Luz en Yucatan

Each room in the Luz en Yucatan is individually decorated and has its own feel. It's hard to believe that these rooms were once the priests' quarters of the adjoining church. Located 5 blocks down from the Plaza Grande in Merida, the Luz is 5 minutes walking distance from restaurants, Cathedrals, shopping, and carriage tours of the city.

There are no room numbers in the hotel. Instead, each room is given a name, the "Shaman", the "Habana", the "Kolibri", etc. The rooms each have a unique layout, and all are spacious and comfortable. The walls are decorated with art, and each room we stayed in also had a hammock for additional bedding. Rooms also come with a kitchen (including range, refridgerator and sink), and air conditioning.

There is a lounge downstairs, with boardgames, books, and a small pool in the back. Across the street is a small cafe which serves a cheap but filling breakfast and sandwiches.

The hotel manager, Tom, was very gracious, and wasn't bothered when we woke him late, urgently needing a room. He got us set up for the night, even though the room was reserved for the next day by someone else. The next morning, he had another (unreserved) room waiting for us, and helped us move our bags.

A double at the Luz cost 600 pesos (about $60) for a night, so it is a bit the expensive side when compared to other Mexican hotels. But the large, decorated rooms, friendly staff and central location make it a great place to splurge a little while visiting Mexico's "Hollywood."