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Sometimes in Hotel Scoop we are presenting trade-offs, highlighting a property that may be lacking in some areas but makes up for it in others. In the case of Valladolid Mexico hotel Meson del Marques, what you lack in pampering in personal service you get in amenities and views.
If you’re looking for the very best hotels in Valladolid, you might want to scope out some of the upscale boutique hotels that have popped up in the last decade. Mesón del Marques (as it’s technically spelled) is not a luxury property and since it’s such a popular one with tour groups, it has a lot of nightly turnover and stays full much of the time. So management doesn’t have to do any major overhauls to keep heads in beds.
When you step onto the roof or visit the rooftop bar and restaurant though, you see why this Valladolid hotel is probably the most popular one in town. It looks out across the main plaza to the city’s cathedral, dating back to the early 1700s.
Valladolid was once a sleepy stop between Cancun and Merida that didn’t get all that many tourists. Then it got designated as a “magic town” in 2012. Writers like me touted it as a place to stay in order to visit Chichen Itza before the tour buses arrived. In the Instagram age, people started seeing all the glorious cenote photos from underground springs near here. It’s also close to the archaeological site Ek’ Balam, which is still a Maya site you can have almost to yourself some days.
On my recent third visit to the city–and my second stay at this property–I was amazed at how many foreign travelers I saw, including a much more diverse mix than usual. Restaurants and bars were hopping, including the ones at my hotel.
Drinking and Dining at Hotel Meson del Marques
If the weather is bad and you get stuck at your hotel in Valladolid, this is a good one to be stuck at. The main restaurant is on the ground floor in a gorgeous historic courtyard that has space open to the sun and parts that are covered. I’ve had several meals here at different points and all have been good.
The menu is a mix of Yucatecan specialties done well, some Mexican standards, and a smattering of international and kid-friendly items. Service can be hit-and-miss depending on which set of staffers you get that day, but if you’re not in a big hurry you get what you want eventually. What comes out of the kitchen is more consistent.
The other restaurant is on the roof and doesn’t open until the sun is going down. Don Diablo has more of a rooftop club feel and the menu is more contemporary. There’s also more of a focus on grilled meat, small plates, and cocktails. It’s best to make reservations ahead of time because it fills us most nights, thanks to the great location and view of the Cathedral of San Servacio.
There’s also a bar on the main level between the restaurant and the pool, which makes it handy for either. It has some sitting areas near the bar itself, including on the pool side. There are plenty of other spots to get a drink nearby, including Idilio, which has a good selection of wine and craft beer made in Mexico.
Valladolid Mexico Hotel Amenities
Hotel Meson del Marques is popular with families thanks to its inviting swimming pool right in the center of the complex. It’s surrounded by lounge chairs and is a welcome site in this climate that can get hot and sticky.
Next to it you’ll find and oversized whirlpool, the whole patio area surrounded by landscaping and mature trees.
There’s also a rooftop sitting area with cushioned chairs and sofas, pictured at the top. It’s a nice spot to sit and look out over the park to the church while you wait for the rooftop bar to open up for the evening. There’s no gym on site though, so you’ll have to stroll the historic city to get your exercise.
Rooms at Meson del Marques
There are multiple room categories at this Valladolid hotel, so choose carefully when you’re making reservations. They range from standard double rooms with one or two beds up to suites with a separate living room and more contemporary furnishings.
The tile-floor rooms outfitted with Spanish Colonial touches have air conditioning, comfortable beds, a desk or vanity area, and at least one armchair. Bathrooms have soap and shampoo but are fairly basic overall. The higher your floor, the better chance you’ll have more natural light and/or a view.
The WiFi can be spotty depending on which room you’re in, but it is included in the rates. Parking is also complimentary and once you get above the very cheapest rooms, breakfast is also included in the room price.
While this storied hotel on the plaza is a bit tattered here and there, it’s a good choice if you want to be in the middle of the action. It has a great view from the roof, a pool to combat the Yucatan heat, and you’ll have two restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Rates start as low as $50 before taxes and seldom rise much above $200, making them a great value overall. Get more information at the official hotel website (Spanish only) or check rates online in English here.
Review and photos by editor Timothy Scott, who once stayed here as a paying guest and more recently was on a press trip stop with Yucatan Tourism for a feature article about the region: Yucatan Cenotes, Sisal, and Surprises.
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