Mérida buzzes with colonial charm, contemporary flair and a laid-back Yucatán rhythm that invites exploration, then siesta. The city’s palm-lined streets lead to rooftop pools, leafy hideaways and cool, quiet courtyards. You’ll find jungle-style escapes on the edge of town, romantic one-room sanctuaries in the heart, and stylish stays that won’t break the bank. The best places to stay in Mérida reflect the city’s graceful mix of history, design and relaxed energy.

Days in Mérida begin slowly and end late. In the cooler morning hours, wander the cobbled streets of the historic centre, where colonial facades house artisan boutiques, breezy cafés and the excellent Museo Casa de Montejo. Plaza Grande is the cultural hub, often alive with traditional music, dancing and weekend markets — just steps from many of the city's charming boutique hotels. Head north along El Paseo Montejo for stately mansions, shady promenades and chic galleries; this is also where you’ll find many of Mérida’s most elegant stays, perfect for those drawn to a sense of quiet grandeur. For a deeper dive into Yucatán’s layered past, visit the nearby Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltún, or venture out to cenotes and haciendas hidden in the jungle — a tempting escape for those staying in the city's leafy outskirts.

Come evening, Mérida transforms. The food scene is thriving, from family-run cantinas serving slow-cooked cochinita pibil to sleek restaurants offering contemporary Mexican cuisine with a twist— many of which are within walking distance of downtown design hotels. After dark, rooftop bars and live music venues fill with locals and visitors alike, especially on weekends when the streets close to traffic and the city becomes one big open-air celebration.

Whether you want to be in the thick of it all or tucked away in a romantic bolthole, Mérida has a setting to suit — and the best places to stay put you right where you need to be, whether it’s near the museums and markets, the jungle’s edge or the latest cocktail bar.

The Best Places to Stay in Mérida

In Mérida's historic heart

• A refined boutique hotel with Art Deco flourishes, cool stone interiors and a peaceful courtyard pool, Hotel Cigno offers a grown-up atmosphere and an elegant take on Yucatán hospitality.
• Rosas & Xocolate (Chocolate and Roses) is a themed property, converted from two beautiful mansions. The conversion is luxurious, and the themes run all the way to the chocolate spa treatments. Great for couples.
• Casa Lecanda stands in the heart of the city, offering rooms with tiled floors, high ceilings and large bathrooms; there is a spacious outdoor pool, wine bar and a restaurant serving sumptuous international cuisine. A real delight! 

For a jungle escape

• Hacienda Xcanatun is located just outside the city, set amidst tropical trees, offering traditionally-styled rooms adorned with antiques, two freshwater swimming pools, a pampering spa and a renowned gourmet restaurant. The perfect jungle retreat. 

For a luxurious boutique hotel

• A polished hideaway with bold architecture, mood lighting and a rooftop pool, Diez Diez Collection's sultry, cinematic style makes  an excellent pick for design lovers seeking a dramatic Mérida base.
• A serene, villa-style stay behind grand colonial facades, Villa Octavia is a discreet yet luxurious choice for those who love quiet glamour, with lofty arches, curated antiques and a graceful pool area.
• Coqui Coqui is a stylish one-room boutique hotel with a balcony overlooking a courtyard. It offers an ornate, elegant and indulgent room, plus a pampering spa and Parisian cafe. Adults only. Perfect for a romantic break.
• TreeHouse Boutique Hotel lives up to its name with lush plant-filled spaces and a dreamy rooftop terrace. Stylish, intimate and relaxed, it feels like a leafy oasis hidden in the heart of town.

On a budget

• Hotel Sureno is a colourful and cheerful base close to the action, offering good-value rooms with bright decor and modern touches. Ideal for travellers who want to explore Mérida without stretching the budget.
• Hotel Hacienda Mérida offers fabulously stylish accommodation just a short walk from the main square. A traditional exterior belies contemporary interiors, plus there's a bar and two pools.

Travel information

• Mérida’s small international airport, the Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida, is about ten kilometres outside of town. 
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.
• Mérida’s weather doesn’t change too much throughout the year. It’s always pretty hot and rarely drops below 30ºC; it peaks out at about 38ºC during the warmest months, May, June and July. There’s not much rain outside the rainy season which runs from May to October. Christmas and New Year are among the most popular times to visit, with pleasant temperatures and low humidity.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to consider all our recommendations in Yucatan
• Check out our pick of the best hotels in neighbouring Quintana Roo
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.