104 Best Hotels in Mexico

Mosaic stone paths wind through lovely gardens, and colonial-style hardwood furnishings gleam throughout at this inn on a side street. At the center of the property are a botanical garden and stunning pool area with multiple pools, some interconnected, where tiki torches and illuminated palm trees lead to two-story adobe buildings. Rooms are small, but most have balconies and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. There's a common area with a bar, pool table, little library, and games, as well as a small spa where guests get 15% off. Although La Tortuga isn't on the beach, the pool area is a delight, a sundeck is available, and guests get discount passes to three nearby beach clubs.

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.

Las Luciernagas, with its bucolic location off a remote gravel road a few miles from town, is a rare cross between a B&B and a five-star hotel—what other B&B has a wine list? Four of the five rooms have fireplaces, and all have luxury bedding, artisanal toiletries, minibars, and a unique sense of privacy thanks to the rooms being spaced quite far apart, and the helpful but unobtrusive hosts. "La Cima" is an expansive suite with a terrace that overlooks the stunning manicured landscape of giant agaves, calla lilies, and birds of paradise; "Los Encuentros" opens to what is essentially its own private garden, with a stone path that leads to the Jacuzzi. The public spaces include a range of quiet terraces and seating areas, and top-notch dinners (with both Mexican and international dishes) are available by request. There's no better choice in Valle for a romantic getaway, or just a quiet home base.

The Coqui Coqui hotel group brings a contemporary feel to this luxurious property filled with vintage and handcrafted decor. As many of the Coqui Coqui properties, Mesón de Malleville is small, with just four suites, and is one of two Valladolid properties. (The other Valladolid property has only one room.) As you settle into your lavish accommodations, we doubt you'll miss the amenities of larger properties. 

This smartly designed boutique inn is filled with thoughtful touches and whimsical creative flourishes, including colorful contemporary paintings and murals by up-and-coming artists, co-working and yoga rooms, and complimentary coffee, Mexican candies, and even mezcal shots. The staff here really goes above and beyond to make everyone's stay enjoyable, and they're more than happy to arrange custom tours and transportation around the city. The NaNa brand has sister properties in the cities of Oaxaca and Morelia.

For an ultraromantic urban getaway, it's hard to beat staying at this intimate Spanish Colonial mansion on one of the city's most enchanting streets—the knowledgeable and efficient staff pampers guests at every turn, with everything from nightly aromatherapy turn-down service to massage and reiki sessions in a serene spa cabin. The lavishly appointed rooms are abound with cushy touches, including Mexican-made Persea Apothecary bath products, a minibar with wine and gourmet treats, carefully curated art, and gracious balconies.

Established by the designer behind Mexico's acclaimed Octavia fashion line, this intimate, exquisitely designed modern boutique hotel has appeared in international design magazines with good reason---the minimalist-chic rooms convey a deep sense of serenity and harmony, with their geometric angles, earthy tones, soft lighting, and high ceilings. The chic furnishings include pieces from Octavia's own line of housewares. Rates include breakfast, and the helpful hosts can arrange in-room massage and other body treatments from a pair of well-known day spas.

Set in a charmingly restored, art-filled 1930s compound just off delightful Avenida Amsterdam and steps from a slew of great bars and restaurants, this easygoing, quiet inn offers a range of accommodations, from simple, wallet-friendly garden units to fanciful suites and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and terraces. Rates include a hearty breakfast, which you can enjoy in the skylighted dining room or on the terrace. 

It’s rare to find such an affordable and attractive guesthouse in such a popular neighborhood, much less directly on charming Avenida Amsterdam, but this clean and simply furnished inn built in the 1930s by prominent architect Francisco Serrano is a true gem, with its restored art deco architectural details, carefully chosen artwork, and airy common terrace. The light-filled room are divided between the main house and a side building. 

Watch migrating humpback whales while you float in the infinity pool at this glamorous eco-hotel made of five thatched-roof bungalows. On a jungle-covered cliff between Mazunte and San Agustanillo, the rooms feel more tree house than hotel, but fortunately there's not too much stair climbing needed. Access to the honeymoon suite and its 360-degree ocean views is via a dramatic suspension bridge. Cabaña No. 5 offers sweeping ocean views from everywhere, including the shower. For the ultimate in escapism, order room service via the hotel's mobile app. An excellent breakfast is served in the sleek restaurant terrace overlooking the water.

As the grand dame of the valley, this magnificent country inn surrounded by vineyards welcomes you with brick archways, fountains, and a pasture with white horses. Owner Tru Miller has won several awards for her unique blended wines, helping to bring outside attention to the valley. Established in 1997, Adobe Guadalupe was one of the first vineyards to be planted in the region, and today it remains among the best with lovely wines (and rooms) named after angels. A fountain courtyard separates rooms from the main house where breakfast is served at a long wooden table. Most come here to relax and enjoy the wines, meaning rooms are simple with king beds, terra-cotta tile flooring, and a European feel that exudes both warmth and elegance. The inn's talented chefs do an admirable five-course dinner in the romantic dining room beside the fire, generously paired with Adobe Guadalupe wines, for $110 per person; the three-course lunch with wine is available for $82. Tru's stable of beautiful horses—she'll take you around the property—is yet another draw (one hour, $100).

