10 Best Hotels in Merida Mexico in 2024 [Locals’ Guide]
Ready to book your Merida hotel?
You’ve come to the right place, because I live in Merida! That’s right, you have the most coveted of all Merida tips right at your fingertips — travel advice from a local — to point you in the right direction to all the best hotels in Merida, Mexico.
Using my knowledge of the city and its top hotels, I curated this list of the best hotels and Merida resorts just for you. The 10 hotels in Merida, MX featured here are divided into two categories;
- Splurge Merida Hotels at (approx.) $150-300 USD per night, and
- Budget-Friendly Merida Hotels at (approx.) $50-100 USD.
Wondering where to stay in Merida for less? Check out the best hostels in Merida section to discover the most affordable places to stay in Merida.
Ready to discover the 10 best hotels in Merida, Mexico? Let’s get to those, as well as three quick tips for how to pick the best hotels and resorts in Merida, and then 3 quick tips for booking hotels in Merida Mx, as well as a Merida travel FAQ at the end of this article.
Top 3 Picks: Best Hotels in Merida Mexico
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rosas y Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa
✔️ Outdoor swimming pool
✔️ Airport shuttle service
#2 PICK
The Diplomat Boutique Hotel
✔️ Outdoor swimming pool
✔️ Free breakfast
#3 PICK
El Palacito Secreto Boutique Hotel
✔️ 2 swimming pools
✔️ Express check-in/check-out
Best hotels in merida mexico
Splurge Merida Hotels
1. Rosas y Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa
⭐️ Rating: 8.3/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Paseo de Montejo | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Rosas y Xocolate is located right on Paseo de Montejo; known as the best street in town. There are only four rooms in this boutique Merida hotel, so if this is the hotel for you — book it ASAP!
Besides the gorgeous hotel, housed in a renovated mansion, there’s a spa, restaurant and boutique shop on site.
For me clearly the best hotel in Merida Mexico. Great ambiance and style. Really superb food and useful wine list…. Excellent service at reception and restaurant… Nice pool and terrace. Great location.
—Art (more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
2. The Diplomat Boutique Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 9.9/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Centro Historico | 🏩 View on Booking.com
The Diplomat Boutique Hotel Merida is housed in a renovated colonial hacienda-style mansion right in the heart of Downtown Merida, perfect if you’re looking for Merida hotels Centro.
Combined with gorgeous vintage vibes and stylish decor, guests will also love the outdoor pool and lounge area with bar, and complimentary breakfast each morning.
What a gem The Diplomat Merida is… Best place I’ve stayed in a very long time. The property is beautiful, all important things are working exceptionally well, from wifi to service.
—Kristyna (more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
3. El Palacito Secreto Boutique Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 9.4/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Centro Histórico | 🏩 View on Booking.com
El Palacito Secreto (The Secret Palace) captures the spectacular French architecture of 19th Century Merida.
This impressive boutique hotel has eight luxurious suites, decorated with authentic period furniture, transporting you to the past — right in the heart of Merida.
A true Merida Mexico bed and breakfast, enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning prepared fresh by El Palacito Secreto’s chef.
You can also have a massage done at the hotel for an additional fee, or just enjoy swimming in the 40-foot-long pool. This is one of the best Merida Mexico hotels you should try!
Very beautiful rooms, staff was professional, kind and helpful, and the location is great. They make a delicious breakfast and the hotel has everything you need. We also ordered a massage, which was great & professional.
—Sarah (more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
4. Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP
⭐️ Rating: 9/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Centro Historico | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Hotel Hacienda VIP Mérida is located in the heart of Downtown Merida.
Besides the ideal location, you’ll enjoy Old World Yucatan hacienda vibes, and modern conveniences, like room service and a pool. There’s a restaurant onsite, with à la carte breakfast served each morning for guests.
I can’t imagine a better hotel in Merida. Everything is perfect: from staff to rooms, food, location… I would love to go back and stay there again. Staff is always there for you.
—Carine (more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
5. Ya’ax Hotel Boutique
⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Centro Historico | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Ya’ax Hotel Boutique is a hacienda-style hotel, located just a few blocks from Plaza Grande and the Merida Cathedral.
An oasis in Downtown Merida, enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool, lush garden, and stylish decor in the rooms and common areas. Definitely one of the best hotel Merida Yucatan.
The staff is wonderful and took very good care of us. The property is beautiful and historic. It’s about 5 to 7 blocks from anywhere you’d want to go in the central part of town.
