Hotel Frances is a classic of the historic centre, at Maestranza 35, and local press has described it as more than four centuries old. It has 65 rooms, a restaurant called El Molino Rojo serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, two bars including a rooftop bar, a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, an elevator and a concierge. Rooms range from standard rooms of about 172 square feet to multi-bedroom suites and come with air conditioning, a workspace, cable television, free toiletries and daily housekeeping. A buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge. The hotel also offers business services, laundry and dry cleaning, room service and a limousine service.
Location and getting around
The cathedral, the Plaza de Armas and the Teatro Degollado are all about a two-minute walk away, and the Plaza Tapatía is about five minutes. The Guadalajara Centro light rail station is about three minutes on foot, which makes the trip to Tlaquepaque simple.
The airport is roughly forty-four minutes by car, and the hotel can arrange a shuttle on request for a fixed fee per vehicle. Evenings in the area are lively around the plazas but quiet down later, and the rooftop bar is a pleasant place to end the day.
The rooms
The hotel is traditional, and rooms are plain and practical rather than designed. Reviewers praise the staff and the location, and some mention that the rooms and facilities are dated and that the elevator is occasionally out of service, so keep expectations realistic and ask for a room that suits you.
Light sleepers should request a higher floor or an interior room. Air conditioning works well, according to guests. Check-in runs from the afternoon until the early hours, though there is no after-hours check-in beyond that window, so tell the front desk if you arrive late.
Good to know
Parking is not on site, but a nearby garage about two blocks away offers validation. Pets are not allowed. Breakfast is a paid buffet, so decide whether you prefer to eat in the hotel or find a café nearby. The hotel suits first-time visitors who value walking distance to everything, budget-conscious travellers who want a central base, and history lovers who enjoy staying in an old establishment.
It is less suited to those seeking modern design, a pool or a spa. Combine it with a day trip to Tequila, for which pickups from central hotels are straightforward, and you have a simple, affordable way to see the city.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooftop bar and terrace
- ✓On-site restaurant El Molino Rojo
- ✓Buffet breakfast for an extra charge
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Elevator
- ✓Concierge and business services
- ✓Room service
Good questions
How far is Hotel Frances from the cathedral?+
The cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Teatro Degollado are all about a two-minute walk. The Guadalajara Centro light rail station is about three minutes away.
Does the hotel have parking?+
There is no on-site parking, but a nearby garage about two blocks away offers validation. Check the current arrangement when you book.
Is breakfast included?+
A buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge. There is also a restaurant, El Molino Rojo, and a rooftop bar.
