Hotel Caribe Mérida

Hotel Caribe sits at Calle 59 number 500, on the corner of Calle 60, right by Parque Hidalgo in the historic centre. It is the kind of colonial hotel that travellers return to: a courtyard-style property with garden-view rooms, a terrace, a small outdoor pool open in the daytime and a restaurant for breakfast and meals. The cathedral, Plaza Grande, the Peón Contreras theatre and the university are within a couple of minutes on foot, and cafes and cantinas fill Parque Hidalgo at night. There are six room types, from standard and superior rooms with one king bed to doubles with two double beds and a classic suite with a balcony overlooking the park, so couples, friends and families can all be accommodated. Guest ratings are very good, and prices are comfortably below the city's boutique hotels.

Location and getting around: this is arguably the most convenient base in Mérida, because nearly everything is walkable. Parque Hidalgo, the cathedral and Plaza Grande are steps away, the Lucas de Gálvez market and Calle 60's restaurants are close, and Paseo de Montejo is a short taxi or a longer walk. Tour pickups for Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Celestún are simple to arrange from the front door. The centre is lively in the evenings, so expect some noise on the park side.

Rooms and facilities: standard rooms are compact, at roughly 215 to 226 square feet, with garden views and a king bed or two doubles, while the classic suite is larger at about 431 square feet and sleeps five. The pool is small but welcome after a day of sightseeing and is open from morning to early evening. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there is free parking, a major advantage in a city where parking can be hard. Breakfast is served à la carte for an extra charge rather than included.

Who it suits: budget-conscious travellers, solo visitors, couples who prefer to spend on tours and dinners rather than a room, and families who want a central base with a pool. It is a traditional, modest hotel rather than a design property, so go for the location and the value. Book early for the high season from December to April, and ask for a garden room if you want a quieter night. It is a good companion to the street food tour and the historic centre walking tour, which both start nearby.