Hotel Diego de Mazariegos takes its name from the Spanish captain who founded the town in the sixteenth century, and it keeps a colonial flavour in its arcades, courtyards and tile roofs. Its address on the edge of the main plaza is the main attraction: step outside and you are beside the cathedral, the town hall and the pedestrian streets that lead to markets, churches and restaurants. For first-time visitors who want to do everything on foot, this is about as central as San Cristóbal gets. The hotel suits travellers who like a traditional setting with a sense of history rather than a minimalist design. Expect heavy wooden doors, patios with plants, comfortable if classic rooms and a restaurant or café where you can start the day with Chiapas coffee. As in many older buildings, rooms vary in size and outlook, so it is worth asking for the type you prefer when you reserve.
Location and getting around
The plaza is the hub of the town, and almost every major sight is within a fifteen minute walk. The Santo Domingo church and the artisan market are a short stroll north, the Real de Guadalupe lies to the east and the municipal market to the south. Tour operators have offices around the plaza, and many day trips pick up nearby, which makes mornings simple. Taxis wait close to the square for trips to the airport transfer points or the bus terminals.
Rooms and atmosphere
The building has the thick walls and high ceilings of a colonial house, which keep rooms cool in the day but can be chilly at night. At 2,200 metres, evenings are cold for much of the year, so ask about heating, extra blankets and hot water when you reserve. Rooms facing the plaza are livelier, with sounds of music and festivals, while those facing interior courtyards are calmer. If you are a light sleeper, request a quiet room.
Who it suits
Couples, families and independent travellers who value location and character. The central position makes it good for short stays and for visits that revolve around walking, eating and shopping. Business travellers also find the area convenient for restaurants and services. Those who want a resort-style pool or a large spa may prefer other options, as this is a town hotel with a classic feel.
Good to know
The busiest times are the Christmas and New Year period, Holy Week and the summer holidays, when rates rise and rooms fill early. Festivals around the plaza can be loud into the evening. Bring a warm layer, since stone buildings hold the cold. Confirm what is included, such as breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking, as policies differ. A tour desk or the front desk can help arrange day trips to the canyon, the villages and the waterfalls, and staff often have good tips for restaurants and walks.
Why stay here
- ✓Main plaza location
- ✓Colonial-style building
- ✓Courtyard setting
- ✓On-site restaurant or café
- ✓Walk to the cathedral
- ✓Tour desk help
- ✓Walk to the artisan market
- ✓Front desk assistance
Good questions
Is the hotel on the main plaza?+
Yes, it stands at the edge of the central plaza, close to the cathedral and the pedestrian streets.
Is it cold at night?+
Evenings are cool to cold at altitude, so ask about heating and blankets when you reserve.
Can the hotel help with tours?+
The front desk can usually help with day trips to the canyon, the villages and the waterfalls.