31 Great Hotels in Guadalajara from Boutique to Cheap
LOOKING TO BOOK A GREAT HOTEL IN GUADALAJARA?
Guadalajara is a great town. It is a major tourist destination, a college town, and a business center. Different types of travelers have different needs when it comes to a hotel. This article looks at the breadth of hotels in Guadalajara from luxury to budget and everything in between.
With a population upwards of 5 million, there are lots of different experiences depending on which neighborhood a traveler stays in. You can find a great hotel at every price point and for every type of traveler.
In addition to the best hotels in Guadalajara, I have another article looking at the best places to stay during your first visit which focuses on the different neighborhoods in Guadalajara. If you are looking to relocate, there is another article about the best residential neighborhoods in the metropolitan region.
Villa Ganz Boutique Hotel
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A luxury Mexican experience in the heart of the coolest neighborhood in the city.
I have lived in Guadalajara since 2009, stayed a dozens of hotels, and helped hundreds of people plan their travels. There are few people who know the hotels in Guadalajara better than I do.
Table of Contents: Best Hotels In Guadalajara
- Boutique Hotels in Guadalajara
- Luxury Hotels in Guadalajara
- Mid-Range Hotels in Guadalajara
- Budget Hotels in Guadalajara
- Hacienda Hotels near Guadalajara
- Pools & Day Passes in Guadalajara
- Guadalajara Travel Guide & FAQ
- Conclusion
Boutique Hotels In Guadalajara
Boutique hotels are typically smaller in size with a unique character that represents the neighborhood. Guadalajara is famous for its historic architecture and these hotels are some of the principal preservationists.
1. Casa Habita (Formally Casa Fayette)
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 /10 | Neighborhood: Americana | View on Expedia.com
The Casa Habita was built by one of my favorite Hotel Groups in Mexico, Grupo Habita. They have a pattern of restoring historic properties and combining them with contemporary construction and design. They also choose the best neighborhoods in a city and in this case the wildly popular Colonia Fayette.
The original property was built in 1940 and the tower was added in 2015 as a boutique hotel. The Colonia Fayette is an architectural treasure with dozens of well-preserved 20th-century mansions of different styles. The original Casa Habita Hotel has a lot of Art Deco glamor with some regionalist or eclectic accents.
The Casa Fayette Restaurant has excellent food and design that evokes emotion. It is just plain fun. The last time I was there I got to talk with the chef about what he was growing on the rooftop garden and the sorts of heirloom ingredients that he likes to use. Expect to see seasonal recipes and recipes that you know but are somehow a little different. Like pumpkin seeds and avocado on a Caesar salad instead of croutons.
The pool is known for parties on the weekends when it gets crowded. It is very small. However, during the week it is a great place to host a social event with your friends.
2. La Villa del Ensueño
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 /10 | Neighborhood: Tlaquepaque | View on Expedia.com
The 20-room boutique hotel was built in a neo-Spanish colonial style with some classy eclectic features. Originally, the property was comprised of two old mansion buildings that were remodeled into a hotel in 1996. The stone mosaics are really beautiful. This is a very romantic hotel.
There is a small outdoor pool and jacuzzi.
The front desk is available 24 hours a day.
Villa del Ensueño is located 600 meters from Downtown Tlaquepaque and Calle Independencia pedestrian mall. It is safe to walk during the day but it would be best to get a ride after dark. Parking is included but the lot is around the corner. I wouldn’t leave my car loaded with luggage overnight.
Villa del Ensueño is a member of the prestigious Hacidndas y Casonas de Jalisco hotel association for exceptional historic properties.
3. Villa Ganz Boutique Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 /10 | Neighborhood: Americana | View on Expedia.com
Villa Ganz is cataloged as the first boutique hotel in Guadalajara dating back over 30 years. There are only 10 rooms in the restored old mansion. The rooms are tasteful yet elegant with very comfortable rooms.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Lafayette neighborhood just a block away from the Colonia Americana. The is one of the most walkable areas in Mexico with a major selection of excellent restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. The Gallo Altanero tequila bar, ‘World’s Best Bars’ winner, is less than two blocks away.
