5 Top Areas + Unmissable Hotels
Colorful houses, rich history and yummy food, this capital city has it all! So if you’re headed on a trip there, then stick around and read this guide on where to stay in Merida.
After thorough research, I made a list of the top neighborhoods in town and included a short list of hotels for all budgets for each.
In short, Zocalo is the best area to stay in Merida as that’s where you’ll find the most iconic attractions and gorgeous hotels. Besides that, I also covered 4 more areas, all just as charming!
Since Zocalo is such a popular holiday destination, I’d recommend booking your hotels here, in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the high season (December to April).
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book your hotels right now, then check this list with some of the top hotels in Zocalo, one of the best areas to stay in Merida, Mexico:
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Here’s a map to help you have a mental image of all the areas in Merida, Mexico, that I will be talking about in this post. Centro, the city center of Merida, is made up of the following 5 areas, each with its own characteristics.
1. Zocalo – where to stay in Merida for the first time
Honestly, there’s no better place to start your Merida adventures than Zocalo, a huge square in the heart of Merida’s historic center, that’s also known as Plaza Grande or Historic Plaza Mayor.
Around this main square, you’ll find some incredible attractions and historic buildings, like the Fernando García Ponce Museum, the Olimpo Cultural Center (map), the Edificio Municipal de Mérida (map), Teatro Mérida (map) and Catedral de San Ildefonso (map).
Besides all the incredible attractions you’ll also find lots of cafes, restaurants as well as food stalls and plenty of stores from where you can get your souvenirs like Del Sol department store (map).
The best way to get around this area is walking, that way you can explore all the streets and admire the pastel-colored buildings, the colonial architecture and vintage cars.
You’ll definitely have so many picture spots in Zocalo!
NOTE: You can also rent a car if you want more flexibility, or you could also make do by using the bus or renting a bike.
Most of the hotels here, and even in the areas below are set in historic buildings, so let’s have a look!
Luxury hotel
How gorgeous is this boutique hotel that’s set in a refurbished 19th-century French mansion? The interior design, the architecture and the furnishings are absolutely incredible! You won’t get enough of spending time by the outdoor pool or enjoying a yummy meal in the courtyard! Each room has special elements and some offer garden views.
Other accommodation options in Centro
Mid-Range
This amazing hotel comes with an outdoor pool and comfy rooms that come with a balcony
Budget
Such a cool place that comes with stylish rooms with a terrace and an outdoor pool
Airbnb
With room for up to 6 people this apartment has a kitchen and a cool decor
Since the historic district has so many incredible hotels, I wanted to offer you a couple more luxury options:
Things to do in Zocalo
- Visit the Merida Municipal Palace
- Check out the Olimpo Cultural Center for films & live performances
- See the Passage of the Revolution, a glass-roofed tunnel with art installations (map)
- Check out the Mexican art exhibits at the MACAY
- Admire the architecture of the Merida Cathedral
- Do some people watching in Plaza Grande (map)
- Walk around the area and admire the pastel-painted houses
2. Santa Lucia – where to stay in Merida for foodies
Located only a 10 min walk away from Zocalo, Santa Lucia is a fab area filled with amazing restaurants and bars!
Foodies will have a great time here exploring the restaurant scene which is pretty diverse thanks to the expats who live here.
Centered around the Santa Lucia Park, the area is also home to some amazing attractions like the Santa Lucia Church (map) and the Caracol Púrpura Art Gallery (map). You’ll also find some cool stores as well, like Galeria Alfaro (map) an antique store.
Another perk of this neighborhood is that this is where many of Merida’s cool festivals and fairs take place.
The best one ever is the Yucatan Serenade dance festival, which takes place weekly since 1965, where you’ll enjoy some great live music played by local bands! And every Saturday, there is La Noche Mexicana with dance performances and concerts.
As I mentioned, there are lots of restaurants here that you should check out, like the Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy (map) and La Chaya Maya Casona (map).
The area is also home to many affordable hotels, perfect if you want to save some money during your trip… let’s check them out!
Luxury hotel
You’re going to love the natural tones and simple yet super chic design of this hotel that has an outdoor pool where you can enjoy the sun, a spa center where you can unwind after your flight and a restaurant.
Other accommodation options in Santa Lucia
Budget
A great hotel that has comfy rooms, a restaurant and a swimming pool
Airbnb
This stylish place offers a swimming pool, a kitchen and courtyard views
Things to do in Santa Lucia
- Enjoy a breath of fresh air in Santa Lucia Park (map)
- Admire the cool pink façade of Santa Lucia church
- Dance the night away every Saturday during “la Noche Mexicana”
- Grab dinner at the Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy
- Shop for souvenirs at Galeria Alfaro`
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3. Santiago – the best area in Merida for families
Set just West of Zocalo Plaza you will find the Santiago area, which is a great place to stay in Merida for those traveling with the family thanks to its central location!
Santiago is an old neighborhood that’s home to many ancient churches, fab restaurants, cafes and the biggest attractions: the Parque Zoológico del Centenario, a huge zoo where you can see flamingos, zebras and giraffes!
Right near the Zoo, you’ll also find the Museo de Historia Natural (map) which has dinosaur exhibits, fossils and many other cool things!
Just like the other areas Santiago is filled with historical, colorful houses which you can admire as you stroll down the streets.
Now let’s check out the best hotels in Santiago of Merida:
Luxury hotel
Merida Santiago Hotel Boutique
Offering spacious rooms for families with a spa bath and swimming pool views, this hotel is surely a keeper! The accommodation also offers an on-site restaurant, free parking and an airport shuttle.
