Where to Stay in Mérida, Mexico: Best Areas & Accommodations

Traveling to the Yucatan and unsure where to stay in Mérida, Mexico? This guide has you covered!

Mérida is one of my favorite cities in Mexico. It’s full of amazing people, unique cuisine, and many cultural landmarks. It’s also close to other famous sites in Mexico, making it easy to take day trips.

There are many different neighborhoods and parts of Mérida. Some attract more tourists, while others are more local.

This guide will cover the differences in each place so you can get an idea of where to stay!

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Mérida, Mexico Accommodation—Quick Guide

If you’re in a crunch for time and need to book something immediately, here are my top three suggestions from around the city. They are the best hotels in Mérida, Mexico.

Budget—Hostal Barrio Vivo: I recommend this place if you want to meet other travelers. All accommodation is in dorm rooms with a shared kitchen and lounge area. On certain nights, they also have barbecue events.

Mid-Range—Casa Temazcal Merida: This large apartment is perfect for a family or group of friends traveling together because it has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a seating area. You’ll also have a private pool to enjoy.

Luxury—Ya’ax Hotel Boutique: This 5-star hotel is stunning and offers many different amenities. The free breakfast features an American buffet or an a la carte menu with many different cuisine options. You can get to the main square on foot in about 10 minutes.

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Centro Mérida Historico

Centro Historico is where most people come to Mérida when they are visiting for the first time. Since it’s within walking distance of most places, you’ll find it easy to get around without getting lost.

You can also access an abundance of restaurants and bars here, making it easy to go out and find a bite to eat.

Since it’s within walking distance of almost everything, you don’t have to worry about figuring out the metro and bus system.

Budget—Che Nomadas Hostel Mérida: If you’re looking to stay in a hostel right in the middle of the city, this is the best place to book a room. They have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and free yoga classes.

Mid-Range—Hotel Casa de Balam: Just two blocks from the Mérida Cathedral, this hotel has free Wi-Fi, a sun terrace, and a swimming pool. They also have a bar on-site, perfect if you prefer not to venture out into the city to find a place to drink.

Luxury—The Diplomat Boutique Hotel: Located right in the historic center and less than a mile away from the Plaza Grande, this hotel is super convenient and near all the things you need to enjoy your stay in Mérida. They have a bar on-site as well as free Wi-Fi.

Paseo Montejo

The main boulevard in Mérida is known as Paseo Montejo. Here you’ll find tons of shops and restaurants. The area is more popular with tourists and people staying here for the short term, but you’ll also find some long-term expats.

The boulevard is beautiful, with gorgeous old homes and large green trees offering shade on hot days. The wide sidewalks make it very easy to walk around or cycle.

Budget—NH Collection Paseo de Montejo: This hotel is on Paseo de Montejo above Paseo 60. It offers many amenities, including a rooftop pool, fitness center, restaurant, and some shops. People rave about the complimentary breakfast, which includes a full buffet and a full menu with specialty dishes.

Mid-Range—Casa Kej Itzimna: If you want to stay in an apartment rather than a hotel, this is a fantastic place to book. It has two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom. There is also a private pool and a garden where you can relax outdoors. It’s also great for those renting a car because of free private parking.

Luxury—Rosas y Xocolate: This stunning hotel is located in a renovated mansion. It’s right off the main boulevard in a highly convenient location. The on-site restaurant serves local and international dishes. They have one of the most extensive wine lists in the area at their bar. In your free time, book a treatment at the spa or go shopping in the boutique clothing store.

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Santiago

The Santiago neighborhood is one of the best places to stay in Mérida, Mexico for those who still want to be close to Plaza Grande but a little further away from the major tourist areas. The neighborhood is a lot more local and has many ex-pats as well.

The streets are tranquil. While there are plenty of hotels in the area, there are also many homes for rent and Airbnbs.

Many accommodations have balconies and gardens where you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee.

For those interested in living in Mérida, Mexico, Santiago is a great place to stay.

Budget—Hotel Maria del Carmen: This is a really peaceful hotel with a large outdoor pool. The restaurant on site serves traditional Yucatan food with some international twists. There is also a terrace bar with nice views.

Mid-Range—Casa Tres Colibries: This hotel offers some of the best breakfasts, which are included in the price. The pastries are freshly baked every morning. All the rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.

Luxury—Cigno Hotel: This adults-only boutique hotel is nice for a romantic getaway or a solo retreat. All rooms have Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Make sure to check out the beautiful gardens. The on-site dining is also one of the top-rated restaurants in Mérida, Mexico.