There is a lot of architectural heritage in the area.
4. Demetria Bungalows
⭐️ Rating: 8.8 /10 | Neighborhood: Lafayette | View on Expedia.com
The Demetria Bungalows are located in the heart of the Lafayette neighborhood which is a mosaic of architectural history. The Bungalows themselves are a piece of that history dating back to 1936 and employing an eclectic local style.
While the exterior is vintage, the interior of the bungalows is modern and comfortable. They all have minikitchens and lend themselves to a longer stay.
The neighborhood is one of the coolest in the world and gets lumped in with the Colonia Americana. It is only two blocks to the Gallo Altanero tequila bar, two blocks to Allium Restaurant, and two blocks to Avenida Chapultepec. There is nothing more walkable than this section of General San Martín Street. I am getting hungry just thinking about all the places there are to eat and drink nearby.
5. Quinta Real Guadalajara
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 /10 | Neighborhood: Vallarta Norte | View on Expedia.com
The Quinta Real Hotel was the high-end concept by the Camino Real Hotel Group and it is still one of the finest properties in their portfolio. The Guadalajara Quinta Real was the first hotel to define the hotel group’s new high-end concept.
Located on Avenida Mexico, it is just a few short blocks from Alcalde, the best restaurant in Guadalajara, and four more top choices.
The design of the Quinta Real is meant to espouse old-world charm using style and tile. It reminds me a lot of the great haciendas in Jalisco.
This hotel could easily be considered one of the best luxury hotels in Guadalajara but the unique design and smaller size also make it boutique. It is lovely no matter what you call it.
6. Casa Pedro Loza
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 /10 | Neighborhood: Downtown | View on Expedia.com
Casa Pedro Loza is a 19th-century mansion in the historic center that has been converted into a hotel and wedding venue. The boutique hotel has just 12 rooms but the wedding venue is one of the most highly coveted places to throw a party in Guadalajara. This is where my wife and I celebrated our wedding reception.
The hotel is located on Calle Pedro Loza which is a pedestrian, in the heart of Guadalajara, six blocks north of the Guadalajara Cathedral and two blocks west of Mercado Alcalde. It is a highly walkable part of Guadalajara by day but not my favorite place to walk around after dark.
One of the most memorable parts of our wedding reception was the sunset toast on the rooftop patio. The view from the roof is awesome with many church belltowers visible in the distance. Casa Pedro Loza is a time capsule that will help you step back in time to experience a golden era.
7. Hotel Demetria
⭐️ Rating: 8.6 /10 | Neighborhood: Americana | View on Expedia.com
The Demetria Hotel is a designer’s dream come true. The ultra-modern building is flanked by historic properties and decorated with reminders of Guadalajara’s architectural past. One of the partners literally wrote the book on the Fayette neighborhood documenting the history of most important properties. The hotel gift shop/bookstore has an impressive architectural section.
The 5-star hotel has some of the coolest master suites in the area. Guest rooms on the higher floors have spectacular city views of historic landmarks like the arches and the Minerva traffic circle. It is just a short walk to the best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Guadalajara. The rooftop terrace is one of the most enjoyable places to spend a spring evening watching the sun go down.
A close friend managed the hotel restaurant for a number of years and shared how much training goes into their exclusive service.
Demetria has two properties that are a block and a half away from each other: Hotel Demetria and Demetria Bungalós. Both properties are perfectly situated for walking tours of the neighborhood. Hotel Demetria is more luxurious and the bungalows are in a restored, historic building.
Luxury Hotels in Guadalajara
There is a lot of crossover between the boutique hotels and the luxury hotels in Guadalajara. The luxury hotels tend to be run by larger hotel groups with professional booking and planning.
In Guadalajara, the luxury hotels are anchor tenants of new shopping malls. They attract tourism from across the region and internationally.
8. Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 /10 | Neighborhood: Andares | View on Expedia.com
I don’t think most people realize how much money there is in Mexico. Plaza Andares attracts some serious shoppers from neighboring states that don’t have the same high-end offerings. The hotel is in Plaza Andares so you will have access to excellent dining, one of the hottest nightclubs in the city, a world-class hospital, and designer boutiques.
The Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara took the title of the tallest building away from the Riu Plaza. It is one of the most popular hotels for business travelers as a number of tech companies have campuses in the surrounding highrises. The corporate meeting rooms are luxurious and high-tech.
The fitness center is huge, and the suites are huge, but the pool feels small for the size of the hotel
The hotel has a great breakfast but it is substantially more expensive than the options in the plaza.
9. JW Marriott Hotel Guadalajara
⭐️ Rating: 8.4/10 | Neighborhood: Country Club | View on Expedia.com
The JW Marriott is a new and absolutely stunning addition to Guadalajara. It is located in the Country Club neighborhood which is lovely to walk around. There is a major food court with some of the city’s best restaurant groups have set up shop.
The pool has one of the best views in the city. While it is outdoors it is covered and can be used rain or shine. They offer one of the most popular day passes in Guadalajara.
Marriott is one of the top names in luxury hotels. They have professional staff with an incredible eye for detail.
You can not go wrong with the AC Marriott Guadalajara.
10. AC Hotel Guadalajara Providencia
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 /10 | Neighborhood: Country Club| View on Expedia.com
As of October 2021, the satellite view on Google Maps still shows this place as a dirt field without the slightest sign of coming construction. This neighborhood is one of the fastest-growing parts of Guadalajara and a little off the tourist track. The AC Marriott is right across the street from Providencia but it is in the Country Club part of town with a lot of old money.
My dad stayed here for my wedding and raved about the place. He loved the city view from the sun deck, said there were spacious rooms and a business center, and that everyone spoke English. There is free parking for hotel guests and free wi-fi.
One of the best parts of the AC Marriott is the food court next door. Pannarama Food Court has one of the best concentrations of really good restaurants in the city. The second floor is lined with high-end, hip, and design-focused restaurants and bars blasting loud music that feels somewhat like a nightclub.
11. Hilton Guadalajara Midtown
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 /10 | Neighborhood: Providencia | View on Expedia.com
The Hilton Midtown is the most important tenant in the new Midtown Mall. The mall was built around this beautiful hotel.
While there is a great restaurant in the hotel, it would be a shame to ignore the excellent restaurants just steps from the front entrance. Within a five-minute taxi ride you have access to some of the best restaurants in Western Mexico like Allium, La Docena, and Tortas Ahogadas El Profe Jiménez.
The open-air pool has a great view of the Providencia neighborhood. They offer day passes to access the pool when it gets hot in the spring time.
Hilton is one of the top names in luxury travel and their new hotels do not disappoint.
12. Gran Fiesta Americana Guadalajara Country Club
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 /10 | Neighborhood: Providencia | View on Expedia.com
The Gran Fiesta Americana Guadalajara Country Club is one of the nicest business hotels in Guadalajara that is located in the financial district and across the street from the old country club. On the weekend the clientele appeared to be predominantly Mexican while during the week it is more international. No matter when you visit, the service is exceptional.
In addition to the hotel itself is the neighborhood it sits in. Providencia is an upper-class neighborhood but this corner of Providencia has a number of new skyscrapers filled with big-name companies within a few blocks. The Fiesta Americana is on the same side of the street as the mall and the restaurants. Less than two blocks away are ten of the best restaurants in Guadalajara including La Docena which is listed on the San Pelligrino list of the best restaurants in Latin America. And, located just a few minutes away in a car there are over a hundred excellent examples of local food from high-end to street food.
One thing to remember is that this hotel caters more to business travelers than families with young children. The minibar is right within reach of a toddler and I was afraid we were going to lose one of those little bottles. There isn’t a pool which isn’t a big deal in the fall but when it is roasting in April and May I would prefer to have a pool.
We all found the rooms to be very comfortable. We all slept well on the comfortable mattresses. Even the little one slept all night in the crib. The complimentary toiletries were L’Occitane which I thought was a fancy touch.
