717 Best Hotels in Mexico

This sophisticated country inn, which has both a pool and an inviting restaurant, is just a few blocks from Malinalco's main plaza and is filled with contemporary artwork and interesting decorative pieces collected by the well-traveled owner. The thoughtful staff is happy to provide recommendations of local attractions and restaurants, and massage treatments can be arranged in-room or in the garden. 

One block from Tlaquepaque's main plaza and shopping area, this B&B has rooms of varying sizes and degrees of natural light; suites are spacious and face out to the pool. There's remarkable tile work in the master suite. Hearty continental breakfasts—with fruit, cereal, toast, and sweet breads, plus juice and coffee—are served in an inner courtyard. Tasty pizzas are baked in the brick oven at the hotel's Mexican-Italian restaurant (closed Monday). If you stay three nights or more, they'll shuttle you to and from the airport or bus station.

With excellent views of Guanajuato, suites at this renovated 19th-century property, a Mexico Boutique Hotel member, are handsomely decorated with period European or Mexican furnishings. It's an utterly relaxing place, with a pretty restaurant and newly renovated bar specializing in artisanal mezcals. Take a stroll along Paseo de la Presa to admire the early-20th-century homes built by mining execs imported from Europe. Walk into town (take a cab back, it's uphill), to the de la Olla Dam, or just stretch your legs in the newly renovated Florencio Antillón park, almost across the street from the hotel.

This small hilltop resort, with its trademark double-dome design, takes luxury to glamorous heights. Each suite has white leather furniture, stained concrete floors, exquisite handwoven tapestries, a hot tub, and a terrace with an ocean view. Eight corner suites have plunge pools. Golf carts take you to and from the beach, which is a long walk from the hotel. On-site dining options are limited, but exceptional ocean views are a highlight at Las Cupulas, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant.

Stone-and-brick walls, colonial arches, and objets d'art fill this luxury hotel's public areas. Suites are plush, though on the small side, with neocolonial-style furnishings, original art, and faux fireplaces. Master suites have separate seating areas with love seats and marble-top desks. For a bit more, the Grand Class suites have luxurious touches like round whirlpool tubs. The wood-floor gym is outfitted with the latest equipment and plasma-screen TVs.

This low-slung hillside resort, a member of one of Mexico’s best hotel chains, overlooks the sea and sits at the western end of Playa Revolcadero. The 62 suites have balconies, Mexican-made hardwood furniture, and closet door handles shaped like iguanas—the chain's signature motif. Six suites have private hot tubs and small pools on their balconies. If you can snag one of those, they don't cost much more than the standard suites.

Bring on the partying at this beachfront high-rise just inside the southern entrance to the Zona Dorada. It's home to Joe's Oyster Bar, an open-air dance club–volleyball court that is popular with locals and tourists alike; things really rev up on weekends. Amenities are tasteful, however, with comfortable white-walled rooms highlighted by blue-and-green fabrics.

Catering to small groups and family outings, this ranch-style lodging near the entrance to town also accepts individual travelers. All interiors are pine-wood simple, with ceiling beams and tile roofs, and plain furnishings. The villas have kitchens, and most have a porch and fireplace; many sport a king-size bed. This working ranch offers horseback riding and also rents bicycles and ATVs. Because most guests are Guadalajarans on weekends, prices are discounted 20% Sunday through Thursday.

Basic yet comfortable rooms in this three-story hotel have king-size beds with dark blue, hunting-theme spreads and desks of shiny lacquered wood. The property is on the main road into town, just a few short blocks from the plaza and town hall. The price goes up slightly on weekends January through May.

This strictly adults-only boutique arts hotel is one block back from the malecón, but the views from the towering (for the area) fifth floor rooftop cannot be beat. While the exterior architecture looks a bit unusual from afar, the interior design of the lobby, restaurants, and rooms are outstanding. Some design choices, however, take the "aesthetic" too far and disrupt the functionality of the space.

The moment you arrive at this jungle hotel, you'll be invited to pull up a chair at the bar, flip through literature about the area, and swap stories with the owners and other guests before retiring to your freestanding "jungalow" or palapa cabana. The jungalows are separated by winding paths and have tin roofs, cozy beds with mosquito nets, ceiling fans, and either a shared or private bathroom. The roomier cabanas have one or two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Both types of accommodations have a private terrace and 24-hour hot water and electricity. Reserve in advance if you're interested in visiting local ruins—the owners lead tour groups and are happy to slot you in if they have notice. Stays of more than a single night are discounted.

