165 Best Hotels in Mexico

This is almost as enchanting as any of Zihua's luxury hotels—and at a price that won't haunt you when you get home. Rooms and services aren't extravagant, but there are many nice touches, from the lobby's unique wood-inlay floor to the staircases that wander the lush cliff-side grounds. Rooms have Talavera ceramic sinks in wooden surrounds, carved doors and furnishings from Michoacán, molded plastic bathtubs, and large balconies with hammocks, jetted tubs, and fabulous bay views, especially from the higher floors. Situated right on La Madera beach, Bistro del Mar offers simple, delicious Mediterranean food, a wonderful view, and a welcome breeze.

This hip adults-only design hotel has a wellness, holistic, and boho attitude overall. The sister property of next-door B Cozumel, Unique features its own infinity swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and a rooftop bar with a plunge pool included. Wellness coach, yoga lessons, and alkaline menu are available upon request. Rooms come with king beds.

This brand-new beachfront boutique hotel has just 10 rooms, plus a rooftop infinity pool and oceanfront views. It's a great alternative for travelers looking for a quiet place to enjoy good food, magnificent ocean and mountain views, and a bit of solitude. The hotel can also organize tours to many local attractions, including whale-watching, surfing, and trekking.

At this boutique hotel with an uberchic vibe, guests can interact with artists-in-residence, musicians, and filmmakers in a creative and luxurious setting. Artists-in-residence display work ranging from murals and photographs to sketches and even a vintage refrigerator mounted in the lobby. Musicians are invited to record in an underground studio where videos are later aired on the hotel’s internal TV channel. Bigger names have included the likes of Ed Sheeran, Damien Rice, and Joshua Radin. Despite the celebrity appeal, the rooms alone are a designer’s dream, with wood-plank walls, cement floors, and glass balconies that overlook the quaint marina and lap pool. A second infinity pool dominates the rooftop deck where parties take place the last Saturday of the month. Guests have access to kayaks, paddleboards, and beach chairs at El Ganzo’s neighboring beach club or can stay local at the spa and gym.

Built in 1793 first as an elegant mesón, this hotel facing the zócalo has lots of charm. The wrought-iron elevator, brought from France in 1904, was, together with the one in the Chapultepec Palace in Mexico City, one of the first in Latin America. Though a bit dated, rooms have a certain elegance; many have balconies on the square.

This captivating hotel is an elegant, understated former mansion, registered as an artistic monument by Mexico's Institute of Fine Arts. From its small, sunny patios to its sitting room, the hotel's interior conveys the spirit of the Porfiriato. The owner loves classical music, and has added such whimsical touches as a trumpet turned into a lamp in one room and a portrait of Richard Strauss in another. The two-story hotel building, with its salmon-color facade, looks out onto a quiet tree-lined street.

This old-school resort was recently transformed back into a trendy destination among mostly Mexican tourists. The decor is a bit kitsch but in accordance with the festive style of the resort.

Perched on a hill overlooking La Cruz, this brand-new hotel and spa has 42 villas all tastefully decorated in a somewhat Balinese style. The silent surroundings and serene ambience are perfect for a romantic (or individual) escape, with good food and even better drinks in a classy environment.

A block from the beach, in an area with lots of good restaurants, "The Palms" has two floors of rooms surrounding a large, clean, rectangular pool. Guests can use the barbecue grill and eat or socialize at umbrella-shaded café tables or plastic loungers with cushions around the pool. Rooms and suites are either in the original, street-facing complex or the newer, ocean-facing building. They vary in configuration and price, but most rooms have a full kitchen; at the very least each has a three-quarter-size refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, and toaster. Some units have room for a family, with two separate sleeping quarters and kitchen, but no patio or private balcony. The two suites have ocean views and large, private patios.

In San Cristóbal's oldest neighborhood, the adobe and stone building—with Spanish tiles dating from the 17th to the 19th century—that houses this hotel was originally a farm-and-wheat mill. The guest rooms are eclectically decorated with ornately framed mirrors, modern sculptures, oriental rugs, antique furniture, and Mexican colonial paintings.

