Living in Mexico, I’ve had the opportunity to stay at a variety of boutique hotels, often providing a more authentic experience along with some fabulous perks. They offer a unique kind of experience, with a more intimate stay that typically has a distinct personality along with warm, personalized service. While many people envision sprawling resorts with pools when thinking about a vacation in Mexico, it’s well worth considering one of its impressive boutique properties, from magical Mexico City to Cabo, Tulum, and alluring destinations in between.
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México - Mexico City
An elegant luxury boutique hotel in Mexico City and set in a magnificent Art Noveau building overlooking Zócalo Square, Hotel Ciudad de México is sure to impress from the moment you ascend the stairs that lead to the lobby with its Tiffany stained-glass ceiling that’s an attraction of its own. Enjoy a welcome glass of champagne at check-in while you soak up the beauty that surrounds you. If it looks familiar, that’s because it was featured in two Bond films, 1989’s “License to Kill” and 2015’s “SPECTRE.” Its pair of antique elevators were the first of their kind in Mexico City. Built in 1899, it was originally Latin America’s most exclusive department store, transformed into a hotel in 1968. Many rooms feature spectacular views of vibrant Zócalo Square. All include Nespresso coffee machines, minibars, and flat-screen satellite TVs. There’s a 24-hour fitness center, a lobby piano bar, and an outstanding restaurant, Terraza, which overlooks the square from the fifth floor.
Key Amenities:
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Lobby piano bar and Tiffany stained-glass ceiling
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24-hour fitness center
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On-site restaurant overlooking Zócalo Square
Casa Emilia - Mexico City
Casa Emilia is ideally located for exploring top attractions like The Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Anthropology (one of the world’s must-see museums!) while offering a comfortable stay with trendsetting services. Unwind in common spaces surrounded by brick walls, abundant greenery, and a plush setting while enjoying everything from complimentary bicycle rentals to a free breakfast and honor bars. Rooms feature blackout curtains and Smart TVs with Netflix, as well as unique decor like antique doors for headboards. Some have balconies too.
Key Amenities:
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Interior courtyard with greenery for relaxing
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Complimentary bicycle rentals
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Free breakfast
Río Ebro 51, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico— +52 55 6811 9168
Numu Boutique Hotel - San Miguel De Allende
Numu Boutique Hotel San Miguel De Allende is a recent addition to the boutique hotels in San Miguel de Allende, offering a rooftop pool and a sundeck along with a full-service spa that’s an oasis of calm and relaxation, offering unique wellness rituals, scrubs, wraps, facials, hot stone massage, and more. Fine dining on Mexican coastal fare can be enjoyed with views of the city, and there’s also a farm-to-table restaurant focused on healthy Mexican dishes made with organic ingredients. All rooms come with private balconies or terraces that overlook the cobbled streets of the city or the interior garden.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop pool
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Full-service spa and fitness center
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Two on-site restaurants
Nemesio Diez 20, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico— +52 415 148 1234
Casa Delphine Boutique Hotel - San Miguel de Allende
A serene sanctuary in the heart of one of Mexico’s most charming towns, Casa Delphine is a luxury boutique hotel that offers an intimate stay tucked along the city’s cobble streets, offering a residential feel. Often referred to as a hidden gem, it hosts just five elegantly appointed rooms, all of which come with balconies that overlook a tranquil courtyard and Cantera fireplaces. It’s all about beautiful works of art and textiles, with concierge services that can tailor guest experiences that include revealing the best off-the-beaten-path spaces. There is no restaurant, but a free breakfast is provided every morning, which includes pastries from a popular bakery.
Key Amenities:
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Outstanding complimentary breakfast
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Concierge for tailored experiences
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Beautiful works of art
Calz. De La Presa 69a, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico— +52 415 190 0100
Casa Velas - Puerto Vallarta
Tucked into a posh Puerto Vallarta neighborhood, Casa Velas is a boutique all-inclusive for adults only with a peaceful vibe north of downtown in Marina Vallarta. Its free-form pool is the star of the show, complete with a swim-up bar while the spa offers treatments using herbs and other ingredients from the hotel’s own garden. There’s a beach club with a small infinity pool, too, along with a small beach with loungers and umbrellas. The main restaurant offers Mexican and American dishes. Guests also enjoy access to a beach, pools, and restaurants at the hotel’s sister property, Velas Vallarta.
Key Amenities:
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Pool with a swim-up bar
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Spa offering treatments using ingredients from the property’s garden
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Beach club with a pool and a beach with loungers and umbrellas
C. Pelícanos 311, Marina Vallarta, 48354 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico— +52 322 226 8670
Esperanza Resort - Los Cabos
Esperanza Resort, one of Cabo’s most romantic resorts, offers an idyllic retreat for couples, more than worthy for a honeymoon. It includes a breathtaking infinity pool and an elegant spa with a wide range of pampering treatments, while private candlelit dinners can be enjoyed right along the beachfront. The main restaurant, Cocina del Mar, “Kitchen of the Sea,” is highly rated, providing unforgettable dining on Mediterranean-influenced Mexican dishes spread across a series of terraces that jut out above the sea. Accommodation is in casitas and villas with private terraces showcasing the beauty of the Sea of Cortez. Some have personal butlers, while the villas include full kitchens.
