Hotel El Español Centro Histórico is at Calle 69 number 543-C, between Calles 70 and 72, on the western side of Mérida historic centre. It has an outdoor pool with sun loungers, an on-site restaurant, a bar and a terrace, free Wi-Fi in the rooms and air conditioning. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for a fee. Rooms are basic doubles and kings, and the largest sleeps five. Parque de Santiago is about ten minutes on foot, the cathedral and the Plaza Grande about thirteen, and the airport is a twelve-minute drive. Cats and dogs up to a stated weight are welcome for a small fee, which is unusual for the price.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on the western edge of the centre, a quieter and more local neighbourhood than the streets around the Plaza Grande. Parque de Santiago is a ten-minute walk, and the cathedral and the main square are about thirteen minutes on foot, so you can walk to the main sights, although many guests take a short taxi or ride-service trip when the heat is high.
Paseo de Montejo is further, at about a mile and a half, so plan a ride for evenings there. The airport is only about twelve minutes by road, which suits early flights and late arrivals.
The rooms and facilities
Rooms are described as basic, and that is a fair way to think about them: a clean bed, air conditioning, a television, a desk and a shower, with the money saved going on meals and tours. A double room sleeps two, a king room sleeps two, and the two-bed room sleeps up to five, which can work for a small family.
The outdoor pool is open through the day and into the evening and is welcome after a hot morning. The restaurant, bar and terrace mean you do not need to go far for a drink, and the front desk is staffed around the clock, with help for tours and tickets. Laundry facilities and luggage storage are available.
Good to know
Parking on site is limited, though the hotel says free parking is available nearby, so ask when you book if you are driving. Check-in is in the afternoon and ends early in the evening, with limited late arrivals, and late check-out carries a fee. Cats and dogs up to a stated weight are allowed for a small fee per stay, with some restrictions, so confirm the policy before you travel with a pet.
Breakfast is cooked to order and charged separately. The hotel suits budget travellers, pet owners, backpackers and anyone who wants a pool without paying for a boutique address. It is less suited to travellers who want to be a few steps from the Plaza Grande or who value polished service, for whom Hotel Montejo or Casa Lecanda may be a better fit.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool with sun loungers
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Bar and terrace
- ✓Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Pet friendly with limits
- ✓Laundry facilities
- ✓24-hour front desk
Good questions
Where is Hotel El Español?+
It is at Calle 69 number 543-C in the western part of the historic centre. The cathedral is about thirteen minutes on foot and the airport about twelve minutes by road.
Are pets allowed?+
Cats and dogs up to a stated weight are allowed for a small fee per stay, with some restrictions. Confirm the policy when you book.
Does the hotel have a pool?+
Yes, there is an outdoor pool with sun loungers, plus a restaurant, a bar and a terrace.