Palatial in name, scale, and decor (oversize entrance columns, crystal chandeliers, fountains), this all-inclusive is known for its breathtaking beach and exceptional service. Although rooms are well equipped, they aren't very large, and you should request one overlooking the courtyard, away from the noisy entertainment area. A steak house and Japanese restaurant are the most popular of the many dining options, despite the fact that reservations are required. Guests are permitted to use the amenities (including restaurants for breakfast and lunch) at any of Riu Palace's six sister hotels throughout Playa del Carmen.

It may not have the bells and whistles of other Playa hotels, but this small property, on a quiet street two blocks from the beach, is very pleasant. Surrounding an attractive pool are rooms with tile floors, cedar furnishings, and spacious baths; suites also have hot tubs. If you want a balcony, request a "standard plus" room. Considering the central location and lovely setting, this may be the one of the best values in town. Although the hotel doesn't operate its own restaurant, there is one attached near the pool.

You can smell, hear, and see the ocean from the starkly minimalist, blue-and-white rooms at this hotel, which is on the eastern malecón (boardwalk) and is one of the few on the island that overlooks the Caribbean. Since you're tucked away at the southern end of the town square, there isn't much to distract you from the water—except during Carnaval, when the music can get loud. Rooms are equipped with refrigerators, glass-walled bathrooms, and balconies; top-floor ones have the best ocean views and the most privacy, but budget travelers can choose between four with town views.

Deep in the forest overlooking a man-made lake, this unique property quickly made a splash on the Valle lodging scene. Each suite is a separate structure—a combination of traditional Mexican and hip modern design—with a view terrace, fireplace, and accommodations for at least four. The fashionable restaurant overlooks the lake, pool, and Jacuzzi, so you can enjoy first-class cuisine and drinks while supervising the kids.

The decor is minimalist and quirky: walls are awash with electric colors, the furniture is asymmetrical, the accents are futuristic. Flat-screen TVs and free Internet access in every room are nice touches. Suites on the top floor all have balconies with decent views.

Charm and location have the slight edge over comfort at this landmark hotel built in 1924. More traditional rooms in the oldest section have hand-painted wooden beams and heavy dark furnishings. The more modern rooms in the three towers have air-conditioning, king-size beds, stone floors, balconies, and pastel color schemes. The 17-story Pacifico Tower (facing the pier) has the best views, modern rooms, gym access, and a pool bar open on weekends. The larger rooms have kitchenettes, living rooms, and two TVs. The affordable pampering sessions at the spa help compensate for some areas that are in dire need of attention, like the older rooms that come at a marked-up price due to supply and demand on busy weekends. 

Designed with romance in mind, this boutique hotel has a roses-and-chocolate theme that carries from the pink exterior through to the Belgian truffles sold in the gift shop and the chocolate soaps provided in the bathrooms. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, Bose stereos, private outdoor shower-tubs, and espresso machines; three luxury suites in a private tower have spacious terraces. Common spaces are stunning, featuring clean, modern lines with antique ceramic tiles and pops of bright color. In addition to an acclaimed restaurant, there's also a courtyard terrace, a patio terrace with views of Paseo de Montejo, and an open-air rooftop lounge that often features live jazz. The spa specializes in holistic treatments, using chocolate in many of them.

This high-volume hotel at the south end of long and lovely Bucerías Beach has manicured grounds and a pool for each of its six buildings. Rooms are plain and not particularly modern, but that's a small price to pay for the excellent beachfront location and astoundingly low all-inclusive prices. Rooms in the older section have the best views, since they were built along the water; rooms on the other side of the road have the benefit of being adults-only and are almost brand new. Besides location, the only real distinction between one room and another is whether the room has a king or two double beds. The median age of the clientele here is around 50 years old.

The immaculate marble lobby of the modern Royal Hotel, beloved by international travelers, is filled with plants and the exuberant conversation of its guests. Spacious rooms have large bathrooms, well-equipped work areas, and interactive TVs. The rooftop terrace and pool has a fun bar and there's a buffet breakfast each morning. 

Royal Solaris was the first all-inclusive in Los Cabos, and it runs smoothly like the established property it is, with plenty of entertainment options and sports activities offered. Although it can feel a bit like an amusement park with all the activities, many appreciate the ease of built-in entertainment options. There are four major dinner shows per week in their theater, Teatro Teotihuacan. There's a Mexican night, a Latin Show, and other theme nights as well. A complete Kids' Mini-Club area includes toboggan waterslides, dancing lessons, and kites. Guests can play tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball. There are four categories of rooms, with half facing the ocean and half facing the street.

