**Merida's Hidden Gem: Hotel El Español's Paseo de Montejo Paradise Awaits!**
Merida's Hidden Gem: Hotel El Español's Paseo de Montejo Paradise Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to try and untangle my brain after experiencing the actual paradise that is Hotel El Español in Merida, Mexico. Forget those sterile, overly-produced reviews. This is the real deal. And trust me, after a week sweating it out in the Yucatan heat, I have opinions.
First Impressions & The Arrival Haze:
Merida is magical. Let's just get that out there. And Hotel El Español? Well, it's almost as magical. The facade screams classic colonial charm, all creamy stucco and wrought iron. I, however, screamed "Where's the AC?!" after the humid taxi ride. That was quickly sorted. Their airport transfer service was a godsend. You're immediately transported in a cool, sleek vehicle and the welcome drink almost made me cry. (Jet lag is a powerful thing, people.) The front desk [24-hour] staff were genuinely friendly, not the forced-smile kind. They even offered luggage storage while I went for a quick wander.
Let's talk Accessibility – Because it Matters:
Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, BUT I noticed the effort. And that matters. The elevator was a lifesaver (especially after a few too many margaritas). The hotel offers facilities for disabled guests which is a huge plus and they seemed well-thought-out. I didn't inspect every single thing, but the general vibe was welcoming and considerate. Accessibility is key!
The Room – My Sanctuary (Mostly):
Okay, the room. My god, the room! We're talking non-smoking rooms (thank god), air conditioning that actually worked, and blackout curtains. Sleep? Pure bliss. I could have spent a week just in the bed. The extra long bed was a game-changer for this tall gal.
Here's where it gets… human. My room? Not perfect, but nothing is.
- The bathroom was clean (phew!) with a decent shower and provided towels. I really appreciated those little things like complimentary tea. The hair dryer was decent. *I'm not sure whether the additional toilet and the bathtub were good for me, but nice to know they exist.
- My room had Internet access – wireless which was incredibly good, so I managed to stay connected. *I didn't need the slippers, bathrobes or alarm clock, but the room had them. *
The Quirks & Imperfections:
- The desk was a little cramped if you need serious workspace.
- The coffee/tea maker in the room was… adequate. Not Nespresso, but it served the purpose of getting me moving!
- I think there was a safe box. I forgot to use it. Oops.
Internet, Internet, Glorious Internet – And Other Tech Stuff:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it was fast. Seriously. I could stream movies, video chat with my cat (don't judge), and actually work if I had to. The Internet access – LAN was available too (I presume for the business types).
Things to Do (And Ways to Actually Relax – Finally!):
This is where Hotel El Español really shines. Forget boring sightseeing. This is about pure, unadulterated relaxation.
- The Pool! The View! The Pool with a View! Oh, the infinity pool overlooking the city… I'm not kidding, I spent a solid afternoon just floating, sipping cocktails from the poolside bar (their margaritas are legendary), and pretending I was a mermaid.
- They have Spa/sauna services. Though I didn't end up using them, they looked tempting,
- Other forms of Relaxation:
- Body scrub and Body wrap, if you're into that sort of self-care.
- Foot bath, which sounded DIVINE after a day of exploring.
- Massage – Need I say more?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Verdict:
Alright, let's get down to the important stuff: the food and booze.
- Breakfast [buffet] – Absolutely worth the trip. They had everything! Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, and the coffee was strong. I maybe ate too many pastries. Buffet in restaurant.
- Restaurants – The main restaurant was stunning. I loved their International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant– excellent to relax.
- Desserts in restaurant- amazing and delicious
- Bar - They have a great bar for after-dinner drinks.
- Room service [24-hour]– available! Thank God for the days when you simply can't move.
- Snack bar– The snack bar was good for something quick and easy.
The Messy Bits (And Why They Matter):
- Cleanliness and safety - Hotel El Español took COVID seriously. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were all diligent about wearing masks. They were also ready with hand sanitizer and physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Hygiene certification – it was easy to feel safe.
- Shared stationery removed – good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol - good.
- Safe dining setup - good
Services and Conveniences – The Nitty-Gritty:
They really thought of everything!
- Concierge – Super helpful for booking tours and getting recommendations.
