Puebla

Puebla is known for its traditional food, colourful pottery, friendly weather and colonial architecture. It is the forth largest city in modern Mexico and was the first city built entirely by the Spanish colonisers, so it's laid out in an orderly, planned way around the central squares of the old town, which is now UNESCO World Heritage Listed. This centre of 16th and 17th Century treasures, shows a wonderful blending of European, American and Arabic design styles (which is found in many of the best places to stay in Puebla) - and the Arabic influence can be seen in many of the beautifully tiled walls.

Puebla's location, on the wonderfully named plain of Cuetlaxcoapan, which means 'where the serpents change their skin', is between two ancient indigenous settlements, Tlaxcla and Cholula, Cholula being the largest man-made monument ever constructed, so there's plenty to see around Puebla if you're interested in the indigenous culture.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Puebla is an old water factory turned design hotel with an excellent restaurant.

• La Purificadora started its life as a water factory, and is now a stylish, 26 room design hotel. The old facades and big, cavernous spaces are wonderfully combined with modern design, and there's a great rooftop pool with city views, an excellent spa and a lively restaurant popular with the locals.

Still not sure? Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Puebla, or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.