6 Best Hotels in Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and the Heartland

The theme of this three-story hotel across from La Compania church and just down the street from the University of Guanajuato is clearly maritime, with a light-blue color scheme and blue glass floor tiles in the downstairs lobby. Rooms have a tranquil blue-gray–and-cream color scheme, high ceilings, pleasingly modern wood furnishings, and comfortable beds. Those facing outward have balconies, some with excellent views. Its location just behind Jardín de la Unión puts you right within access of the square's vibrancy, but without the all the noise.

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.

Near the Diego Rivera Museum and other downtown sights, the four-story "Inn of the Poets" offers comfortable lodgings at a moderate price, which is all too rare in downtown Guanajuato. Each room and suite is named after a different poet and has unique layout and furnishings; those on the upper floors have the most natural light and best views, but bear in mind you must walk up.

This colonial-style inn at the Jardín de la Unión—the best location in town for being in the thick of things—has been in operation since 1862. Large historical paintings by local artist Don Manuel Leal hang in the wood-paneled lobby. Rooms are rather drab, with barely adequate bathrooms. Rooms facing the plaza can be noisy, but have the best views; quieter rooms face narrow alleyways, and some look onto Guanajuato's twisting roads. The hotel's restaurant is great for people-watching and late-night snacks.

Folk-art lovers are drawn to this "house of happy spirits" for its collection of crafts. Owned by a California artist and textile collector, the lovingly restored hacienda (circa 1700) has thick stone walls and serene, almost jungle-like grounds covered with bougainvillea and calla lilies. Hand-glazed-tile baths, fireplaces, and private terraces are standard with each room, but otherwise, all rooms are unique. Marfil is a 15-minute drive from the center of town—frequent buses are available. Taxi drivers may be unfamiliar with the hotel, so come prepared with directions.

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.