- Daily housekeeping – My room was always spotless.
- Elevator – Essential!
- Laundry service – Saved my smelly travel clothes.
- Car park [free of charge] – Huge bonus.
- Cash withdrawal – Convenient.
- Dry cleaning – For the fancy clothes I didn't bring.
- Convenience store- nice for emergencies.
For the Kids (And the Inner Child):
I didn't have kids with me, but they had babysitting service and kids facilities. They seemed very Family/child friendly.
Getting Around – The Practicalities:
- Airport transfer – Easy peasy.
- Taxi service – Readily available.
- Car park [free of charge] – A massive win.
The Verdict: Is Hotel El Español Worth It?
Absolutely. For the price, the location, the sheer beauty and comfort, and the genuine warmth of the staff, it's a winner. Yes, there might be a few minor imperfections. But those are what make it real. This isn't a corporate factory; it's a place to experience Merida and yourself.
But Wait, There's More! (The Offer)
Ready to experience this slice of paradise? Here's what you get:
Book now and receive 15% off your stay AND a complimentary welcome cocktail upon arrival! PLUS, get a FREE upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability). But that's not all! We're also throwing in a voucher for a free spa service (your choice of body scrub or massage).
Why El Español? Because you deserve it. Because you deserve to relax, to unwind, and to explore the magic of Merida. Don't wait. Book your escape today!
Escape to Cooma's Cozy High Country Haven: Book Your Motel Getaway Now!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's pristine itinerary. This is how the Merida, Yucatan, thing actually went down for yours truly. We're talking messy, glorious, and probably a little too much tequila fueled… let's call it "experience."
Destination: Hotel El Español Paseo de Montejo, Merida, Mexico – My Mexican Meanderings (A Slightly Chaotic Adventure)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Gratification (aka Tequila)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Flight finally lands in Merida. The air hits me like a warm, spiced hug. Honestly, after the Chicago winter I just escaped, I could weep with joy. Customs? A breeze! (Thank you, Señor Passport control, you handsome devil).
- Morning (10:30 AM): Taxi to Hotel El Español. The Paseo de Montejo! Oh, wow. Grand boulevards, ornate mansions. This city is straight up gorgeous. I start mentally revising my budget to include purchasing one of those gorgeous homes. I'm living the fantasy.
- Morning (11:30 AM): Check-in. The hotel? Charming in a slightly worn, but definitely lovable, way. The staff are genuinely friendly. I was worried I'd be out of place, however, I find myself feeling at home immediately, a feeling that grows exponentially with…
- Afternoon (12:30 PM): The real start of the trip. Poolside. Margaritas. Maybe two. Okay, three. The sun, the gentle breeze, the sound of Spanish… Pure bliss. I order the guacamole. It is the best guacamole I have EVER tasted. I consider writing a strongly worded letter to every guacamole I’ve ever eaten that was less than perfect.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): That Margarita nap. Don't judge me. It was necessary.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Wandering the Paseo! Feeling like a proper tourist with my camera. Snapping photos of the mansions, the statues, the whole damn shebang. I buy WAY too many souvenirs (a ridiculously oversized sombrero, naturally).
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant I thought was really amazing, but turned out to be…well, pedestrian. The food wasn’t bad, but I'd been expecting a culinary symphony and got more of a beginner's guitar lesson. I made a mental note to be more discerning with my restaurant choices, and to definitely ask locals for recs.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Stumbling back to the hotel. Already a little tipsy. The hotel is lovely in the twilight, with all the candles.
- Emotional Notes: Pure, unadulterated happiness. But also a pang of loneliness. Traveling solo, you know? But at least there's tequila..
Day 2: Deep Dive into Culture (and My Deep-Seated Fear of Heights)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. Simple but satisfying. Coffee is strong!
- Morning (9:00 AM): Trying to navigate my way to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. Ugh, maps are not my strong suit. Ended up getting lost in the cutest little neighborhood, full of colorful houses and the sweetest old ladies sweeping their stoops. Got yelled at for not understanding the bus system…in Spanish. Humbling experience.