Garcia Gineres

This area is one of the largest neighborhoods in Merida. Some parts are conveniently located next to Paseo Montejo. Since the area is huge, you can be far away from everything. Check the map before booking a place here to ensure you’re in a good location.

All the hotels I listed for this neighborhood are on the Paseo Montejo end, so you’ll be in a convenient area. This area is really quiet, so it’s a great choice for families or those needing to work while staying in Mérida.

There is also a nice amphitheater, where people come to enjoy outdoor music and other events.

Budget—Hotel Boutique Real San Juan Center: This hotel is basic, but the rooms are spacious and have many different amenities. They have a fitness center and a swimming pool. You can also walk to the main square in about 15-20 minutes.

Mid-Range—Ibis Merida: Ibis Mérida offers a comfortable stay right between Paseo Montejo and the city center. The rooms offer Wi-Fi, and they offer complimentary breakfast each morning. They also have a bar and lounge.

Luxury—Fiesta Americana Merida: Many people rave about this hotel because of the peaceful atmosphere. The swimming pool and gardens are super relaxing. Several restaurants are on-site, including a cafe with coffee and small bites. They have a kid’s club where your children can do activities and play outside while you sip a cocktail by the pool.

Best Things to Do in Mérida, Mexico

After resting your head at one of these incredible hotels, make sure to leave enough room in your schedule for all of these activities:

Stroll around Plaza Grande. This is one of the best places to go for people-watching. They also have a weekly Sunday market where you can buy homemade items and souvenirs to take home.
Take a photo with the Mérida sign. Like many cities around Mexico, there is a colorful large Merida sign with a beautiful square as the backdrop.
Have a drink at the La Negrita Cantina. This place is known to have the best drinks in Mérida. There are many expats as well as locals that come here to drink.
Eat some local food. Eating like a local is one of the best things to do in Mérida, Mexico. Make sure to eat some empanadas and polcanes. You can also take a food tour if you want to find the best places to eat around town easily.
See the Uxmal Ruins. Uxmal is one of the best places to see in MMéridaerida. It’s absolutely stunning and is one of the best ruins I’ve ever seen.
Visit the museums. There are many museums in Mérida, Mexico. Some of the best places to visit are the Mayan World Museum and the Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy.

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How to Get to Mérida

The closest airport to Mérida is Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport. It’s only a few miles from the city center. You can fly into this airport if you’re coming from elsewhere in Mexico or internationally.

Depending on where you’re coming from internationally, you will probably have a few connections to get to Mérida.

The Cancun airport has more international flights and is often less costly. However, you do need to navigate the four-hour trip to Mérida.

How to Get Around Mérida

Many places in Mérida are walkable, especially if you are staying in or near the city center. Some people also rent cars if they prefer to drive.

Taxis and Uber are also available. Taxis are more expensive, but they are still affordable compared to other countries.

Renting a car in Mérida, Mexico, might be the best option if you plan to travel extensively in the region.

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When to Visit Mérida

Like most of the Yucatan, Merida can get pretty hot. The best time to visit for mild weather is from December to April. The weather is also dry this season, so you don’t need to worry about getting caught in the rain.

What is the best part of Mérida to stay in?

Most people stay in Centro Historico in Merida because it has the most attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.

Other neighborhoods close to Centro worth checking out include Zocalo, Santiago, Santa Anna, Santa Lucia, and Paseo de Montejo.

How long should I stay in Mérida?

This really depends on how much you want to see and how much time you have. If you’re only interested in exploring the city center, you only need about two or three days.

Merida is close to many places, though, so you can add a few days to your itinerary to take some day trips and see the surrounding areas.

Where do ext-pats live in Mérida?

Expats decide to stay in many different areas of Mérida. Many like to stay in Centro Historico to be close to everything, but the place is a little expensive for those wanting to stay long-term.

Many prefer to stay in the quieter areas of the city because places are cheaper. No matter where you choose to stay in Mérida, you will also meet many expats in the bars and restaurants around the city.

colorful street in merida, yellow arch in the middle with colorful buildings lining both sides of the street

Is Merida, Mexico, safe?

For the most part, yes! Many locals and expats walk at night, especially around the city center. Just keep your bags close to you and not flash around your money and valuables.

Mérida is known as the safest city in Mexico, though it’s always worth taking some regular precautions. Some streets around the city are less well-lit than others, so keep an eye out and be careful.

Where to Stay in Merida, Mexico: Book One Of These Amazing Places!

Now that you know exactly where to stay in Mérida, Mexico, you should be ready to book your flights and pack your bags! Mérida, Mexico, is a gorgeous city. Whether you’re coming here for a quick visit or planning to plant some roots here, you will enjoy your time.