taj Beachside, a lap pool set off by tree-trunk columns winds through a quiet courtyard. You can make your own meals in each condo's designer kitchen or dine at nearby Plank, where El Taj guests receive 15% off. Guests also receive 15% at the Magic Hands spa and free access to The Gym, including fitness classes. El Taj is also one of the few pet-friendly properties in Playa del Carmen.

You’ll be surprised at how such a starkly modern and minimalist place can turn out to be such a comfortable place to stay. Architect Miguel Angel Aragonés gave this hotel clean lines and his signature geometric cutouts in the walls and floors. In the evening, the facade is dramatically lit in a changing array of colors, while the interior hallway is lit in amber. Rooms are as minimalist as the public spaces are, with white and beige marble, white linen bedspreads, and more geometric wall cutouts. All rooms have ocean views and are equipped with flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Standard rooms have a balcony with cushy cubelike sofas. The hotel's Flor de Mar restaurant serves a menu of Mexican and international dishes. Just off the restaurant is a large pool surrounded by comfortable beds and bean bags where you can relax to cool, lounge-style music.

Imagine staying at the stylish beach home of good friends, and you’ll get a sense of the vibe at this small adults-only hotel near the tidal pools of Agua Blanca, the only place to stay near the turtle sanctuary at La Escobilla Beach. Owned by a young couple—he’s American and she’s Kiwi—the property offers a collection of four cheerful casitas, each equipped with a king-size bed and rooftop palapa with ocean views. All meals are included (you preorder from a menu featuring American, Thai, and Mexican cuisine before you arrive) and are served alfresco overlooking the free-form swimming pool. Finish your meal with a chilled shot of coconut-infused mezcal from Los Cántaros mezcaleria. Wi-Fi is free. Time your visit for a turtle arribada or release at La Escobilla, one of the world's most important nesting beaches for olive ridley turtles.

A colorful history distinguishes this grand hacienda, built in 1529 under the orders of Cortés, now a magnificent oasis of quiet and lush gardens disturbed only by birdcalls, the splashing of a waterfall, and the ringing of a chapel bell. Antiques fill both the public areas and the spacious, beautifully restored guest rooms, which are located both in the main hacienda and several outbuildings. You can bliss out with a treatment in the well-designed spa, which includes a traditional temazcal. Outstanding Mexican food is prepared in an inviting open kitchen close to the pool. The hacienda is about a 40-minute drive southwest of Cuernavaca and an 50-minute drive from Taxco, making it a good base for exploring either place.

It's all about the details at this hip hotel with a quiet, picturesque setting overlooking Parque España, from rooms outfitted with eye-catching custom-designed furniture and Malin & Goetz bath products to a library of coffee table books about Mexican history and culture. The white corridors surround a central courtyard, where the hotel restaurant serves a delicious fusion of French and Mexican cuisine. The swanky rooftop terrace serves Japanese bar fare and well-crafted cocktails with sweeping views of the leafy neighborhood.

Located a few blocks east of the city center in the lively La Cruz neighborhood, this enchanting and rather posh urban resort set within the thick walls of a stunningly updated 18th-century hacienda contains 24 spacious, minimalist-chic suites along with a romantic restaurant, a central pool and courtyard, and a spa offering a wide range of services and treatments. There's a second Doña Urraca resort in San Miguel de Allende.

Luxury is the focus at this high-end, adults-only resort, where all the accommodations have mahogany furniture, whirlpool tubs, ocean views, balconies with hammocks, and "magic boxes" that allow for room-service delivery without having to open the door. Contemporary Mexican architecture with European influences makes it one of the more elegant spots in the Zona Hotelera. Unlike many all-inclusives, the six restaurants here include high-concept options, such as the Chef's Plate (16 guests dine at a communal table with the chef). Better yet, except for spa treatments, your rate covers everything, right down to the beach beds, Pilates classes, butler service, and tennis lessons.

One of the most alluring of the several posh, intimate B&Bs that occupy stately Porfirian-era mansions in Roma, this 1913 house has been enlarged with a dramatic glass-and-metal contemporary addition that encircles a peaceful courtyard with a living wall, cactus garden, and fountain that functions as social focal point—and is also just a wonderfully relaxing place to read or relax. The softy lit, casually chic rooms have sumptuous beds and bathrooms, and rates include an artfully presented breakfast as well as an evening cocktail hour.

Renovations at this Kempinski property, formerly the Ritz-Carlton, maintained a classic style and added a layer of modern comfort and luxury, as evidenced by guest rooms done up in neutral colors and featuring Salvatore Ferragamo bath amenities. The Saasil Suite has its own private sundeck and infinity pool; the open-concept Presidential Suite has a walk-in wardrobe and an outdoor plunge pool. The beach and the restaurants are quite possibly the best in Cancún, and the Kayantá Spa offers an array of Maya-inspired treatments.

A stately 1756 mansion has been converted into a handsome hotel in Querétaro's center, with each of the spacious guest rooms decorated with fine antiques, tasteful art, parquet floors, and area rugs. The popular restaurant serves both international and Mexican cuisine. A pianist often entertains guests during breakfast. 

Although just a stone's throw from central Cuernavaca's museums, restaurants, and bars, this tastefully understated but quite cushy compound feels completely relaxing, with a fabulous spa, intimate pool, lush gardens, and a destination-worthy restaurant. The minimalist contemporary rooms are done in gray, black, and white palettes with ultra-plush bedding and well-equipped tile bathrooms. Deluxe rooms have balconies and skylights.

On the island's remote northeast side, this luxurious waterfront retreat has rooms in four white buildings, complete with tile floors, beamed ceilings, thatched roofs, and contemporary decor. There are three pools and plenty of hammocks and chairs, but the beach is virtually nonexistent unless you head slightly west of the property. There is, however, a small sandbar just offshore where candlelit dinners are served (guests are taken across by canoe). The unobstructed views from the rooftop terrace are stunning, and there is ample wildlife to keep you entertained, including flamingos, iguanas, and a pet raccoon that hangs out in common areas. Note that this is one of the only properties on the island to offer Wi-Fi in every room, turndown service, room service, and a full spa. Although a far walk from town, Las Nubes offers complimentary bikes; you can also catch a golf cart-taxi for MX$100.

Ambient music, aromatherapy, water features, soothing hues, and airy guest quarters are among the things that lend a Zen vibe to this resort, which attracts luxury-minded, thirtysomething sun-worshippers. Consider splurging on one of the suites, which feature freestanding circular whirlpool tubs and allow access to the Aqua Lounge, where you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, cocktails throughout the day, and hors d'oeuvres in the evening. Treatments at Spa Aqua incorporate ingredients such as chocolate, caviar, mint, apple, and coconut.