Authentic Mexican Hotels & Bed and Breakfasts

Luxury Boutique Lodging with Colonial and Contemporary Designs

May 22, 2009

Posada del Tepozteco Hotel in Tepoztlán, Nancy Flores

When visitors want to stay in a hotel that's part of the Mexican experience, then choosing a hotel categorized as a Tesoro or treasure hotel can make all the difference.

Attention to detail, regional charm and high-quality customer service all create the ultimate vacation spot where visitors can truly relax and soak in the local ambiance.

Mexico's national tourism board, along with some state tourism organizations, has designed a quality club that invites hotels around the country to join. As part of this club, the hotel receives the distinction of being a Tesoros or treasured Mexican hotel. But getting in the club isn't easy.

Hotels must "undergo an exhaustive evaluation of its service, management, facilities and equipment," according to the Tesoros mission. Everything from the room decor to the preservation of the hotel's historic buildings must reach the highest standard of quality to ensure authenticity and character.

Some must-see authentic Mexican hotels with the Tesoros stamp of approval are:

Hotel Mansión Iturbe (Pátzcuaro, Michoacán)

This 17th-century mansion exudes charm with its local Michoacán art and an unbeatable location overlooking the Vasco de Quiroga main square. Rooms facing the main square feature balconies where visitors have awe-inspiring views of one of Mexico's best plazas.

Locals take pride in its seemingly flawless Novo-Hispanic architecture and historic significance. Eat breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, which offers an excellent selection of breakfasts cooked in the style of different Mexican regions.

Posada del Tepozteco (Tepoztlán, Morelos)

Once the main house of an ancient mansion, the Posada del Tepozteco in Tepoztlán, converted to a hotel about 50 years ago, still feels regal. From the hotel's patio, soak in the incredible panoramic views of the mountainside, a pre-Hispanic pyramid, and the quaint village.

Every room has unique features that have inspired many high-profile guests like Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and former president of Mexico Vicente Fox. As if the beautiful grounds that include ponds and flowered terraces don't relax guests enough, there's also a hotel spa for visitors who want to feel pampered.

Hacienda San Gabriel de Las Palmas (Amacuzac, Morelos)

Step into another world at the Hacienda San Gabriel de Las Palmas. This 14th century estate, built under orders of Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, housed Franciscan missionaries then was converted into a sugar plantation in 1558.

The old-world charm definitely transcends time as visitors stroll through its lush gardens that feature reflective pools, caverns, waterfalls, palm trees and water fountains. No room in the hacienda is identical, and each one offers an authentic experience.

Other Tesoro Hotels

For now, only four Mexican states offer Tesoro hotels: Guanajuato, Puebla, Michoacán and Morelos. Here's a list of some of the top Tesoro hotels in each state.

Guanajuato - Quinta Las Acacias Hotel, Villa María Cristina Hotel & Restaurant (Guanajuato City), Dos Casas Luxury Boutique Hotel, Hotel Casa de Aves (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato)
Puebla - El Sueño Hotel & Spa, Hotel Boutique Casona de La China Poblana (Puebla City), Hotel La Quinta Luna, Estrella de Belem Bed & Breakfast & Spa (San Pedro Cholula, Puebla)
Michoacán - Cantera Diez Hotel Boutique, Hotel Los Juaninos (Morelia, Michoacán), Hotel Mansión del Cupatitzio, Hotel Mi Solar Bed & Breakfast (Uruapan, Michoacán)
Morelos - Hotel Casa Colonial, Hostería Las Quintas, Hotel Hacienda de Cortés, La Casona Galerías Hotel Boutique (Cuernavaca)

The copyright of the article Authentic Mexican Hotels & Bed and Breakfasts in Mexican Travel is owned by Nancy Flores. Permission to republish Authentic Mexican Hotels & Bed and Breakfasts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.