Hotel Grand Guanajuato, on Calle Positos in the Colonia Centro, offers one of the most convenient addresses in the city for travellers on a modest budget. Almost everything on a first-time list is within minutes on foot: the University of Guanajuato and the Basílica of Our Lady are about two minutes away, the Plaza de la Paz is two, the Callejón del Beso three, the Teatro Juárez and the Diego Rivera museum about five. Cafés and restaurants sit a minute away in several directions. The hotel is modest in size and style, with five room types ranging from a City Studio with a double bed to a Comfort Room and Deluxe Room that each sleep four with two double beds, and a Classic Room with a king bed that guests rate especially highly. Rooms have smart televisions with cable channels, showers with shampoo provided and portable fans. A rooftop terrace is the highlight, and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk, tour and ticket assistance and a full breakfast for an extra charge. The property is smoke free.
Location and getting around
You could hardly be closer to the city's best-known sights, and the surrounding lanes are lively, with restaurants and bars a minute from the door. The Mercado Hidalgo is a short walk, and the Bajío airport is roughly thirty-five to forty minutes by car. The trade-off is that you are inside a pedestrian maze, so you will carry your luggage the last stretch. Message the staff ahead of arrival and ask for directions from the nearest point a taxi can reach.
The rooms
They are simple and clean, with the main complaints coming from the lack of air conditioning, since the rooms rely on fans, and from stairs rather than an elevator. Several guests mention noise from common areas and neighbouring rooms, low water pressure in some bathrooms and the occasional drain smell, so be realistic about what the price buys. If you are a light sleeper, request a quiet room and bring earplugs. Free cancellation is available on selected rates.
Good to know
There is no on-site restaurant beyond breakfast, no pool and no parking. Guests who arrive by car are directed to off-site parking some distance away, so confirm the arrangement with the hotel before you come, or arrive by taxi or bus instead. Pets are not allowed. Check-in is in the afternoon and check-out is at noon.
The hotel suits backpackers, couples and solo travellers who want to be in the middle of everything and do not mind basic comforts. It is not the right choice for those who need air conditioning, an elevator or parking, in which case the larger Hotel Real de Minas or a plaza hotel is a better fit.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Five room types, from studio to rooms for four
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Smart televisions with cable channels
- ✓Daily housekeeping
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
- ✓Two minutes from the University and the Basílica
Good questions
Where is Hotel Grand Guanajuato?+
On Calle Positos in the Colonia Centro, about two minutes on foot from the University and the Basílica and three from the Callejón del Beso.
Does it have air conditioning or parking?+
Rooms use portable fans rather than air conditioning, and the hotel has no parking of its own. Confirm off-site parking with the hotel before you drive.
Is there a restaurant?+
There is no full restaurant, but a full breakfast is available for an extra charge and many cafés and restaurants are a minute away.
