Luz En Yucatan

Housed in a lovely colonial home, this charming boutique hotel bills itself as an “urban retreat” and provides just that amid Merida’s bustling streets. The rambling old home is rich in character and full of quirks, its common rooms full of local artifacts, old furniture, and details like beautiful decorative tiles, wrought-iron elements, and colorful walls. While it's not exactly a polished and pristine space, the property is full of personality and has a laid-back, easygoing vibe that makes it a favorite among visitors and inspires repeat guests. Lovely outdoor courtyards, patios, and terraces are full of lush plants, with beautiful bougainvillea climbing the walls and potted palm trees adding to the tranquil, escapist atmosphere. Seating is scattered around these outdoor spaces, while the lovely outdoor pool is surrounded by loungers and colorful Adirondack chairs that pair well with the sunflower-yellow walls and greenery creating an oasis in the courtyard area.

The hotel is conveniently located three blocks north of Merida’s main square, Zocalo, which is flanked by many sites and museums including the Merida Cathedral, the Montejo House Museum, the MACAY Museum of Contemporary Art, 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 an eight-minute walk from the property. This prestigious avenue was modeled after the Champs Elysees and is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, 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 has an array of rooms, all individually decorated in a simple style with some Mexican arts and crafts and colorful textiles adding a quirky touch, though some feel a touch dated. Rooms range from Poolside and Standard Rooms, to units with full kitchens including Studios, One-Bedroom Apartments, and a Penthouse. Beds are covered with pillow-top mattresses, high thread-count sheets, and old-fashioned bedspreads, and all rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and unlimited drinking water, plus some rooms have private patios or terraces furnished with tables, chairs, an umbrella, and a hammock. Free cold beers in the fridge upon arrival are a nice touch. Bathrooms are simple and elegant, with walk-in rainfalls showers and large vanity areas, though toiletries are limited to soap, and some showerheads have a bit of mineral buildup.

The hotel has several common areas, including a communal kitchen that guests are free to use as well as an adjacent dining room. The kitchen is outfitted with a full fridge, stove and oven, microwave, coffeemaker, blender, toaster, and an array of cooking and dining ware. Besides the indoor spaces, which also include several lounge rooms with sitting areas, the property has lovely outdoor spaces, including a charming courtyard with a pool. Sun loungers and Adirondack chairs line the surrounding sundeck, and there are shaded tables as well as plenty of lush greenery that creates a serene oasis. Some of the hotel’s many quirky perks include a free bar cart in the hallway that guests are invited to help themselves from, as well as a sliding scale for room rates based on how successful guests are. (Guests can choose from “exceedingly,” “moderately,” or “not at all.”) Parking is available in a lot across the street, though with a daily fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.