—Jesse (more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
6. Diez Diez Collection
⭐️ Rating: 9/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Paseo Montejo | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Diez Diez Collection is among the newest hotels in Merida, located just half a block off Paseo Montejo.
This photogenic hotel has stylish decor throughout, a rooftop pool and bar, and the hip Fronto Restaurant downstairs — led by famed Yucatan chef, Roberto Solís.
Greatness is here: Everyone is just as nice as it can get, the property is absolutely beautiful and the food and accommodation is just marvelous.
—Anónimo (more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
7. Hacienda Santa Cruz Hotel & Spa
⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Santa Cruz Palomeque, Mérida | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Hacienda Santa Cruz is located 20 minutes by rental car or Uber from Downtown Merida — but for a true Yucatan hacienda experience, this is the closest one to the city.
Enjoy comfortable rooms, gorgeous gardens, an on-site restaurant, two pools and a spa at one of the best Merida haciendas!
The setting is magnificent. So many old growth trees and beautiful gardens. Our room was very comfortable. The staff is very pleasant and very proud of their work. It was a very tranquil and relaxing stay.
—Trina (more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
Budget-Friendly Merida Hotels
8. NH Collection Paseo de Montejo
⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Paseo de Montejo | 🏩 View on Booking.com
NH Collection Merida Hotel is located right on Paseo de Montejo, near Fiesta Americana Merida, and above trendy Paseo 60, which has several restaurants and shops.
The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar, rooftop pool, fitness center and bar in Mérida, and complimentary breakfast each morning, making it one of the Merida hotels Mexico.
This place truly surprised me! Excellent location on Paseo Montejo near city center which is bustling with things to do, the free breakfast was phenomenal!!
—David (Read more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
9. Hotel Casa del Balam
⭐️ Rating: 8.1/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Centro Historico | 🏩 View on Booking.com
La Casa del Balam Hotel is in a restored Art Deco-style mansion, two blocks from Merida Cathedral and across the street from the José Peón Contreras Theater.
Hotel guests will enjoy the outdoor pool and gardens, and Bistrola 57 restaurant located downstairs with complimentary breakfast each morning.
Everything was perfect. The hotel is very well maintained in a colonial style, furniture and details chosen with taste. The chill out zone with the tidy swimming pool it is lovely.
—baurb (Read more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
10. Kuka y Naranjo Boutique Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 9.3/10 |📍 Neighborhood: Centro Historico | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Kuka y Naranjo Hotel is a charming bed and breakfast in Downtown Merida. It has rustic-yet-stylish decor throughout and a true oasis-like feel.
Guests will enjoy the serene splash pool surrounded by tropical plants, rooftop terrace, and complimentary breakfast each morning. Definitely a must-stay Merida Mexico hotel.
The hotel is beautiful. It is a colonial house, it has great details. The breakfast is great and the staff very friendly. It has a pool and amazing terraces. The hotel has parking which is super practical.
—Gustavo (Read more reviews)
Best hotels in merida mexico
Best Merida Hostels
Merida doesn’t have many hostels to choose from (at least, not yet!) but the ones it has are in beautiful, renovated hacienda-style buildings with a lot of style.
The three best hostels in Merida, Mexico listed below are all in Centro Historico (Historic Downtown), so you’re within walking distance of everything.
1. Che Nomadas Hostel Merida
2. Hostal Barrio Vivo
3. Hotel & Hostal Boutique Casa Garza
Best hotels in merida mexico
3 Quick Tips for Booking Hotels in Merida, Mexico
Best Neighborhoods in Merida
As they say; “Location, Location, Location.” When booking your hotel, Merida has two neighborhoods you’ll want to stick to: Centro Historico (Historic Downtown Merida) and Paseo de Montejo.
I made it easy — because all hotels in Merida, MX listed in this article are in one of these!
Merida is a walkable city, but only if you stick to a hotel in Merida, Mexico that’s located in one of these two areas. While North Merida may have some nice options, that part of the city isn’t walkable.
As the highest concentration of things to do in Merida Mexico are in and around these two neighborhoods, you may save a bit staying on the outskirts of town, but you’ll need a rental car, or to Uber in and out of downtown each day.
Note: To call Uber, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data!
🏡 Want to explore your VRBO and Airbnb Merida, Mexico options? Check out 12 Stunning Airbnbs in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local] for my top picks on Merida homes and apartments.