There is 24-hour room service but we chose to eat out every meal and pick up some snacks at the Oxxo across the street. When it comes to coffee, I am not much of a fan of the Nespresso capsules but there is a Starbucks in the building or Terrible Juan just a few blocks away. The morning walk to breakfast, the park, and coffee was lovely. Providencia is a beautiful neighborhood with great architecture and cool local businesses.
The cherry on top is the Gym and Spa on the 19th floor. The view is insane. Make it a point to hop on the elliptical machine at sunrise or sunset for a half hour.
13. Riu Plaza Guadalajara
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 /10 | Neighborhood: Chapalita | View on Expedia.com
The Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara is the region’s newest landmark. For a short period of time, it was the tallest building in the city. The 44-story building can be seen from all over town. The RIU is located at the intersection of three of the most important avenues in Guadalajara and is a favorite of business travelers because of its central location, modern amenities, and exceptional service.
The rooms are ample but not huge. There is an outdoor swimming pool, free wifi, a good-sized fitness center, and English-speaking concierge services. My biggest complaint is not with the hotel but with the weather. Every time that I have stayed here the weather was overcast and my photos came out uninspiring.
I watched this tower go up and I have really enjoyed staying here over the years. This is where my family stayed for my wedding and everybody loved it. There is plenty of English-speaking staff and the comforts of a top-notch hotel. You can’t go wrong with the Riu Plaza Guadalajara.
14. Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara
⭐️ Rating: 8.8 /10 | Neighborhood: Los Cubos | View on Expedia.com
People come to the Hard Rock to party. Whether it is a restaurant or hotel, the name Hard Rock is synonymous with a good time.
It was a big deal when Hard Rock announced that they would be building a new hotel in Guadalajara. They don’t do anything small. It is go big or go home, and they came through. The Hard Rock Hotel in Guadalajara is a major tourist attraction.
The rooms are luxurious and comfortable but with a Hard Rock edge. You can expect good music in the lobby and at the pool. They have the best rooftop pool in Guadalajara with a very reasonable day pass.
Even if you are not staying at the Hard Rock, you will enjoy visiting the excellent restaurants.
Mid-Range Hotels In Guadalajara
These hotels tend to be a little more inexpensive than the aforementioned hotels. However, prices fluctuate quite a bit. The Morales and the Real Maestranza are two of the most popular hotels in the city. When the inventory is low, prices rise.
15. Hotel Velvet Plaza
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 /10 |📍 Neighborhood: Arcos Vallarta | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
The Hotel Velvet underwent an amazing remodel a few years back. Originally built by the famous Mexican architect, Max Henonin over fifty years ago the hotel has been immaculately preserved. There are 125 rooms on ten stories with a gym and a small rooftop pool.
The location is amazing. It is just a few blocks from the Glorieta Minerva traffic circle on Avenida Vallarta and the Guadalajara arches. On Sundays, the street is closed to vehicle traffic so that bicycles and pedestrians can exercise. It is only two blocks away from Café palReal, one of the best restaurants and coffee shops in all of Mexico.
People rave about this hotel and their restaurant, La Caneva de Andrea.
16. Hotel Morales
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 /10 | Neighborhood: Downtown | View on Expedia.com
The Hotel Morales was the first hotel that I stayed at in Guadalajara and one of the most recommended hotels in the Mexpat Guadalajara Facebook group. It is located in the heart of historic Guadalajara, is clean, and is very affordable.
The building dates back to the late 19th-century Porfirian era when a family turned their house (mansion) into a guest house. In the 1930s the owner put a lot of effort into expanding the property and turning it into a luxury hotel. The old bullring used to be in front of the Hospicio Cabañas and the Hotel Morales was where the high society of the era would come to party before and after the corridas de toros. There are pictures of Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, and Maria Felix having a blast at the Hotel Morales.
The neighborhood around the Hotel Morales is right on the edge of where Guadalajara gets a little rough. Walking around the city centre during the day is no problem but I would avoid the unaccompanied, nighttime sightseeing tours. The area is urban.
