4 Best Hotels in San Miguel de Allende, San Miguel de Allende and the Heartland

This luxurious, three-story palace of graceful limestone arches and beautiful, locally crafted furnishings opened in 2011 and is especially popular with wedding parties. The vast majority (80%) of the clientele is Mexican, though the rooftop bar draws an international mix. Luxurious rooms and suites have fireplaces, ample bathtubs, and sumptuous beds and bedding. Tasteful furnishings include wool rugs from Guadalajara, velveteen couches, and plump leather armchairs. Amenities include a large gym and full-service—albeit pricey—spa; a beautiful pool area with cabanas and exquisite landscaping; and a kids' club.

Built in 1580 as the archbishop of Guanajuato's residence, this elegant country-style inn still attracts ambassadors, diplomats, film stars, and other luminaries. Rooms are distributed throughout a series of small mansions. Lace curtains, handwoven rugs, and chandeliers adorn some of them; fireplaces, cozy terraces, and skylights enhance others. The hotel runs the separate Casa del Parque, an exquisitely restored 18th-century hacienda with five guest rooms a few minutes' walk away, on the Parque Benito Juárez; its restaurant serves refined versions of traditional Mexican dishes and has a popular Sunday buffet brunch.

Rooms in this basic, budget-priced, 19th-century inn are simply furnished in a colonial style; they're nothing fancy, but this is a good option for travelers on a budget. Several in the old wing are uncomfortably dark and cramped, but others are more open and have fireplaces. Head up to the rooftop public terrace for city views; the building is near the hulking dome of the Iglesia de la Concepción. There's a communal TV in the lobby, which looks like a formal Mexican living room.

Although nothing to write home about, Hotel Posada de la Aldea has some qualities that make it worth considering if you are a bargain shopper. Rooms are spacious, though the furnishings are a bit tired, and there's ample free parking, a restaurant-bar, heated swimming pool (rare in budget San Miguel hotels), and an excellent location not far from all the downtown sights. It's also near many more good restaurants on Calle Ancha de San Antonio. Better prices are often available during nonpeak seasons.