Parking at Merida Hotels
Renting a car in Merida, Mexico? Check with each individual hotel before booking, as some hotel Mexico Merida don’t offer on-site parking. Others charge a daily rate for parking, especially if you’re staying in Centro Historico (Downtown Merida).
As with most downtown areas, there is street parking. However, for those wanting secure parking, it often doesn’t come for free at Merida, Yucatan hotels — so always double-check before booking, as no one likes unexpected charges!
Book A Merida Hotel with a Pool
Given the tropical Merida weather, which is quite hot year-round, the best way to beat the heat during the day, or relax at night, is in the pool.
For that reason, every place on this list has a pool, because, as a Merida local, I promise you’re going to want to jump in the pool during your trip.
Best hotels merida mexico
Merida Travel Guide & FAQ
RELATED ARTICLE 🇲🇽 The Ultimate Merida, Mexico Travel Guide (Written by a Local)
Is Merida, Mexico safe?
Given the media’s portrayal of Mexico, it has a bad wrap. However, as a large country, yes, Mexico has parts you should avoid — but Merida isn’t among those parts. For a deep dive on this topic, check out Is Merida Mexico Safe for Travelers? Safety Tips from a Longtime Resident, or the podcast below.
Beyond Merida, the entire Yucatan Peninsula is considered quite safe for travelers. In general, all places in Mexico promoting tourism are safe to visit.
As Mexico’s largest source of income, both the federal and local governments in all the top travel destinations do a lot to promote and maintain tourism safety.
Should I get travel insurance for Mexico?
Want an added level of security and peace of mind during these strange travel times? Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.
I’ll be honest, when I first started traveling solo, I wasn’t insured. However, after years of solo traveling, I wised up. If Mexico travel safety is on your mind, get your free quote below now!
10 General travel safety tips
- Always listen to your intuition — because your intuition is always right.
- If you get a sketchy or uneasy feeling about a person or place, get away from that person or place asap. Don’t worry about making a kind, nice or politically correct exit from a creepy person or bad situation — Just get away fast.
- Don’t walk home alone at night.
- Don’t keep your phone, keys, wallet, passport, or anything valuable in your back pocket.
- Learn some basic Spanish — Rocket Spanish will have you confident and conversational after just a few modules.
- Take all of your belongings into the bathroom with you, rather than asking a cafe/bar neighbor to watch your things. This is annoying, for sure, but it works to not get your stuff stolen.
- Speaking of bar neighbors… don’t take drinks from strangers and/or leave your drink unattended.
- Don’t wear flashy clothes, expensive jewelry, designer sunglasses, etc.
- Keep some cash in your pocket so you don’t have to pull your whole wallet out every time you need to pay.
- When in doubt: Get Travel Insurance!
Register for the STEP Program
Make sure you enroll in the free STEP Program before your trip. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
After you’ve registered, the U.S. Consulate in Merida can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc. STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home in the event of an emergency while abroad.
Merida Mexico podcast
Best hotels merida Mexico
Where is Merida, Mexico?
Merida is in the Yucatan Peninsula, a region comprising three states — Quintana Roo State (home to Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and more), Yucatan State and Campeche state. The Yucatan is located in southeastern Mexico.
RELATED ARTICLE 🏝 10 Best Merida Mexico Beaches in Yucatan
As you can see on this Merida Mexico map, it is the center of the Yucatan — and the perfect home base for many great Merida day trips.
From Merida cenotes and pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns), to Mayan ruins and tropical beaches, there’s so much within 1-2 hours of Merida.
Best hotels merida Mexico
How do I travel to Merida, Mexico?
Wondering about flights to Merida? There’s actually an airport about 20 minutes from downtown — Merida International Airport (code: MID). The airport is in the southern part of the city, though all the best Merida, Mexico hotels are in the center of northern parts of the city.
There are direct flights to Merida, Mexico, from just a few cities in the U.S., like Miami and Houston.
For most travelers, it’s usually easier to catch a connecting flight to MID from Mexico City International Airport or Guadalajara International Airport., or travel from Cancun to Merida.
From the airport, you can drive your rental car, or take an Uber, taxi, or private transport service to your accommodation. The airport is only about 25-35 minutes from Downtown Merida.
Merida Airport Transfer
Merida Car Rental
If you are looking to rent a car in Merida, the airport is the best place to do so. As Merida isn’t a big city, car rental options can be limited, so do book in advance.