17. Hotel Real Maestranza
⭐️ Rating: 9.6 /10 |📍 Neighborhood: Downtown Guadalajara | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Hotel Real Maestranza is located on Maestranza street just four blocks from the Guadalajara Cathedral and the plazas where the city was founded. The hotel has a very interesting combination of traditional and modern design. Originally, the property was two large mansions and those have been preserved on the exterior ground floor. A modern hotel tower climbs out of the middle of the historic property.
The interior design of the hotel is more modern than historic but the contrast works. The bar and patio are enjoyable. Parking is included
This is one of the highest-rated, budget hotels in Guadalajara.
18. DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico
⭐️ Rating: 8.8 /10 | Neighborhood: Downtown Guadalajara | View on Expedia.com
The DoubleTree Hotel was rebranded during the pandemic of 2020. Prior to 2020, it was affiliated with the NH Hotel Group. A close friend of mine was the chef of the hotel’s restaurant for a number of years and he convinced me to check out the property.
The rooms are nice but there is a million-dollar view and the restaurant is the best-kept secret in Downtown Guadalajara. Even if you do not stay here it is worth a trip to get lunch just for the picture.
Parking and traffic is somewhat complicated. If you don’t have a car this is one of the best places to stay in Guadalajara. You have Guadalajara’s historic downtown at the base of the elevator. It is hard to get much closer to the best museums and historic buildings.
19. Hotel Bellwort
⭐️ Rating: 8.4 /10 | Neighborhood: Americana | View on Expedia.com
The Bellwort is a wonderful new addition to the boutique hotels in Guadalajara. After a serious remodel, the 44-room hotel opened in early 2021. The building was originally designed by architect Julio de la Peña in 1967 as an modernest apartment complex. The remodel has highlighted the modernist movement of architecture in Guadalajara while adding some luxury finishes.
Located in Avenida Union (the continuation of Avenida de las Americas), the Bellwort is a very walkable section of the Lafayette neighborhood just blocks from the Colonia Americana. It is one block away from the famous Saloon del Bosque Cantina and La Panga del Impostor seafood restaurant. There is no shortage of exceptional places to explore on foot.
There is a small heated outdoor pool on the second floor and a nice hotel gym adjacent to the pool.
20. Guadalajara Plaza Ejecutivo López Mateos
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 /10 | Neighborhood: Chapalita | View on Expedia.com
This is a great mid-range hotel with some interesting local history. The hotel straddles the convention center and Chapalita so the price can fluctuate depending on what big conventions are in town at any given moment. It is corporate, clean, and has been tastefully renovated over the years.
The parking is safe and I would feel comfortable leaving my car full of stuff in front of my room. The parking lot is not visible from the street.
Back in 1970 when Mexico last hosted the World Cup, this is the hotel that the Brazilian national soccer team stayed at when they played in Guadalajara. Brazil went on to win that world cup and there is a plaza named after that team next to the Estadio Jalisco and the bull ring.
There is a really cool picture of Pelé kicking back in a lounge chair playing guitar next to the pool in between soccer matches.
This hotel has some history.
21. Casa Alfareros
⭐️ Rating: 10 /10 | Neighborhood: Tlaquepaque | View on Expedia.com
Casa Alfareros is one of the best hotel deals in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Region. This is Mexico. You don’t need million-dollar budgets to create exceptional experiences. Much of the furniture and designs are locally made by Tlaquepaque artisans. Everything is painted in bright colors and accented with lovely tilework.
The hotel is located right in the heart of Downtown Tlaquepaque’s boutique and walking district. The Regional Ceramic Museum is one block away and there are some really good places to eat on that same block.
You can’t go wrong with this mid-range hotel.
22. Presidente Intercontinental (An IHG Hotel)
⭐️ Rating: 8.8 /10 | Neighborhood: Ciudad del Sol | View on Expedia.com
I always thought that the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel looked very 1980’s from the outside like the Nakatomi Tower in Die Hard or something. There is a ton of glass.
It is important to remember that the Intercontinental Hotel Group represents Hyatt, Holiday Inn, and Marriott in Mexico. These are the professionals and the Presidente Intercontinental is a high-end concept for a mid-range price. Inside the place is impeccable and has one of the best French restaurants in the city.
