Hotel Casa Azul is one of those small colonial-house hotels that make Mérida's historic centre so appealing to walkers. It occupies a restored historic building within easy reach of the Plaza Grande, the cathedral and the cluster of cafes, cantinas and restaurants that fill the surrounding streets. Like many properties of its type, it is arranged around a courtyard, with rooms opening onto a garden or shaded gallery and the high ceilings, tiled floors and thick walls that keep traditional Yucatecan houses cool in the heat. The scale is intimate, so staff tend to know guests by name, and the atmosphere is more personal than that of a large chain hotel. It suits couples, solo travellers and small groups who want to be at the heart of the city, to step out for breakfast at a plaza cafe and to walk home after dinner. The trade-off for the location is that rooms can be simpler than those at a modern hotel and that the street outside can be lively in the evening, so it is worth asking for a quiet room at the back if you are a light sleeper.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the historic centre, so the Plaza Grande, the cathedral and the markets are all within a short walk, while the museums are a short taxi ride away. Many of the best restaurants and bars in Mérida are within a few blocks, and the free Sunday events on the closed streets are on your doorstep.
Tour operators will collect you from the front door for the main day trips to Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Celestún. Because the streets are narrow, parking may be limited, so ask about arrangements if you have a hire car.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are air-conditioned and styled in a traditional way, with tiled floors, high ceilings and colonial touches, and some have views onto the courtyard. There is a courtyard garden and a pool or other cooling feature for the hot afternoons, though you should check what is currently available. Breakfast arrangements and extras vary, so confirm what your rate includes before booking. Heritage buildings often have stairs and uneven floors, so ask about accessibility if that matters.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want to walk everywhere, couples looking for a charming and affordable base, and travellers who prefer personality to polish. If you want a large pool, a gym and parking, a bigger hotel on the northern avenues will suit better, and if you want a splurge, a boutique mansion on Paseo de Montejo is the alternative. For most people spending a few days exploring plazas, markets and museums on foot, a colonial house like this one is the right way to experience Mérida, and the money saved on the room goes a long way on tours and dinners.
Why stay here
- ✓Restored colonial house
- ✓Courtyard garden
- ✓Walk to Plaza Grande and the cathedral
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Individually styled rooms
- ✓Close to restaurants and cantinas
- ✓Tour pick-up from the door
- ✓Personal, small-scale service
Good questions
Where is Hotel Casa Azul?+
In the historic centre of Mérida, within walking distance of the Plaza Grande, the cathedral and many restaurants and cafes.
Is it good for first-time visitors?+
Yes. The location lets you walk to most of the central sights, and tour operators will collect you at the door for the major day trips.
Is parking available?+
Parking in the historic centre is often limited, so confirm arrangements with the hotel if you are arriving with a hire car.