For travelers staying in the city itself, skip the rental! However, if you’re taking a few day trips from Merida, you’ll want to rent from Discover Cars, a reputable company for a rental car in Merida — which I always use! ▶︎ BOOK NOW with Discover Cars
How to get from Cancun to Merida
If you aren’t flying to Merida International Airport, you can fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) and book private transport, drive your rental car over to Merida or take the ADO bus. There are also some small carriers that offer Cancun to Merida flights, like MAYAir.
Head here for a detailed guide, Cancun to Merida: 6 Best Transportation Options.
• Cancun to Merida Bus: You can easily take an ADO Bus from the Cancun Airport, on what is about a five-hour drive. ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company and has a fleet of luxury class busses. You can buy your tickets online, or in person. Prices vary, but figure about $500 pesos ($25USD) for a one-way ticket.
• Cancun to Merida Drive: This drive takes about 3.5-4 hours by car and is known as a very safe drive. In general, the Yucatan Peninsula is known as one of the safest parts of Mexico, roads included.
How to get from Tulum to Merida
Traveling to Merida from Tulum — the Instagram capital of the Yucatan?! This trip will take about three-hours by car, and closer to four-hours by bus. From Tulum, you can easily take an ADO Bus from the main bus terminal in Downtown Tulum. You can also rent a car and do the drive, which will take about 3.5 hours.
Best hotels merida Mexico
What’s the best time to visit Merida?
The best time of year to visit Merida, Mexico is from October to March, when Merida’s weather is cooler. May is often the hottest month, and even us Merida expats and locals dread May!
RELATED ARTICLE 🇲🇽 50 Best Things to Do in Merida, Mexico + FREE Map
Located in the tropics, it rains pretty much daily during the peak of Merida’s rainy season, June to September.
Like much of Mexico, December is the busiest month for tourism in Merida. However, December is also a festive and fun time to visit, with city-wide festivals like Noche Blanca to enjoy, in addition to nice weather.
🌡️ Weather in Merida, Mexico: Average Temperatures
Best hotels merida Mexico
What do I pack for Merida?
Because of the weather, definitely pack this Water-To-Go Bottle for hydration and tropical clothing. As far as how to dress in Merida, think flowy, tropical, breathable, cotton, and light-colored clothing; bonus points for anything that doesn’t show sweat!
Merida Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula, have a tropical climate. As you can see in the average yearly Merida weather chart above, this part of Mexico is hot (and humid 😥) for most of the year.
A cute sun hat will help keep the sun off your face, and of course, sunglasses are a must.
FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico
Wondering exactly what to pack for Merida and all of Mexico?
Head to ULTIMATE Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist to download your FREE printable packing list for Mexico below — it covers both Mexico beach packing and Mexico city packing — and, more importantly, what not to bring to Mexico.
Best hotels merida mexico
Final Thoughts: Hotels in Merida Mexico
RELATED ARTICLE 🇲🇽 12 Best Merida Tours for an Unforgettable Mexico Experience
Merida is a very special city — and not that just because I live in it!
From colorful colonial architecture, to amazing Yucatan food, Mexican and Mayan culture, boutique shopping, amazing day trips from Merida, nearby Merida beaches, and great hotels, it’s hard to not fall for Merida’s charm.
How many days in Merida do I need?
You could spend a month in Merida and never get bored, as there’s so many things to do in the city itself.
With its central location in the Yucatan Peninsula, the surrounding areas are also exciting to explore, with Mayan Ruins, Merida cenotes (natural pools) and other colonial cities nearby.
While most travelers won’t have a month, check out this One Day in Merida itinerary and Two Days in Merida itinerary to plan ahead for a quick visit.
For a nice, well rounded trip, three days in Merida would be ideal (Three Days in Merida itinerary to come!).
Is Merida worth visiting?
As the Cultural Capital of the Yucatan, those who love Mayan history and Mexican culture will enjoy Merida. It provides a wonderful alternative to the big-name Yucatan Peninsula travel destinations like Cancun and Tulum, both only about 3.5 hours away.
Still a somewhat off-the-beaten-path Mexico travel destination, Merida is starting to appear on more radars thanks to press like the 2020 Conde Nast Traveller poll, naming Merida the #3 Best City in the World 😳
However, for now, Merida remains approachable, appeals to a variety of travelers, and is 100% worth visiting! So what are you waiting for? Book your Merida flight below ⤵
Merida Travel Planning Guide
Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
Can you drink the water in Merida?
No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)
Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?
Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)
Will my phone work in Merida?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)
What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?
For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb! (Read more)
What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.
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