The location is excellent for those driving and those without a car. It sits on the corner of Avenida López Mateos and Avenida Moctezuma in the Ciudad del Sol neighborhood. Plaza de Sol mall is across the street. The Expo Convention Center and the Trasloma Festival Grounds are just minutes away. If you are going to the Book Festival, Corona Capital concerto, or one of the wine festivals, this is the best place to stay. This is a great hotel in a great location.
Budget-Friendly Hotels In Guadalajara
I hate to use the word “cheap” because it has a negative context but as we say in Spanish, these hotels have the three B’s (bueno, bonito, barato or good, pretty, and cheap).
23. Hotel La Mansión del Sol
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 /10 | Neighborhood: Ciudad del Sol | View on Expedia.com
You can think about the Mansion del Sol like you are going to stay with your rich grandparents. The hotel is a mid-century (mid-20th century) mansion that has been converted into a hotel with an old-school motif and antique furniture. It is fabulous and tacky at the same time but super comfortable. You are right down the street from Plaza del Sol and right down the street from Chapalita. Having a car is recommended because it is right in the middle of a suburban neighborhood and there isn’t too much walking distance.
Did I mention the price? It is super cheap. My friends recently scored it for less than $800 pesos a night and were so happy they booked it a second time a week later. They are pet-friendly but charge per animal which can add up quickly.
24. Hotel Santiago de Compostela
⭐️ Rating: 8.8 /10 | Neighborhood: Downtown Guadalajara | View on Expedia.com
The Hotel Santiago de Compostela is one of the best deals in Guadalajara. It is located in the heart of Downtown with an incredible view of the San Francisco Plaza. The Plaza de las Nueve Esquinas is just a couple blocks away with the best selection of traditional birria restaurants in the world.
The hotel is simple and clean. I would not leave my car full of luggage in the parking lot nearby. Parking is safe but don’t tempt fate Downtown.
25. Quinta Don José Tlaquepaque
⭐️ Rating: 9.6 /10 | Neighborhood: Tlaquepaque | View on Expedia.com
Tlaquepaque is a romantic neighborhood that is full of art and artists. Quinta Don José is a beautiful property that we loved. It has characteristically Mexican design features, many of which are local to Tlaquepaque. The outdoor pool is chilly in the winter months but perfect 9 months out of the year.
You can walk everywhere in the historic district of Tlaquepaque. It is two blocks from the Parian and one block from the Abejeño Restaurant. Look at the reviews for their restaurant on TripAdvisor. It’s an Italian/Mexican fusion but people go crazy for this place. The service is excellent and the kitchen is even better.
Tlaquepaque reminds me of a little Coyoacán. It feels like a village because of great properties like Quinta Don José.
26. FCH Hotel Expo – Adults Only
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 /10 | Neighborhood: Expo | View on Expedia.com
This is another of those hotels that has crazy price fluctuations depending on what events are going on at the convention center.
All 28 rooms have a cool emphasis on art and design. There is a small pool, a small gym, and a lovely terraza with a delicious restaurant.
27. Hotel Isabel
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 /10 | Neighborhood: Colonia Americana | View on Expedia.com
Last but not least, the Hotel Isabel in the coolest neighborhood in the world, the Colonia Americana. It is cheap, clean, and a great place to meet cool people. The building feels more like an apartment complex than a hotel. There are common areas with barbeques, tables, and chairs, and a small pool. I wouldn’t recommend the hotel for families with small children because of the pool.
There are a limited number of safe parking places in front of the rooms where I would feel safe leaving my vehicle full of luggage overnight.
This hotel is a great deal and one of the best cheap hotels in Guadalajara.
Hotels Near The Guadalajara Airport
The Guadalajara International Airport is located a ways outside of the city center. Considering that traffic can be unpredictable, I see a lot of people looking for accommodations nearby.
All of the hotels located on the highway near the airport offer shuttle services. Some of the hotels are really nice.