Considered the most upscale property on Laguna de Bacalar, Akalki offers nine luxurious cabanas built over the water, each with a private dock and direct access to the enchanting turquoise waters. Solar-powered cabanas have hardwood floors, king-size beds, thatch roofs, hot water, and electricity (evenings only). Pampering perks include soft linens, thick towels, and other amenities like honey shampoo, chocolate soap, and handmade candles. Dishes at the restaurant are prepared with natural ingredients from the on-site garden, and the small spa offers massages, mud masks, and temazcal rituals, but gets decidedly mixed reviews. Kayaks and bikes are included in the rate, while yoga and boat trips are available at extra cost.

On the powdery shores of Xpu-Há, this boutique inn has four chic rooms named after the four elements, all with hardwood floors, thatched roofs, and beds draped in white curtains. Rooms on the top floor have unobstructed ocean views, while those on the ground floor have private plunge pools; the two-story villas have their own infinity pool and are the only category that allows children. Patios with two-person hammocks face the sea, but if you want to get closer, head to the tiny palapas in the sand where silk curtains hang over thatched umbrellas for added privacy. Since a car is needed to reach restaurants in Playa del Carmen, most guests opt for the half-board package, which includes breakfast, dinner, a bottle of wine, and a couples' massage.

Inside the luxury compound at Bruma, you’ll find a winery, the top-notch Fauna restaurant, villas, a market, and the architectural masterpiece, Casa 8; its eight suites are joined by a main house complete with a common living room, kitchen, pool, and sundeck. The star of the property is a 300-year-old oak tree where guests lose track of time while sipping on local blends. Pathways reminiscent of pier docks are lined with rosemary and lavender; they branch toward steel-and-glass rooms boasting polished concrete floors, stone walls, hand-painted tiles, and modern amenities. Big spenders can opt for the suite with its own pool and Jacuzzi. Included in the room rate are breakfast and use of mountain bikes. For a casual dining experience, pop into the neighboring wine garden for octopus pizza and light fare. It’s easier on the budget than the more formal Fauna.

If solitude and a reasonable room rate are more important than being in the center of the action, The Bungalows might be your place. Rooms at this quaint little inn are decorated with Mexican textiles, lovely quilts, and art, as well as all the creature comforts like flat screens, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, handmade soaps, and French press coffeemakers. Hammocks can be found throughout the property, calling you for a catnap among the lush landscaping.

All the rooms (two per bungalow) at this simple hotel have beautiful ocean views and well-thought-out decorative details like stone floors in the bathrooms, vibrant colors, and hammocks on private terraces. The buildings themselves are arranged like a small village on the beach, and there's a small restaurant, where Claire and David, the French couple who run the place, make you feel right at home. The family-size bungalow has two bedrooms and sleeps five.

In a colonial house with most rooms facing the large central patio, complete with plants and bubbling fountain, this family-run pension offers excellent location and a homey atmosphere. Rooms are good-sized, but the furnishings are a bit on the basic side. Prices include a full breakfast plus a family-style three-course luncheon—nothing fancy. In the library check your email or select a book and enjoy a complimentary morning coffee, afternoon tea, or postprandial tequila.

Owned by Canadian expats, this small guesthouse directly on the beach has accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, purified water, Wi-Fi, and ocean views. Although there's no air-conditioning, oversized windows and ceiling fans keep rooms rather cool. Guests have access to numerous amenities including bikes, kayaks, hammocks, a library, and an outdoor kitchen. The eco-friendly owners recycle rainwater and have bathrooms equipped with low-consumption flush toilets and water-saving showerheads. Meals, prepared by a Swiss chef, are available upon request.

Both this attractive B&B and its resident restaurant, La Olla, are run by chef-personality Pilar Cabrera. In Las Bugambilias, one of three houses that make up this B&B, every room is different, but they're all brightly painted and comfortably outfitted. Some rooms have little terraces or patios. All rooms are no-smoking. Guests get both free Wi-Fi and some international calls (including to the United States and Canada).

The grand, old, Centro Histórico home of a prominent Mazatlán doctor and former mayor is now this excellent bed-and-breakfast. A stay here puts you across from two museums, a block from the beach, and three blocks from Plazuela Machado. Each of its six rooms is dedicated to a different Mexican personage, Pancho Villa and Frida Kahlo among them. Rooms don't have TVs—more reason to head out and explore—but there's a media center with cable TV and a DVD. There's also a central courtyard and a rooftop terrace.