Everything feels supersize in this 12-story pyramid in the throbbing heart of the Zona Dorada, from the marble-heavy atrium lobby to the one- and two-bedroom suites that are done in bold blues and oranges. Even the glass elevators that take you to and fro offer amazing views. All rooms have balconies (be sure to request an ocean view, and if possible a room above the third floor). A delicate touch is the bridge to the pool, which spans a fishpond.

Rising from Bahía de San Carlos, this huge resort is the most luxurious lodging in Sonora. The arresting atrium lobby opens onto a large pool and beach. Pleasing rooms—all with at least a partial ocean view—have contemporary, if uninspiring, furnishings. Rooms on the first two floors have balconies overlooking the sea. Children love the swimming-pool slide and horseback riding on magnificent Algodones beach.

High on a hill off the main boulevard, this refined yet relaxed hotel offers personalized service and rooms that blend art deco and Maya styles, are done in soothing shades of cream and mauve, and have either ocean or lagoon views. All-inclusive perks include fully stocked minibars and 24-hour room service. The three infinity swimming pools are stunning, and the stellar on-site spa has 14 treatment rooms. The property also includes tennis courts and a large fitness center.

Sandos Finisterra, whose name means "Land's End" in Latin due to its privileged location at the Baja peninsula's southernmost point, offers guests the best of both worlds: the quintessential all-inclusive experience while being just steps from downtown. One of Cabo's most historic properties, part of Finisterra is built into the cliffside, resulting in gravity-defying rooms jutting out from the mountain and boulders organically decorating the spa's interior. Thanks to its breathtaking views, the resort hosts multiple weddings every week of the year (which has included, most famously, that of Rolling Stone Keith Richards; photos from the iconic ceremony can be seen on display).

The elegant adults-only Aura offers the ultimate in all-inclusive service and a variety of room styles in four low-rise buildings that face a meandering pool with separate areas linked by a lazy river. Swim-up suites have direct patio access to the ground-level pool, while third-story solarium suites have narrow rooftop lap pools. The design throughout the seven room categories is sleekly contemporary, with dark-wood furnishings and contrasting sea-blue textiles. The outdoor, white-tablecloth dining is a special treat.

The first of the all-inclusive chains to reach La Playita, this adults-only resort has swim-up rooms, ocean views, seven restaurants, and a 13,000-square-foot spa by Pevonia. With 500 rooms overlooking the ocean and golf course, the property dwarfs neighboring hotels in the area. There’s practically no reason to leave this slice of heaven, with activities like tennis, archery, cooking classes, beach volleyball, tequila tastings, bike tours, and golf. There is even a batting cage and shooting range. The contemporary Mexican decor throughout the rooms, with rich dark woods and colors in burnt-red and gold, are reminiscent of a hacienda. Palapas dot the beach for shade, and the main pool has mini islands with palm trees. Ground-floor rooms have swim-up patios but lack ocean views. The property is enormous, so if excessive walking is an issue, request a room closer to building No. 1 where the lobby is located.

This adults-only resort offers "unlimited luxury," so even butler service, international calls, 24-hour room service, taxes, and gratuities are included in the rate. The property also stands out from the pack for its no-bracelets, no-reservations dining policy and its “Vine” concept—you can join the hotel's sommelier for wine tastings or enjoy wine-therapy treatments at the spa. The cozy lobby has a fireplace and board games. Rooms are tastefully decorated in neutral tones and have large balconies; due to the long, narrow shape of the hotel, however, only the 17 suites have full ocean views. The Secrets app lets you connect with other guests and stay informed about daily activities.

Secrets is a fancy all-inclusive, adults-only resort set in the heart of the Hotel Zone. The rooms offer wide, ample space and plenty of little details and luxuries (such as a Jacuzzi on the balcony). Some ground-floor suites include access to a swim-up pool. Public areas include two swimming pools and a large Jacuzzi, seven international restaurants, and a series of top-notch bars.

The first hostel in Latin America has been renovated by trendy travel and co-working brand Selina and is now the kind of place we all dreamed existed when we were young—one whose options range from cute and comfortable private rooms with en-suite baths to dorms for 4 to 12 people with shared bathrooms. A cool co-working area, yoga and meditation lessons, and a movie room guarantee that you'll be entertained and never alone. It's perfect for digital nomads and social travelers.