28. Ramada Encore by Wyndham Guadalajara Aeropuerto
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 /10 | Neighborhood: GDL Airport | View on Expedia.com
By far the best option for those needing a hotel close to the Guadalajara Airport. It would also be a great option if you are going to see a concert at the Vicente Fernandez Arena (Arena VFG).
The indoor pool is heated year round and the gym is pretty nice for a corporate hotel gym. The rooms are clean and the hotel isn’t too expensive. If you need to stay near the airport, this is the best place to do it.
Hacienda Hotels Near Guadalajara
One of the highlights of coming to Guadalajara is visiting the countryside of Jalisco. About an hour outside of the city is the Tequila Valley withlovely small towns, a volcano, pyramids, and the UNESCO-rated agave fields.
Combining a trip to Tequila, the Guachimontones archeological site, and a historic hacienda hotel is memorable, to say the least.
29. Hacienda El Carmen Hotel & Spa
⭐️ Rating: 9.6 /10 | Neighborhood: Ahualulco de Mercado | View on Expedia.com
I have been watching the Netflix series Monarca about a wealthy Mexican family that is partially set in Tequila. They filmed a number of scenes at the Hacienda El Carmen. This is a special place.
Hacienda El Carmen is not in Guadalajara. It is located an hour outside of the city at the base of the Tequila Volcano, very close to the Guachimontones pyramids. Jalisco is famous for country culture. It would be a great experience to see both the big city and the nearby ranches.
The hacienda boutique hotel is spectcular. Try to make the time to get out of the city to see this area.
30. Hotel Solar de las Animas Tequila
⭐️ Rating: 9.6 /10 | Neighborhood: Tequila | View on Expedia.com
Hotel Solar de las Animas is part of what makes Tequila, Jalisco such an important tourist destination. The Jose Cuervo group has built what I consider to be one of the premier touristic products in the whole country.
The hotel is a testament to the wealthy ranching culture of the hacienda era. The rooms are adequate but you will not be spending much time there. The restaurants, bars, pools, distilleries, event spaces, waterfalls, and agave fields are ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. There is so much to see and do in this part of Mexico that drinking tequila might actually get in the way of all the other activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The Hotel Solar de las Animas is an expensive yet worthwhile hotel experience. Tequila, Jalisco should be on your list when you come to Guadalajara.
31. Hacienda Labor de Rivera
⭐️ Rating: 8.6 /10 | Neighborhood: Teuchitlán | View on Expedia.com
Hacienda Labor de Rivera is an old hacienda that has been refurbished as a boutique hotel 40 minutes outside of Guadalajara in Tequila Country. The hotel happens to be 10 minutes away from the Guachimontones pyramids archeological site.
The 21 rooms are decorated in a historic yet comfortable fashion. There is a working ranch on site and lots of room for the kids to run around.
This is an excellent base camp to experience the Ruta del Tequila.
Hotels In Guadalajara With Pools & Day Passes
It gets really hot in Guadalajara every spring before the rains hit. These hotels offer day passes to enjoy the pool and restaurants on site. In many cases, the cost of the day pass includes a credit at the restaurant.
- Casa Habita – Small pool, gets crowded on the weekends when it’s hot.
- Hard Rock Hotel – Rooftop pool with a great view
- AC Hotel – Luxury pool area with a view of the Glorieta Colon.
- Hilton Midtown – Pretty but small pool.
- RIU Plaza – Adults only but affordable.
Guadalajara Travel Guide & FAQ
While the capital of Jalisco doesn’t see a lot of international tourism, it is a major destination for Mexican travelers.
A theme that I refer back to when talking about Guadalajara is the contrast between modern and traditional. You can see it in the architecture, the food, and even in the people.
I like taking my friends to see the historic downtown in the morning and then to the super modern Punto São Paulo in the evening to show both sides of Guadalajara’s personality. I even recommend breaking up a stay in Guadalajara between two hotels, one in the historic heart of the city and one in the financial district.
Can I drink the water in Guadalajara?
No, it is not safe to drink the tap water in Guadalajara. Bottled water is everywhere. Hotels provide their guests with bottled water in their rooms and 5-gallon jugs can be found just about everywhere from restaurants to street food stands.
