As the second-largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara is home to an impressively diverse array of hotels. So whether you prefer classic elegance, a trendy vibe or central location, you’ll find lots of options. During my most recent trip to Mexico, I checked out several Guadalajara hotels and came up with this list of some of the best. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a Mexico vacation in Guadalajara, these are all worth considering.
Best Guadalajara Hotel for Art Gallery Ambiance: Hotel Demetria
Glass and concrete are key materials used in this sleek property, and you may think you’ve stepped into an art gallery, thanks to the cool minimalist lobby and original artwork around the property. It’s in an upscale neighborhood that’s great for strolling and dining — and the hotel’s book store is chock full of art and photography books and magazines. Click on the hotel name above to read my full review!
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Best Hotel for a Bird’s-Eye View of Historic Downtown Guadalajara: NH Collection Guadalajara Centro Historico
Opened in 2016, this centrally located Guadalajara hotel is steps away from many of the city’s main attractions in the historic city center. Possibly the nicest hotel downtown, the NH has no gym or pool, but it does have a lovely rooftop restaurant with great views of the cathedral and government palace (the restaurant is featured in my roundup of 8 great restaurants in Guadalajara). Splurge on one of the rooms with a balcony facing the cathedral and you’ll wake up to that view every day during your stay.
Best Hotel to Indulge in Tequila: Solar de las Animas
Opened in 2015, this 93-room hotel is the most luxurious property in the town of Tequila, the birthplace of the spirit. The hotel is owned by José Cuervo, and it’s a quick walk to Mundo Cuervo, where you can learn how the popular drink is produced. Conservative, traditional decor sets the tone at Solar de las Animas, and the rooftop Sky Bar has a hot tub and nice views of the town below. There’s also a lovely restaurant that’s included in my roundup of 8 great restaurants in Guadalajara.
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Best Hotel for a Peaceful Getaway: Lomajim Hotel Boutique & Spa
The bumpy ride through the countryside is a stark contrast to the peaceful sensation that settles upon you after you’ve arrived at this hacienda, which is set scenically atop a hill with breathtaking views. Religious decor and antique furnishings decorate this 15-room hotel, which — in spite of its historic feel — was actually built only 20 years ago. There’s also a 40-person chapel and indoor/outdoor dining with stunning views of the Sierra Madre mountains and canyon. A new spa is to open in 2017. Pop culture reference: The video for Mexican pop star Alejandro Fernandez’s son “Estuve” was shot here. Romantic splurge: Reserve the “Jacuzzi Volado,” a “flying Jacuzzi” that sits on a cliff jutting out into the canyon, complete with private dining area and lounge chairs.
Best Hotel for Gay Nightlife: Casa Alebrijes
Set in an 18th-century former home, Casa Alebrijes is set in a centrally located neighborhood in Guadalajara’s historic city center. Look for the rainbow-colored peacock logo and you’ll be in the right place. The lovely two-story courtyard, where the reception desk is located, has a fountain, tables and chairs, and is a welcome oasis from the bustling streets outside. Rooms have high ceilings and attractive decor. John, the Ohio-born owner, is the very definition of a gracious and helpful host. During check-in he provided me with a detailed list of local gay bars and clubs (most of which are within easy walking distance of the hotel), as well as noteworthy restaurants and attractions, together with maps that show the exact location of each.
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Best Guadalajara Hotel for a Trendy Boutique Experience: Casa Fayette
Part of the Grupo Habita hotel group as well as Design Hotels, Casa Fayette is a stylish boutique hotel in Lafayette, one of Guadalajara’s most upscale neighborhoods. An early 20th-century home is the base for a brand-new high-rise, where 37 well-appointed rooms cater to style-conscious travelers. The on-site restaurant is also worth visiting.
Best Guadalajara Hotel for a High-Rise Experience: Riu Plaza Guadalajara
Towering over the competition at 42 stories, the Riu Plaza Guadalajara offers large-scale services, with more than 500 rooms, 16 conference rooms and lots of space for business meetings, weddings and other events.
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Best Hotel for an Artsy Boutique Stay in the Historic Center: Casa Pedro Loza
Set in a mansion that dates to 1848, this Guadalajara hotel is graced with original floor tiles, ornamental plaster work and leaded glass windows. Each of the eight rooms has its own uniquely artistic style. Casa Pedro Loza is in the heart of the historic center, making it super convenient for travelers looking to explore the top tourism sites in Guadalajara. The former carriage area is the setting for a bar, and the sky lounge offers a rooftop view of the city.
Other ideas: Top name-brand luxury hotels in Guadalajara include the Hilton Guadalajara and the Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara. For a cheap stay in historic digs, consider the Hotel Morales, where visiting bullfighters once stayed, or the Hotel Francés, which dates to the 1600s and is supposedly the oldest hotel still functioning in the city. For the best hotel price comparisons and deals, be sure to use the LatinFlyer travel search engine — it’s free and surveys the best from more than two dozen top travel sites!
More about Travel in Guadalajara: www.gotoguadalajara.com