4 Best Hotels in Valle de Bravo, Side Trips from Mexico City

Las Luciernagas, with its bucolic location off a remote gravel road a few miles from town, is a rare cross between a B&B and a five-star hotel—what other B&B has a wine list? Four of the five rooms have fireplaces, and all have luxury bedding, artisanal toiletries, minibars, and a unique sense of privacy thanks to the rooms being spaced quite far apart, and the helpful but unobtrusive hosts. "La Cima" is an expansive suite with a terrace that overlooks the stunning manicured landscape of giant agaves, calla lilies, and birds of paradise; "Los Encuentros" opens to what is essentially its own private garden, with a stone path that leads to the Jacuzzi. The public spaces include a range of quiet terraces and seating areas, and top-notch dinners (with both Mexican and international dishes) are available by request. There's no better choice in Valle for a romantic getaway, or just a quiet home base.

This small hotel is the best option on Plaza Independencia. There are crafts in every room and hallway, in some of the most unexpected places. The terraced rooms present great views of the plaza. There are tables in the quiet courtyard, where tasty typical cuisine and a range of fruit and vegetable juices are served.

This cheerful hotel on the corner of Plaza Independencia is an excellent option for its location alone. Rooms are cozy, with brightly colored bedspreads and headboards carved by local artisans; some have kitschy hot tubs tucked into a corner. The restaurant ($) is by far the most enchanting on the square and has wonderful views of the town.

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.