I carry a water bottle with me everywhere I go and never have a hard time finding clean water to fill it with.
Is it safe to rent a car in Guadalajara?
Guadalajara is a big city with lots of traffic. Drivers with experience driving in major metropolitan regions like Los Angeles should not have a problem.
If you are going to be staying in the city, it may not be necessary to rent a car. However, if you plan on traveling to the nearby towns of Tequila or visiting the pyramids, a vehicle is highly recommended.
Much like Los Angeles, try to avoid being on the road at rush hour.
Is Guadalajara Safe?
No, Guadalajara is not one of the safest cities in Mexico. It is a major metropolitan region with over 5 million residents. There are both safe and unsafe activities.
It is pretty easy to avoid most of the common scams and risks. Staying safe in Guadalajara is about preparation. If you know where the risky lay, it is easy to avoid them.
I have written extensively about safety in Guadalajara. I recommend having a look.
Statistically speaking, the sensational violence that you see on Netflix isn’t going to get you. If you are unaware of the motorcycle thieves, you might lose a cell phone.
Where is Guadalajara?
Guadalajara is the pearl of the west or the most important city in Western Mexico. It is the westernmost point of the Bajío Region.
As the crow flies, Guadalajara is 100 miles east of the beach town of Puerto Vallarta. It is a six-hour drive west of Mexico City and a two-hour drive north of Colima City.
In the United States, Guadalajara shares a similar longitude with Roswell New Mexico, and Denver Colorado.
How do I travel to Guadalajara, Jalisco?
It is hard to say if air travel or road travel is the most common way to arrive in Guadalajara. The Guadalajara International Airport is the third most important airport in Mexico.
Guadalajara is a major transportation hub in Mexico. There are major freeways running in all directions. The 15D runs all the way to the United States. It is easy to get to Colima (excellent beaches), Mexico City, and Guanajuato.
How to get around Guadalajara?
Guadalajara and Jalisco have excellent transportation infrastructure for every budget. You can easily rent and drive a car all over the state, hire a driver, take an Uber or a taxi, or even take the bus.
However, one of my favorite activities in Guadalajara is walking. There is no better way to appreciate the historic architecture than walking the back streets of a new city and stopping for a drink in something you find on a whim.
The Colonia Americana and Downtown Guadalajara are the two most popular neighborhoods for walking or renting bikes.
What is the best time to visit Guadalajara?
During Semana Santa (Holy Week or the week before Easter) most of the Tapatios (the locals) head to the beach but the city is flooded with tourists from other parts of Mexico and the price of hotels increases. During big events like the book festival (late November/early December) or the film festival (mid-March) getting a last-minute room becomes difficult. Make sure to plan ahead if you want to find a nice, affordable place to stay.
The spring months of April and May are the hottest months of the year. The summer is the rainy season and while it is still hot the rains lower the temperature. It rains most days during the summer but usually not all day.
I would recommend carrying an umbrella with you just in case because the storms can appear on the horizon in the blink of an eye.
Fall is my favorite season in Guadalajara because the rains are dying down and the weather is lovely.
Winter gets a little chilly at night but the daytime temperatures will probably be in the 70s. There might be a cold streak or two.
Can I use dollars in Guadalajara?
Try to use pesos. Some local businesses will accept dollars but you will be paying an exchange rate substantially more expensive than the market rate.
ATMs in Mexico offer the best exchange rates when moving dollars to pesos. Exchange houses usually offer the best rates when moving pesos to dollars.
Final Thoughts On The Best Hotels In Guadalajara
The hotels in Guadalajara are as diverse as the city is. When I was younger I stayed in some really cheap hotels but they met my needs at the time. As I have gotten older, I have had the privilege of staying in nicer hotels with better amenities.
Today, my family and I still enjoy planning a staycation in the city just so we can have access to a nice pool on a hot summer day. I still get excited about staying at a new hotel.
One of the best compliments that I have received as a travel planner was the feedback after my wedding. Many of my guests do not travel internationally on a regular basis. The hotels we chose made everyone feel at home and that is the sign of a great hotel.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find a hotel that you love.
