37 Best Hotels in Side Trips from Mexico City, Mexico

This funky inn a short block from the main square, once a convent, absolutely oozes charm, from the fresh flowers strewn throughout the cabinlike rooms to the overgrown courtyard where the exceptional breakfast buffet is served. Room 11's large terrace was built around a massive tree, lending dappled shade and giving the effect of living in a tree-house suite. Rates are discounted by about a third during the week.

If any of the antiques that decorate your room in this beautifully converted colonial mansion strike your fancy, you might consider taking home a souvenir; they're all for sale. The rich colors of folk art pervade the cozy but stylish bar, and a lovely restaurant with live music in the evening serves tasty regional dishes. Cooking classes are also offered.

Although located on the south side of town along the main road connecting Malinalco to Chalma and beyond, this friendly and informal spa retreat is quiet and surrounded by lush gardens, lawns, and terraces with grand vistas of the countryside. The simple but spacious rooms have high ceilings, adobe brick walls, tile floors, and colorful tapestries. Guests are treated to a complimentary full breakfast in the restaurant, which also serves à la carte lunch and dinner later in the day. A favorite feature are the heated and cool plunge pools, solarium terrace, and small spa where you can book aromatherapy massage and hydromassage treatments. 

Located in the small city of San Juan Teotihuacán, just a few minutes’ drive (or half-hour walk) from the nearest entrance gate to the pyramids, this charming inn is set in a walled 18th-century hacienda with a pool, a small candlelit spa, a restaurant, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Rooms are clean and simply furnished—they're not fancy but they are comfortable and have stone walls, wood-beam ceilings, and other rustic accents.

Enjoy splendid views of both the village and the pyramid as you stroll through the terraced gardens of this grand and historic hotel that has hosted numerous celebrities over the years---including Diego Rivera, Dolores Del Rio, and Gael García Bernal---and enjoys an ideal hilltop setting steps from downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions. A honeymooners' favorite, the inn is also a good place for families, with its pool table, pool, and several rooms with two beds. Most rooms have balconies and some have hot tubs---try to request one with views of the pyramid. The patio restaurant has a lovely setting, though somewhat mediocre food.

This sophisticated country inn, which has both a pool and an inviting restaurant, is just a few blocks from Malinalco's main plaza and is filled with contemporary artwork and interesting decorative pieces collected by the well-traveled owner. The thoughtful staff is happy to provide recommendations of local attractions and restaurants, and massage treatments can be arranged in-room or in the garden. 

Deep in the forest overlooking a man-made lake, this unique property quickly made a splash on the Valle lodging scene. Each suite is a separate structure—a combination of traditional Mexican and hip modern design—with a view terrace, fireplace, and accommodations for at least four. The fashionable restaurant overlooks the lake, pool, and Jacuzzi, so you can enjoy first-class cuisine and drinks while supervising the kids.