The Best Hotels in Valladolid, Mexico

On Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Valladolid presents a calmer, more cultured alternative to spring break-bustling Cancún. Known for its central jungle-fringed location, this is a town of pastel-hued colonial buildings, quaint churches and cafes that bursts with Mayan tradition and artisan crafts. While many use Valladolid as a base for exploring nearby Chichen Itza and several pretty cenotes, it’s a worthwhile destination to simply sit and watch the world go by. We’ve picked the best hotels in town – all bookable on Culture Trip.

The pretty hotel Posada San Juan lies in a magnolia-colored 19th-century building in Valladolid’s historic center. There are only 16 rooms, so you’re guaranteed plenty of space: all are decorated with vibrant mosaic tiles, and the best have hammocks looped through the living space. The characterful, colonnade-lined courtyard bursts with lush foliage and hosts a small pool, best-visited after ambling around town.

Hotel Waye is just a few blocks from Valladolid’s main tree-lined park, Francisco Cantón Rosado. You may be a little distracted by the hotel’s eye-drawing design – the entrance is almost a square in its own right, sculpted by smooth lines, plotted with plants and arched by a grand glass-and-lattice entrance. Rooms continue the design-forward theme: minimalist in style with artisan wall hangings, colorful cushions and those all-important hammocks. Tuck into breakfast, or zesty tacos and a cold pressed juice for lunch.

hotel Colonial Zaci by Guru Hotel is a boutique beauty set in a historic mansion in the city center. With only eight rooms and suites, unrivaled attention from friendly staff comes guaranteed. Exposed stone and bright cream walls border the rooms and well-worn wooden floors sweep through communal spaces. Head to the sun-trap rooftop to kick back on Acapulco chairs while clapping eyes on Valladolid’s distant church spires.

El Mesón del Marqués is Valladolid’s pastel pink-fronted, showstopper hotel. Sitting in an impressive 17th-century abode, right on the main square, this is a place steeped in history and seasoned hospitality. The Hostería del Marques Restaurant attracts diners from near and far, with its swish tables dotted around a central courtyard and patio. Regional dishes are their speciality, like zac col (grilled chicken in a cream and tomato salsa) and Valladolid’s longaniza chorizo-like sausage. The rooftop is the spot for a mango daiquiri at sundown.

Tecno Hotel Valladolid welcomes you with its sunny yellow exterior and peaceful surrounds. It lies just on the edge of the city, a short stroll from the Cenote Zaci, a half cave-like, half open-air natural pool complete with stalactites. This hacienda-style property has spacious rooms, with wood-beamed ceilings and carved lattice-like headboards so you can wake up feeling regal – before setting your sights on the hearty breakfast.

Part parfumerie, part luxurious spa and guesthouse, Coqui Coqui is in a league of its own. The 16th-century building where it lies is a treasure trove of artisan crafts and creations, all shrouded in the exquisite scents of the house-made perfumes. Rooms are magazine-spread opulent – draped velvet curtains, polished mosaic floors, wire-frame beds and glinting chandeliers. The best have private plunge pools and gardens brimming with tobacco trees and orange blossoms. Take a soak in a deluxe copper tub before treating yourself to reflexology or a revitalizing facial at the spa.

You can’t miss Hotel Gayser, a crimson-red colonial building on a cornerside spot, a few blocks from the main plaza. There are deluxe doubles and spacious family rooms, all including a continental breakfast spread of fresh fruits, juices and breads. Just one street over is the must-try Wabi Gelato ice-cream parlor, where you can slake the tropical Yucatán heat with a pineapple and cilantro combo or a creamy, classic chocolate.

Originally a pizzeria serving up some of the best wood-fired doughs around, Casa San Juan later blossomed into the full-service hotel that it is today. With exposed stone, brick and woods throughout this cozy casa, it’s still a rustic, home-style sort of place, with a pool, hammocks and – of course – delicious food downstairs.

There are colorful, dreamlike murals gracing the walls throughout the beautiful Zentik Project – it even has its own art gallery showcasing the works of over 15 Mexican and international creatives. The real masterpiece, though, is the underground cave that’s been transformed into a temperate, cenote-like saltwater pool. There are also 12 cabin-style rooms, all dressed with colorful Mexican textiles – and don’t miss your welcome tequila on arrival.

La Aurora Hotel Colonial is in the heart of Valladolid, a block from the russet-red Candelaria church and its popular surrounding plaza. The hotel’s spacious rooms surround a colonnaded central courtyard, with pretty tiled walkways and an inviting pool in the center. The prime downtime spot, though, is the relaxed rooftop – complete with hammock, plunge pool and loungers. Head to nearby Burrito Amor cantina for brunch and a delicious selection of burritos.

Explore the most beautiful destinations to visit in the Yucatan. Extend your vacation by staying in nearby Cancún, and book the best resorts in Cancún or the best luxury hotels in Cancún now through Culture Trip. Enjoy outdoor adventures near Cancún, then refuel by trying the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Cancún.

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