- Morning (10:30 AM): The Museum! I spent HOURS there. Seriously mind-blowing. The exhibits, the history… I could have stayed all day. I am fascinated by the Mayan Culture. The details of their art, it is so cool. It is beautiful, it is intriguing.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a small restaurant near the museum. Finally managed to order something I actually wanted. The cochinita pibil? Amazing. I practically licked the plate clean.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The Cenote Adventure. This is where things get interesting (and slightly terrifying). I'd read about the cenotes – these gorgeous natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Beautiful, right? Yep. Also, high up. And I am terrified of heights. But! I am here to conquer things. I go for it.
- The Cenote: Oh my god. You could feel the cold water on your skin. This is something new. It is the most amazing experience.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Exhausted. And slightly shaken by the whole "standing-on-a-cliff-and-jumping-into-a-hole" thing. Needed another margarita.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Tried another restaurant! A little less touristy, more authentic. The food was a revelation, but by this point, the details are a little hazy.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Stumbling back to the hotel, singing loudly. This time, with a new friend! A fellow traveler (from New Zealand, no less!) who was also enjoying the local beverages.
- Emotional Notes: A rollercoaster of emotions. Overcoming fears, feeling awestruck, a little bit terrified, and an overall sense of "Holy crap, I'm actually doing this!" Plus, the pure joy of meeting a new person and feeling connected.
Day 3: Art, Markets, and the Day I Thought I Killed a Lizard (I Didn't)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Slow start. Headache. Needed ALL the coffee.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Exploring the artistic street of the city. I stumble across a small art gallery. The art? Stunning. The price tags? Not so much.
- Morning (11:30 AM): The market! Okay, I ADORE markets. The smells, the colors, the chaos… Heaven. I buy more things I don't need, including a hand-painted ceramic skull. I had to.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a street food stand. Tacos al pastor! So good, I almost died.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): A Moment of Unexpected Drama. I was enjoying my drink when I got a fright and began waving my arms around like an idiot, and yelling. Turns out, a tiny lizard was sunning itself on the wall, and I freaked out. My new New Zealand friend, bless him, had a good laugh.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Chilling by the pool. Reading a book. Attempting to relax.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Farewell dinner at the hotel's restaurant. The sunset was stunning. The food was decent.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Packing. Saying goodbye to Merida. Feeling sad, but also completely invigorated.
- Emotional Notes: A mix of melancholy and contentment. The trip is ending, but the memories? They’ll stay. And the tequila. Hah! Also, I’m pretty sure I’m going to paint my entire kitchen in bright colors when I get home.
Day 4: Departure & Reflections (Mostly About Tequila and Return)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Hearty Breakfast.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Taxi to the airport. Wave goodbye to the hotel and the beautiful city.
- Morning (10:00 AM): My flight home.
- Flights: Bye Merida
- Emotional Notes: A sense of accomplishment, nostalgia, and a burning desire to return to Mexico. And to learn Spanish so I don't have to rely on my friends. That's the only imperfection to this trip. And to see the other places and to eat the food, because, dammit, I think I'm in love
Postscript: The Aftermath
I'm home now. My suitcase is unpacked. I have a severe tequila deficiency to be fixed. And I'm already dreaming of my next trip to Merida. Go. Go now. Don't wait. You won't regret it (unless you also develop a fear of small reptiles).
Cameron Highlands Paradise: 720 Emerald Ave WIFI Escape!
Merida's El Español: My Montejo Madness (and a Little Paradise Found)
Okay, let's be real. Planning this trip was a *nightmare*. But El Español? It felt like a reward for surviving... well, me.
Is El Español *really* as grand as the pictures make it seem? Because Instagram lies, people.
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room: *Instagram.* Look, the pictures are *good*. But hold your horses. It's grand *enough*. The architecture? Absolutely breathtaking. That lobby? Oh my god, the *ceiling* alone... I almost tripped over my own feet gawking. But here's the deal: Some corners show their age. A little chip on the paint here, maybe a slightly wonky tile there. It's got *character*, which is code for "not perfectly pristine." Think of it like…a beautiful, slightly eccentric aunt who still rocks killer diamonds. And honestly? I loved it more *because* of the slight imperfections. Made it feel less…pretentious.
The Paseo de Montejo location - Is it truly *that* great, or is it just hype?