In the heart of Baja's wine country sits this modern 10-room boutique hotel within walking distance of Valle's top restaurants. Five sleek freestanding structures, reminiscent of upcycled containers, each house two suites with private entrances and rooftop terraces where you can sip a glass of wine while soaking in mountain-and-vineyard views. Wedding parties often book out all five units since the massive bathrooms with vanities (a rarity for Valle hotels) are perfect for brides preparing for their big day. Nespresso coffee pods, smart TVs, stocked minibars, and custom-made bath amenities are a few of the perks that set this property apart from the pack. Seamless comfort starts with the towels and bathrobes and ends at the king-size beds, perfectly firm with linens that have a ridiculously high thread count. Since this hotel is part of the Finca Altozano "compound," you can walk to several restaurants including Animalón, ¡Lupe!, and Gelateria Ramonetti while justifying that second (or third) pour with, "Since I'm not driving ..."

Perched on a beautiful headland, "Serene Point" enjoys balmy breezes and offers life-changing views from the infinity hot tub. It's an adults-only oasis of calm. Rooms have lovely furnishings and decor and shared or private terraces, some with fab beach views. The private beach far below is clothing optional. Spa treatments are inventive, and activities like horseback riding, tennis, and nonmotorized water sports are included in the price.

The most upscale of Cancún's Riu properties, this colossal eight-story resort at the north end of the Zona Hotelera is visually stunning. Unlike the modern, minimalist resorts that dot the strip, the decoration here is a bit baroque, with towering columns and cupolas in the lobby, and ornate mahogany furniture and patterned bedding in even the most basic suites. All also have a walk-in closet, sitting room, and four-bottle liquor dispenser. The property has six restaurants, four of which require reservations. This is a resort that mainly attracts guests over 40.

Considered the flagship of the three Riu hotels in the area, the Riu Palace Pacifico is an all-inclusive beachfront resort with an excellent family-friendly beach, assorted restaurants as well as a buffet, and a huge pool. 

One of the newest and trendiest hotels in the city, Hotel Riu enjoys a great location just 1½ km (1 mile) away from the Gran Plaza shopping mall and 3 km (2 miles) from Expo Guadalajara. It’s definitely one of the best business hotels in town, with Wi-Fi access throughout the property, 16 conference rooms, two restaurants, and a lounge-bar, swimming pool, spa, and fitness center.

One of the town's most modern hotels is in a three-story structure across from the Río Tuxpan. Spacious rooms don't have much personality (they're decorated with simple wooden furniture and neutral colors), but they do have a/c, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Many rooms also have good views.

This shiny, modern hotel, with its prime location on Avenida Hidalgo, has taken the city by storm. A marble staircase leads up to the first floor, past gleaming glass structures. Rooms are top-of-the-line, simple and sleek, with dark-wood floors, lovely bathrooms, and, in some cases, terraces that open onto terrific views of the city. The restaurant isn't as exciting.

Built in 1565 for a Spanish nobleman, this downtown hotel radiates the aura of a bygone era. A massive stained-glass skylight casts a warm glow over an elegant lobby lounge fitted with an enormous stone fireplace and stiff-looking but surprisingly comfy couches. Guest rooms have dark colonial-style furnishings, lace curtains, soaring ceilings, creaking hardwood floors, and bathrooms with porcelain tubs. You can mingle with the locals at the popular sidewalk tables over a coffee, cocktail, or a meal. Make sure to get a room with a window facing outdoors, as some face only the lobby.

Occupying a prime Polanco position adjacent to the Bosque de Chapultepec, this hotel is a seven-minute walk from the anthropology museum. Catering to business travelers, this is the city's second-largest hotel, and has marvelous views from the top-floor suites. Each room soothes with a contemporary design of subdued earth tones and wood accents. There are three on-site restaurants including Yoshimi, serving modern Japanese cuisine, as well as an artisanal bakery and candy shop.

Jungle greenery surrounds this all-inclusive resort at Cozumel's southernmost point, where bungalow rooms are small but pleasant. Each has wrought-iron details, one king-size or two queen-size beds, and a terrace or patio with hammocks. Rooms with king beds have more space. There isn't much privacy if you are on the ground floor—pathways through the resort wind around the bungalows—but this is the most enjoyable of the reasonably priced all-inclusives on the southern coast. Reservations for dinner are strictly enforced. Significant discounts are available by reserving via the Iberostar website.