Other accommodation options in Santiago
Budget
This colorful hotel comes with spacious rooms that have a patio and an outdoor pool
Casa Azul Monumento Histórico ($$$) – housed in a 19th-century building, this boutique hotel is painted in a beautiful blue and it has luxurious suites with views of the indoor courtyard and a restaurant.
Things to do in Santiago
- Discover Yucatan’s highlights on this full-day tour
- Visit the Parque Zoológico del Centenario (map) with the family
- Learn new things at the Museo de Historia Natural
- Enjoy a family dinner at Café Montejo (map)
4. Santa Ana – where to stay in Merida, Mexico on a budget
Set a 15 min walk away from Zocalo, Santa Ana is a small neighborhood that’s filled with fun attractions and activities.
This is where you’ll find a thriving art scene in Merida with its countless independent art galleries from modern artists and museums.
Like Santa Lucia, the Santa Ana area is spread around Santa Ana Park (Parque de Santa Ana), featuring a big plaza (map) with many street vendors and food stalls.
The square itself hosts some interesting attractions like 18th-century Santa Ana Church (map), a fountain and a market (map) from where you can get all sorts of goodies!
Those are just the sites around the square, you’ll also find some other attractions around the area like Centro de Artes Visuales (map), Casas Gemelas Museum (map) and Montejo 495.
Santa Ana also has lots of small shops from where you can get some amazing souvenirs like Uxmal de Taxco (map).
Luxury hotel
Enjoy a quiet night under the moonlight by the swimming pool of this amazing hotel that has super spacious suites with a kitchenette, a balcony and garden views. This accommodation also offers a spa center, a bar and free parking.
Other accommodation options in Santa Ana
Mid-Range
Enjoy some yummy meals at this homey hotel that has rooms with a patio
Budget
A super affordable place where you can chill by the pool and take some cool pics
Airbnb
Located in the heart of Mérida, this well-equipped place has a kitchen and free Wi-Fi
TreeHouse Boutique Hotel ($$$) – here’s one more amazing hotel that offers a garden, a pool and a shared lounge and bar.
Things to do in Santa Ana
- Walk around Santa Ana Square and check out its food stalls
- Check out the Santa Ana Church
- Shop for souvenirs in all the boutique stores
- Visit the Casas Gemelas Museum
- Take a trip to the nearby Mundo Maya Museum
5. Paseo de Montejo – the most upscale area in Merida Mexico
Paseo Montejo (map) is the most important street in Merida, running down from the North of the city, directly to its heart in Zocalo.
This is a particularly good place to stay in the city if you want to stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in town! Yep, this area is pretty expensive.
There are also lots of gorgeous historical mansions, and lots of them were converted into museums that you can actually visit!
Another fun activity that you can try here is shopping! You’ll find many luxury, chic boutiques that sell everything from clothing to Mexican souvenirs with Mayan designs and ceramics.
Being a pretty touristic area, in Paseo Montejo, you’ll also find many cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious Mexican cuisine but also international dishes. Some places that you should try out are Trattoria La Pasta Montejo (map) and Yerba Santa Mérida (map). Paseo Montejo, you’ll also find many fashionable cafes, restaurants, and bars where to enjoy the Mexican delicious cuisine or just chill and do some people watching, my favorite thing when I visit a new place!
Luxury hotel
Enjoy your stay in this incredible hotel that has hammocks on the terrace, an inner courtyard with a pool and a bar. Each room is beautifully decorated, and some even come with views of the swimming pool.
Other accommodation options in Paseo de Montejo
Mid-Range
Chill on the rooftop terrace of this hotel that has an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar
Budget
Such a great place at an affordable price, that has family rooms and free Wi-Fi
Hyatt Regency Merida ($$$) – here’s one more luxury hotel that has a pool on the 3rd floor, 2 on-site restaurants and rooms with a marble bathroom.
Things to do in Paseo de Montejo
- Shop in the many stores on Montejo Avenue
- Check out the Monumento a la Patria (map)
- Visit the Anthropology and History Museum
- Check out the 20th-century twin houses: the Casas Gemelas (map)
- Have a delicious coffee at the Cafeteria Impala (map)
- Try the famous Pox (local Mayan liquor) in one of the many bars
- Do more shopping in Altabrisa Mall (map)
FAQs about hotels in Merida, Mexico
📍Which is the best place where to stay in Merida, Mexico?
Zocalo is the best place to stay in Merida, Mexico, as that’s where you’ll find tons of attractions and amazing hotels like Mansión Mérida Boutique Hotel.
💚 Is Merida, Mexico a safe city?
Yes, Merida is one of the safest cities in Mexico. Beyond Merida, the entire Yucatan Peninsula is also considered quite safe for travelers!
👪 Where to stay in Merida, Mexico with the family?
Santiago is one of the best places to stay in Merida with your kids. This area is home to some amazing family-friendly attractions.
💵 Where is the best area to stay in Merida, Mexico on a budget?
The best places to stay in Merida Mexico on a budget are Casa Tavera, offering great value, or the cheaper option Hotel Santa Ana. You will find both hotels in the neighborhood of Santa Ana, which has the best budget hotels!
Final thoughts on where to stay in Merida
What a stunning destination! I hope that this guide on where to stay in Merida, Yucatan helped you decide which hotel and area to pick.
I’m sure it’s a tough call, so if you’re still debating which hotel to pick, here are my top-rated 2 favorite options, both set in Zocalo:
Just remember to book your hotels in advance, as this is a popular holiday destination and the good hotels always go first.
If you have any questions on Merida or Yucatan, Mexico don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below. I’d be happy to help you out.
Have an amazing trip to Merida,
Elena
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