Hotel Julamis

This small boutique hotel is a charming spot that draws mostly couples with its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere. Guests rave about the hospitable chef owner and his inviting nature as well as his gourmet breakfasts. Interiors are simply furnished and decorated; the reception area is an airy space with clay tile floors, white walls, and large windows filling the room with natural light. Black-and-white photographs line the walls and simple wooden chairs provide seating, while potted plants and flowers breathe an air of freshness into the space. Faux-marble columns and an archway are an elegant touch. The adjoining lobby is a simple affair furnished with a wicker sofa and chairs padded with beige and crimson pillows; an old tube-style TV makes the space look dated. Elsewhere, however, rooms are charming with beautiful details like decorative floor tiles in the hotel’s restaurant or the gorgeous leafy and floral wall murals in the hallways. The lovely inner courtyard patio is full of lush plants and ivy creeping all over the walls. There’s also a beautiful rooftop terrace with a bar, bedecked in white and beige hues and filled with comfortable seating and lots of potted palms and tropical plants imparting an oasis-like atmosphere.

The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many top sights, such as the Merida Cathedral and the city’s main square, Zocalo, which are about a 10-minute stroll away. Zocalo Square is flanked by several sites and museums, including the Montejo House Museum, the MACAY Museum, City Hall, and the State Capital Building. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars in the surrounding area, and the Paseo Montejo, the city’s main avenue, is a seven-minute walk from the property. This prestigious avenue was modeled after the Champs Elysees and is lined with shopping and dining options, as well as mansions and museums. Several ancient Mayan ruins can be reached in about an hour’s drive, such as Uxmal, while Mayapan and Chichen Itza are about an hour and a half away. The Merida International Airport is about a 20-minute drive.

The hotel’s charming rooms are all individually decorated and many feature beautiful, hand-painted wall murals of enchanting floral and leafy scenes as well as colorful, decorative floor tiles. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and free minibars stocked with bottled water, soft drinks, and local beers, plus some rooms also have private patios, but there are no TVs or tea/coffee facilities. Bathrooms are clean and pleasant, with walk-in showers and a small range of toiletries provided. The spacious Suite Colonial has a living area, kitchenette with a microwave, coffeemaker, and fridge, as well as a private balcony. There’s also a two-bedroom villa available with a living room, dining room, kitchen, and private patio.

Gourmet breakfast is included in the room rates and served in the lovely courtyard patio or dining room. There’s also a beautiful rooftop terrace full of lush, potted plants, lanterns, comfortable seating including padded loungers on a wooden sun deck, and a hot tub. Free tequila tastings are held daily on the terrace. The hotel has a small communal kitchen and a lounge area with an old TV. A computer is available for guests’ use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.