Hotel Villa Las Margaritas Plaza Cristal

The location is handy, with the mall straight across the street, a popular Taco El pastor stand outside, a bakery next door, taxis and colectivos right there, and a grocery store in the mall. The air conditioning worked really well, and the hotel was exceptionally clean. My room, 411, was huge, with two comfortable queen beds, a large bathroom, table and chairs, and room for at least three big suitcases. It could fit four people. The sink was separate from the toilet and shower. There was a safe, hair dryer, smart TV, and a powerful shower with unlimited hot water. The tile work was beautifully done and spotless, with no cracks or mold, though some shower metal was rusting. The vanity mirror was too high to use unless you stood on a chair. The hotel felt safe and comfortable. Getting around was less convenient than I expected. Most things we wanted to do were elsewhere, so we needed taxis all the time. Rides were around 80 pesos, local taxis cost more than the app, and no one drove for Uber, only indrive, so cash was needed. There isn't much for tourists nearby beyond the mall. Xalapa doesn't seem to have a perfect area to stay. Maybe I'd try Centro next time, though I read plenty of complaints about those hotels too. A few small things made the stay feel cheap. There was no mini-fridge or ice machine. For a triple room they left only two towels, and no hand towels at the sink. I had to go downstairs and ask the nice girl for towels every day; they took the hand towels away the next day and didn't replace them. The receptionist wouldn't give me hand towels, saying she only had large ones. The towels themselves were thin, stiff and scratchy, like sandpaper. There also weren't enough electrical outlets for the lamps, let alone chargers for three or four people, and no extension cords, so bring your own. You also have to leave your room key card in a bucket at the counter whenever you go out, which I hadn't seen anywhere else. The curtains let light through, and mornings could get noisy when the maids arrived or other guests talked loudly in the halls. There's just one small elevator, though it worked well and fit three people with three bags. The bathroom has a shower window but no fan. No breakfast restaurant, though there was a menu on my room table and I didn't understand that. There's another hotel next door with a similar name, which still confuses me. This one has Villa Margarita in the name. Go to oxxo to get a ride to Coatepec. With a few easy improvements, the crystal plaza could be perfect.