Hotel Boutique La Joyita

The place was noisy, things didn’t work, and the hosts were disrespectful when I raised it. I was told to “rent the whole hotel if I don’t want noise.” I have videos showing the noise, the jacuzzi and AC not working, and how people could hear everything while I tried to shower. There were events all around us. They advertise a place to rest, but this felt like a scam. When I tried to discuss it, they just got defensive. Please don’t stay here, there are so many better places in Cuernavaca.

Coming back to the hotel was a hassle: every time I left, I had to hand over my room key, then ring the doorbell and wait for staff to let me in again. The rooms also felt dated and had no TV, refrigerator, or microwave. At the restaurant, portions were small for the price, and several menu items weren’t available. I was disappointed with the stay.

We loved everything we tried from the kitchen, and the service was really, really nice. Special kudos to Jose for his delicious recommendations, and to Simon for taking great care of our car. It’s a picturesque little hotel in Cuernavaca, with a lovely garden and a relaxed traditional Spanish Quinta feel. The small pool is heated too.

After long days around Cuernavaca, it was lovely to come back to Hotel La Joyita, swim or sit in the garden, and let the quiet settle in. At night, all I could hear was palm leaves rustling and nightlife in the distance. Our college trip with Canisius College still stands out vividly to me. La Joyita means “the little jewel,” and this tucked-away boutique hotel really did feel like a peaceful retreat, intimate rather than a huge resort. It had just a handful of rooms, so it felt as if we had the place to ourselves. The gardens were full of palms and bright flowers, with small paths leading to quiet corners. The Mexican colonial design caught my eye too, from the whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs to bougainvillea draped over the surfaces. In the mornings I’d hear birds outside my window, and the air felt fresh and crisp. Breakfast was simple and just right, often local dishes like chilaquiles, fruit, and some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. We ate by the pool, surrounded by greenery, before heading out. Cuernavaca, the “City of Eternal Spring,” has so much history and culture, and we had warm weather that never felt too hot for exploring. Our professor, Tim, took us through the city’s past, mixing Mexican history with stories about its people and places. At Palacio de Cortés, built in the 1520s by Hernán Cortés after his conquest of the Aztec Empire, I was struck by the artifacts and murals showing the country’s colonial history. Diego Rivera’s murals especially stayed with me. They tell Mexico’s story from the pre-Columbian era through the Spanish conquest, and it was something to stand in a place tied to so much historical change. The Cathedral was another highlight. It’s among Mexico’s oldest churches, and its cool, quiet interior felt like stepping into another time. The simple architecture, murals, and weight of history made a lasting impression. We also saw the city’s modern side in its streets and markets. I remember wandering with classmates past stalls full of street food smells, tacos, fresh tortillas, roasted corn, and more. People were welcoming, and as students we felt we were getting a real taste of Mexican culture and could engage with it, not just visit as tourists.