Gran Hotel Panamericana Merida

You'll get by here, but I wouldn't call it a good stay. The room was spacious, though only one chair was provided, and the condition was poor despite what looked like a fairly recent refurbishment. The toilet leaked onto the floor, and there were cracked or broken bathroom tiles. The shower water smelled bad, like bore water or recycled water, and no shampoo or shower gel could cover it. At least the water was hot. The lobby was grand, but that's about all. Some nice shared areas, including the garden and main entrance, were closed off. Staff were pleasant enough when we dealt with them, neither great nor bad. The location felt average, in a not so nice part of town, though the Zocalo was a close enough 10-minute walk.

Gui at the front desk made my stay extra special. As a solo female traveler new to Merida, I couldn't have asked for a more comfortable, high-quality experience. I arrived outside usual check-in hours, but I called ahead and they confirmed I could come at 9:30pm. My room was very clean, the AC worked great, and the shower was hot with decent pressure. I really appreciated the housekeeping staff and getting 2 waters each day. I didn't use the pool, but was glad to have the option. Continental breakfast is included, and there was a shaded outdoor seating area on my floor where I read a book midday. Such a treat. It's about a 15 min walk from the main plaza, a perfect spot for exploring the historic center and eating at great restaurants. I'd absolutely stay again at this value. I was beyond impressed.

Guillermo at reception took good care of us and suggested local bars and restaurants. Francisco was a star at breakfast, very attentive, and both made our stay better. Breakfasts were good, with juice, fruit, Mexican specialties, and eggs made to order. The pool was pleasant, and most loungers stayed in the shade during the hot Mérida afternoons. The hotel was quiet, but it's next to two schools, so expect noise from children playing and teachers blowing whistles on schooldays. The older part was being renovated during our stay, including a beautiful courtyard with a classical portico to the street. It's a hotel built in the sixties near the old centre of Mérida. We wished it had a bar or restaurant, and hope the renovation investment leads to a full service offering.

I stayed two nights with friends, and Cruze and Diego's kindness especially stood out to me. The staff were always smiling. The room was spacious and clean, the cleaning service excellent, and breakfast excellent too. It's only 400 meters from the main tourist attractions, so the location is perfect.