With a location—on a beach with clear, calm water—that can't be beat, this property consists of two condo-style buildings that face one another—the slightly newer, five-story East Wing has 48 units, and the six-story West Wing has 69 units. Each unit is decorated differently, but even the least expensive has a TV, DVD player, humidifier, and Wi-Fi. Standard rooms have two double beds, while spacious two-bedroom suites have king beds, two bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Garden-view rooms are steps from the pool, snack bar, and beach. Since units are privately owned, it can be challenging to switch if you're not satisfied.

A three-level, 35,000-square-foot spa, which has an indoor pool, and a 20-foot dive pool, where you can practice snorkeling and scuba diving in an artificial reef, are among the draws at this towering beach resort. The design scheme blends modern elements with Maya touches, and rooms have oversized bathrooms with standing soaking tubs and luxurious rainfall showers. 

The Krystal Reflect is a beachfront hotel ideal for families and couples. While children stay, eat, and play for free, there is also an adults-only pool and restaurant where grown-ups can find some quiet time. Rooms range from standard luxury to swim-out suites, with access to all the entertainment the hotel offers, including a world-class spa.

Not well known, this small, quiet hotel with a high standard of service sits on a cobbled street just outside the very heart of the city, offering a taste of old-fashioned elegance. Noted for the impressive collection of contemporary art hung in both the public and guest rooms, its six rooms are arranged around a series of courtyards. The standard rooms and junior suites are all individually and tastefully decorated and benefit from high ceilings that keep them cool throughout the day. Popular with older guests, the hotel is very relaxed and has a good restaurant serving food throughout the day in the patio or in a quiet side room.

Often considered Acapulco's signature resort, this hilltop haven is particularly popular with honeymooners, though all are welcome, of course. There are a variety of rooms, from one-bedroom units to deluxe private casitas complete with small private pools. Room interiors are a little dated, but nobody seems to mind because of the enchanting bay views. Since the property is extremely spread out (all rooms are at ground level), transportation is by pink-and-white Jeeps. Though not right on the water, the hotel also provides a shuttle every 20 minutes to its private beach club. A continental breakfast is delivered to your room each morning.

A pair of displaced Guadalajarans have created a cluster of pretty cabins on their property about four blocks from the plaza. Comfortable futons in each room provide a place to sleep, nap, or watch TV. The double-sided fireplace heats the bedroom and adjoining sitting room. Bed coverings and matching drapes of earthy, muted colors are all good quality. This is the most modern place to stay in San Sebastián and is geared to adults but accepts children, too, for an additional charge of about $20 per child.

The undulating roofs of the Moorish-style buildings glow pink in the afternoon sun. There's an almost hallucinogenic quality to the 15 acres of lacy palms, stylized geometric hedges, flamboyant orange-flowering trees, and white umbrellas on a small but virtually private beach. Las Hadas isn't as exclusive as it once was, but it still more than holds its own against the hotels that have followed it to Peninsula de Santiago. White-on-white room decoration (even the TVs are white) is elegant and understated, and accented by pleasing touches like driftwood lamps; polished marble, fine sheets, and plush towels appear in both standard rooms and suites. The Legazpi restaurant is one of the city's most exclusive. Las Hadas offers frequent Web-only discounts.

Situated in the stylish Arcos Bosques mixed-use district on the eastern edge of Santa Fe about 6 miles (10 km) from Parque Chapultepec, the only CDMX location of this growing Mexico brand of posh resorts offers plenty of creature comforts, including huge rooms with 65-inch smart TVs (and smaller TVs in the bathrooms), a gorgeous full spa, and an acclaimed restaurant serving rarefied Spanish cuisine.

The outwardly rustic, thatched-roof buildings here have red-tile floors, hand-carved doors and rocking chairs, stained-glass windows, and local weavings—the effect is comfortable yet luxuriant, making the property feel like a peaceful ranch. All rooms have TVs, canopy beds, bathtubs, and screened windows; suites have king-size beds and Jacuzzi tubs. Most guests catch the sunset from the long balcony that wraps around the rooms. Request one in Block 1 (Rooms E–G) on the second floor; these offer great views of the pool and ruins in the distance.