Okay, so Paseo de Montejo... *wow*. Seriously. Hype? Mostly justified. It's like living in a postcard. The colorful mansions, the wide boulevards… it's eye candy on steroids. You can literally wander around all day and just... absorb. I spent an entire morning just strolling, getting lost, and taking a million (okay, maybe two million…) photos. It's a *bit* touristy, of course – lots of horse-drawn carriages (charming, but the poop situation... well, let's just say I was glad I wasn't wearing sandals). But the location of El Español? Perfect. Close to everything, but still felt like a little oasis of calm. You step out the door, and boom, you're in the heart of it. Just... remember your camera. Seriously, you will *regret* not having it. I almost did, on day one. Nearly had a full-blown panic attack.
What's the deal with the service? I'm always worried about hotels being stuffy.
Alright, this is where things get a little…complicated. The service? Generally *good*. Attentive, polite, always helpful… but not always *fast*. Let's just say "island time" is a thing. I’m used to the frantic pace of, well, *my* existence. I ordered room service one night (totally worth it, by the way, get the quesadillas!). It took… a while. Like, long enough that I contemplated going down and getting the food myself. But then I reminded myself: *relax*. You're on vacation. Breathe. And when the food *finally* arrived? Absolute perfection. Plus, the staff were unfailingly kind. Always a smile, always a "buenos dias." And the doormen? They practically *waved* me into taxis. So, yeah, service is generally good. Prepared to be...patient. Embrace the slowness. It's part of the charm. (And if you're like me, bring a book. Or a podcast. Or both.)
The pool! Is it as refreshing as it looks? (and is it crowded?)
Okay, the pool. Oh, sweet, sweet pool. After a day of exploring the scorching Yucatan heat, that pool was… *salvation*. The photos don’t lie. It’s beautiful, elegant, and yes, refreshingly cool. Now, the crowd situation… it varied. Some days, it was practically empty. Pure bliss. Other days? A few more people around. But never *overcrowded*. There's ample space to lounge, swim, and generally pretend you're a glamorous movie star (I may or may not have done this. Multiple times.) The best part? The poolside bar. Margaritas. Repeat. Pretty much sums up the experience. And when the sun sets on that pool? Magical. I even considered taking a midnight swim! Okay, maybe I *did* actually do it. Shhh.
What about the rooms? Clean? Comfortable? Is the air conditioning a death trap?
The rooms… okay, let's talk rooms. Comfortable? Yes. Clean? Generally, yes. My room? Oh, the air conditioning, was a godsend! I needed it! Let's skip the drama of "this is my happy place". Every time I went in there, it felt like stepping in to a different dimension, a little oasis. They provided toiletries, and free water bottles which were helpful, especially when you're out and about exploring the heat and walking. Did they have enough power outlets? Yes. I could hook every device I had and none of them exploded. My room was cleaned every single day, and I had a nice view. Overall, very good, and I would stay again.
Food, glorious food! What's the breakfast situation like? Anything to write home about?
Breakfast? *Yes!* Definitely something to write home about (or, you know, to furiously text your friends about). A pretty generous buffet situation. Fresh fruit, pastries that could tempt a saint, scrambled eggs, chilaquiles (get those, trust me), and a whole bunch of things I couldn't even identify but happily devoured anyway. The coffee was strong, which was essential, because, you know, vacation. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. I spent a solid hour each morning just…eating and people-watching. Absolute perfection, especially when you're recovering from, say, a particularly adventurous mezcal tasting the night before. I'm not ashamed to admit I went back for seconds (and sometimes thirds) on the pastries. And the fresh juice bar? Don't even get me started.
Okay, but the *real* question: is the price worth it? Is it actually a good value?
Alright, the money talk. Is El Español a splurge? Yeah, probably, depending on your budget. Is it worth it? Honestly? ...*Yes*. See, you're not just paying for a hotel room. You're paying for an experience. The location, the atmosphere, the charm, the pool, the *memories*... For me (and this is just *my* opinion, okay?), the entire package was worth it. Could you find cheaper places to stay in Merida? Absolutely. But would they have that same *je ne sais quoi*? Probably not. Plus, the comfort and the lovely breakfast made a huge difference to me. At the end of the day, my trip was everything I ever wanted!
