Fodor's Expert Review Fiesta Americana Mérida

This posh hotel, a branch of a dependable Mexican chain, echoes the grandeur of the mansions on Paseo Montejo, and its spacious lobby is filled with colonial accents, plush armchairs, and gleaming marble. Above is a 300-foot-high stained-glass roof. The subdued rooms, inspired by late-19th-century design, have extras like balconies, bathtubs, hair dryers, and coffeemakers, but be prepared to pay surcharges on Wi-Fi and bottled water. Some rooms face the street and have a little more noise, while others face a dull inner courtyard with the hotel pool, so be sure to specify which you'd prefer. Downstairs you'll find a department store, a couple of restaurants (including a Chili's), souvenir shops, and myriad other stores and services. Occasionally there are events here, including dinner shows and dances for children (inquire at the front desk).