HOTELS AT THE RIBERA part I

As the newest hotel in Chapala, Hotel Villa San Francisco has the tough job of finding a new customer base or does it? The fact is that the owners of this hotel did an amazing job in creating an elegant yet cozy hotel just a few steps from the lake; the hotel counts with only ten rooms into which the  interior designers really poured their hearts into, creating a space that feels like home. A musical theme can be seen throughout the hotel; each of the rooms is named and decorated after a musical instrument or theme such as Spanish Guitar and Tango. Like previously mentioned, the rooms and the hotel in general are extremely luxurious, but this is not reflected in the price: depending on the season, the most affordable room can range from$967 to $1,673 pesos per night for two people while the grand suite can range from $1,997 to $2,862 pesos per night for up to five adults. This hotel is great for families and private parties and an excellent getaway for romance.

Not far from Villa San Francisco you can find the exclusive B&B Quinta Quetzalcoatl, a personal favorite of foreign visitors who year after year come to this beautiful B&B. Hotel Quinta is like no other hotel or B&B; the one-acre property seems mystic and mysterious, like a jungle or forest, but with lots of sunshine and an excellent taste in landscape architecture and gardening. Adding to the mysteriousness of the place is also the fact that the hotel stands behind a rock wall over three meters high and its giant wood doors only open to let guest in and out. This hotel counts with five rooms and two casitas, all extremely inviting and with beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and pool. Rates can go from $85.00 dollars for the smaller rooms for two people a night to $160.00 dollars for the casita for four people per night. This hotel is great for relaxation and romanticism because of its adult's only policy.

For the perfect family vacation there is no better suited hotel than Hotel Montecarlo. Located to the left of the Chapala-Ajijic highway, Hotel Montecarlo is one of the oldest hotels in the Rivera de Chapala. Known for its thermal pools, luscious gardens, and the many peacocks that roam the hotel, Montecarlo is the perfect playground for children and the ideal site for family reunions and events. 45 rooms and 2 suites make this hotel one of the biggest in the Ribera; many of the rooms overlook the lake while the gardens and main pool are right next to it. Prices vary from season to season so for the best prices and packages call 01 (376) 7652120.

The previous three hotels are my personal favorites in the town of Chapala; whether you are looking for relaxation, romanticism, or a family vacation, these hotels will cover all of your needs, but also take into account that there are a couple more hotels in Chapala where you can choose from. In the next blog I will introduce you to some hotels in the town of Ajijic and some very luxurious SPA hotels that will make you believe you are in heaven.

* The hotels I have mentioned today include breakfast and taxes in the nightly rate.