Emporio Veracruz Hotel

We could walk to several places from Centro, and there’s plenty to do along the water near the port. I spent ages comparing hotels and decided Centro was a better choice than Boca del Rio. I’m glad we stayed here. Our room, 801, was a huge suite with two double beds, even though I’d booked a privilege room for three people through the hotel’s site. I joined the rewards program, which promised the best rate, and I couldn’t find a better one online. It was a corner room with a spectacular view over the gulf and port. The beds, pillows, and linens were all very comfortable and good quality. There was a small fridge, a safe, plenty of closet and dressing-table space, and a nice desk and chairs. The AC and ceiling fan cooled the high-ceilinged room and its large windows well. The blackout curtains worked fairly well, though the window in the dressing area had none. The room was nearly spotless, but the walls around the sink and the bathroom doors could use a wipe. Housekeeping did a great job otherwise, and the room was very quiet. The ice machine was right outside our door. The staff made a real difference. The maid service was great, and the bellmen and the women at the different desks were wonderful. The doormen were always there to open the door. Be friendly with them and you’ll have a great stay. There are good restaurants very close by, including a great breakfast spot. It’s about a kilometer’s walk to the aquarium and the mercado. The pool looked lovely, though we didn’t get to swim. Bottled water was left in the room with signs saying it cost about 53 pesos. There seemed to be lots of electrical outlets, but with a bigger group I’d bring extenders to charge everyone’s devices. My main complaints were the heat in the hallways on the 8th and 9th floors, and the food on the ninth floor. The restaurant up there was very hot, and the food wasn’t good. I was also concerned it wasn’t being kept at a safe temperature for long periods. I wouldn’t pay extra for the ninth-floor free-meal benefit. I looked at the lobby restaurant buffet too, and its food seemed similar, just with more of it.