Key Amenities:
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Gorgeous infinity pool
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Spa with pampering treatments
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Outstanding dining, including private candlelit dinners
Villas La Mar - Todos Santos
One of the best places to stay in Todos Santos, Villas La Mar is a five-star property tucked into a hillside above a natural lagoon, providing panoramic views of the Pacific and access to a soft, sandy beach that stretches for miles where often you’ll enjoy it practically all to yourself. While it’s too rough for swimming, it’s popular for surfing, tranquil strolls, and watching or taking part in the seasonal baby turtle releases. Plus, you’ll find two pools right on-site. There’s no restaurant, but there is a palapa bar, and some rooms come with full kitchens for making your own meals, or you can easily drive to downtown Todos Santos, less than 10 minutes away and considered a foodie paradise. It includes 18 ocean-view suites with a modern meets rustic feel.
Key Amenities:
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Two swimming pools
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Palapa bar
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Beach access
La Posada Hotel & Beach Club - La Paz
One the best hotels in La Paz, La Posada Hotel & Beach Club sits right along the beachfront, just a 5-minute drive from the lively Malecon with numerous shops and eateries. It offers a number of impressive facilities, including an outdoor pool, a temazcal sauna, and a spa with a menu of blissful treatments. There’s a gym so you can keep up with your workouts, although there are a wealth of ways to get active here, including paddling out into the bay. The on-site restaurant offers a menu of Mexican/Spanish fusion dishes, and there’s a bar for enjoying refreshing drinks. Rooms all come with private balconies or terraces with sea views, along with flat-screen TVs, and luxurious bathrooms with spa tubs and robes/slippers.
Key Amenities:
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Outdoor pool
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Beach access
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Spa and a temazcal sauna
Nueva Reforma 115, A, 23090 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico— +52 612 175 0860
NaNa Vida Hotel Boutique - Oaxaca
Known for its welcoming staff that provides exceptional hospitality, going out of their way to ensure guests enjoy the city and a comfortable stay, NaNa Vida Hotel Boutique is an oasis in Oaxaca that’s been ranked the best value boutique hotel in the city. Indulge in a massage, take a cooking class, join a yoga session, or take a tour focused on everything from Oaxaca’s culture and traditions to historic sites. Rooms feature picturesque views of the courtyard, local works of art, and flat-screen cable TVs.
Key Amenities:
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Organized tours
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Yoga sessions and massages available
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On-site restaurant
Murguía 405, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico— +52 951 501 1285
Sanará - Tulum
Enjoy barefoot luxury at Sanará Tulum on Tulum Beach. With its name translating to “you will heal,” you know it’s all about wellness at this top-rated beachfront hotel in Tulum. In fact, the spa even offers nutritional programs in addition to various healing treatments and massages. There’s a beachside yoga studio that hosts yoga classes, paddleboarding, and more, along with a gorgeous stretch of sand for enjoying all types of activities in and on the water. The indoor-outdoor restaurant offers a menu of healthy, organic fare with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options while the bar serves smoothies, mocktails, and juices in addition to alcoholic beverages. Rooms come with bottled water, minibars, and yoga mats.
Key Amenities:
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Direct access to a beach with water activities
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Beachside yoga studio hosting yoga and other classes
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Healthy organic fare with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options enjoyed on-site
Km 8.1 Carretera Tulum - Cancún BOCA PAILA, Tulum Beach, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico— +1 310-952-0595
La Pasión Hotel Boutique - Playa del Carmen
Located just across the town square, La Pasión Hotel Boutique offers a quiet alternative to the big resorts at the beach, but the beautiful sands can be reached within a 15-minute walk. One of Playa del Carmen’s best boutique hotels, it offers three pools surrounded by lush greenery, a poolside bar, and a variety of tastings that are serve-yourself which include tequila and wine, and fabulous spaces indoors and out for relaxing. Massages are available too. Every room has a/c, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV, but if you book a Pool Plus room, you’ll get a deep-soaking tub and a picturesque view.
Key Amenities:
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Complimentary breakfasts
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Massages
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Three pools and a poolside bar
C. 10 Nte. s/n, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico— +52 984 879 3005
Náay Tulum Curamoria Collection - Tulum
Offering exclusive and tailored services for fewer guests, Náay Tulum is located in the heart of Tulum, blending modern luxury with traditional Mayan culture. Up on the rooftop, there’s an infinity pool to lounge around with cabanas, loungers, and an open-air restaurant with a bar. Enjoy creative cocktails made with local ingredients and a fusion of local and international fare. The full-service spa offers a variety of treatments, and while it’s not on the beach, you’ll find beautiful stretches within easy reach. Bike rentals are available that make it easy to explore without getting behind the wheel.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop infinity pool
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Full-service spa
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Open-air restaurant and bar
Itzamna Mza 26 Lt B88, 5GXQ+C7, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico— +52 984 231 1241
Hotel Mi Kasa Tu Kasa Bacalar - Bacalar
Mi Kasa Tu Kasa Bacalar is located in the up-and-coming destination of Bacalar, just north of the Belize border on the Yucatan Peninsula. Increasingly popular with nature lovers who want to enjoy authentic Mexican culture, the highlight is La Laguna de los Siete Colores, a magnificent lagoon in surreal shades of blues and greens. This top-rated Bacalar hotel sits along the lagoon, providing easy access to swimming from a pier while the rooms are surrounded by a lush garden. Complimentary paddleboards and kayaks are included, and spa treatments are available upon request. There’s also an outdoor pool and a restaurant bar where guests enjoy a free daily breakfast along with highly-rated meals throughout the day.
Key Amenities:
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Access to the famous lagoon via a pier
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Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards
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Outdoor pool
PJ7C+34, Carretera Federal, Buenavista, 77930 Bacalar, Q.R., Mexico— +52 998 212 6130