The House of the Smiling Dolphin was one of the first hotels in Troncones, and it remains a small, family-friendly place with a bright exterior and personalized service. Downstairs rooms are sparsely decorated with Mexican crafts, but each is different. The two upstairs suites have chairs and shelves filled with books; they don't have air-conditioning, but fans and breezes off the water keep things cool. If you like, you can buy produce from the truck that passes in front of the hotel and prepare it in the communal kitchen. There are plenty of surfboards for rent, and it's a good place to take them out, since there can be excellent beach breaks.

With a panoramic view near the church of La Valenciana, this American-owned house is an upmarket B&B—and one of the classiest lodgings in the city. One room has a whirlpool tub, another its own steam room, and all have a terrace with a stunning view. The only downside is its distance from the city, but, on the other hand, it's nice to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Within this refined early 20th-century mansion, graciously appointed rooms with tastefully neutral color schemes, plush linens, and original architectural details appeal to a discerning crowd who wish to be close to Roma's fantastic restaurants but in a quieter section that's slightly removed from the neighborhood's sometimes frenetic nightlife. Imagine you're staying at your wealthy and welcoming aunt's house, and for a splurge, treat yourself to the roomy master suite, with its separate living room and a balcony overlooking the street. Note that only a couple of rooms fall within the moderate price category; most are considerably more expensive.

Each bungalow at this homey haven has a patio with hammocks, table, and chairs, and there's also a house with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths, and a long porch looking right onto the sand and waves—not to mention a coterie of friendly cats who call the property home. All guests have access to a communal kitchen and dining room, as well as barbecue facilities and a cozy reading nook with shelves packed full of beachy paperbacks.

For a truly Mexican experience in a town where international tastes prevail, book a room in this small B&B on quiet Calle Jesus. Although constructed in 2002 as a small hotel, it really does feel like someone's home, right down to the standard Walmart toilet set (matching rug, tank, and toilet-lid covers), crucifixes and religious paintings on the walls, and in one room, even a Barbie doll with crocheted outfit. A library provides novels and DVDs for guests to enjoy: each room has a flat-screen TV and DVD player. The rooftop terrace offers excellent, 360-degree views of town.

This road less traveled leads to four cozy cabins in a farmy setting with donkeys, vegetable gardens, and hammocks swaying under the shade of an orange grove. Rooms are simple but cleverly designed with brick walls, open trusses, and plenty of windows flooding natural light. Closer to the highway is a two-bedroom house with a kitchen and deck overlooking the orchard. The helpful owners can point you in all the wine directions, and can even arrange for private dinners prepared by local chefs; advance notice is required. If you need pampering and plenty of creature comforts (there are no TVs), look elsewhere since this place is about nature, tranquillity, and a bit of rustic living. You can also bring your fur babies to this pet-friendly property where rescue dogs are part of the staff.

On a quiet side street a few blocks east of Coyoacán's historic plazas, this elegant red hacienda captures the neighborhood’s Spanish Colonial charm while offering modern in-room amenities like kitchens and fast Wi-Fi. Rooms are quite spacious, and some of them are lofts with two levels and two queen beds. Guests can relax in the cloistered garden courtyard, which is illuminated with lanterns in the evening. Though they're not included in the rates, the breakfasts are reasonably priced and excellent, featuring traditional Mexican fare and fresh fruit.

Although they're starting to feel a bit dated, these Mediterranean-style rooms with private terraces are spacious and thoughtfully equipped with everything from small kitchens to Wi-Fi. Satellite TV—rare for the area—is available. The lounge and restaurant, under a big palapa, have cushy sofas and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Note that the hotel is a challenging (read: hilly) 20-minute walk, or about a third of a mile, west of San Agustinillo and east of the heart of Mazunte. Because of its cliff-side location, children aren't allowed. The on-site restaurant serves delicious breakfasts and snacks (try the crepes) until 4 pm.

A wonderful place to stay if you want to dive, snorkel, kayak, fly-fish, or just relax in a hammock, this hotel has spacious rooms with colorful tiles and hand-woven blankets on single or queen beds. Each room has Wi-Fi, a collection of books, and a kitchenette—though you don't have to worry about breakfast as it's included in the room rate and served in a palapa dining area. Despite the lack of air-conditioning, rooms stay cool with ceiling fans and the ocean breeze. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel or fishing equipment are free to use. In high season, there's a three-night minimum (or an additional $5 cleaning fee for shorter stays).

A fantasy villa buried in the wooded hills about 30 minutes north of the city center, Casa Raab is ideal for traveling groups. You can rent rooms in the main house or take over a casita that's perfect for a family of four. Hiking trails surround the house, which has breathtaking mountain views. You'll feel part of the family as you eat meals together in the dining room. Owner Tony Raab grows his own agave plants, produces his own artisanal mezcal, and helps to organize excursions. To really get around, though, you need to rent a car.