We traded our time share for a week at El Castellano as others have done. Although not equivalent in appointments it was where we wanted to be and an excellent swap given this criterion. We arrived at the bus station on Christmas Day. Taxis on this day and New Year’s Day when we left are incredibly hard to find. So be prepared or organize a pickup well ahead of time if you are arriving or departing on major holidays.
However, we were lucky enough to grab a cab that another client had an altercation with. Otherwise it’s about a 20-25 minute walk to the hotel from the bus station in the hot sun.
At the time of booking, I could find very little about the hotel anywhere but it turned out to be in a good position, about 2 or so blocks away from the main square, with excellent eating places within close proximity.
On our flight down the airline’s magazine happened to have an article about eating in Merida--two of these was on the same street as our hotel, another was within an evening stroll of about 15-20 minutes with food to die for, and a fourth, not in the magazine, was on a corner along from the hotel which had people queuing from breakfast through till late in the evening.
The walk to the archeological museum which is excellent and certainly compliments and enriches visits to Mayan sites, was about 25-30 easy walking minutes, via some great old mansions, wide boulevards and interesting shops.
The room was a hotel sized room clean and nicely appointed. No cooking facilities, however I not only had my trusty travel coffee plunger but my small travel kettle. 7/11 type shops selling water and other supplies are close by. There was a small fridge.
The swimming pool is mostly in the shade of the hotel—so that’s great if you don’t want to burn.
We ordered room service breakfast a couple of time which was mmm!-okay. This was only because we wanted a later start to the day
We used the hotel as base to explore Merida and it's environs--a fabulously rich, historical Mexican city and area. The main square and many others have wifi and outlets should you need it. The main market is a few blocks walk away where we bought things like fruit and sandals.
The tour prices from the hotel are competitive with others on the street. We used both to visit Uxmal and beyond, and to go to see the flamingos.
Would I stay here if I wasn’t exchanging a time share—I’m not sure as the convenience was great however I did discover other cheaper places nearby. Certainly I was pleasantly surprised as I was not expecting much. Merida is a happening place--so enjoy!

We stayed at El Castellano in October for 4 nights and would recommend to other travelers. The location was outstanding, just 2 blocks from the square, and the staff/service was great. The location is perfect if you want to enjoy the city of Merida. All the weekly cultural evening events are within walking distance of this hotel. The staff was very friendly and informative, rooms were acceptable for the price. Our room price included the breakfast buffet which was 75% Mayan food. We enjoyed our breakfast buffets which was enough food to get us thru the day. Even though they don't have a bar, you can get bar service and food in the lobby area. After a long morning of sight-seeing and walking, we would return to the hotel at 2 or 3 and sit in the lobby area chairs and enjoy a beer and snacks. Then we would go out again for dinner at La Chaya Maya just at corner of street Calle 60 & 57. Dinner for 2 was 280pesos.
They have wi-fi if you have you own computer but they also have a business computer room for travelers use at no charge. Nice amenity.

i traded my interval international timeshare week for this trip. in my opinion, the properties are not consistent. regarding el castellano, the location is great location - 3 blocks to the main square, friendly and accommodating staff, and our rooms were very clean, comfy and in working order. in fact, one of the safe boxes was locked upon our check in arrival and within 5 minutes staff was up to reset it, and that was late at night. the desk happily gave us towels for our excursions, and they assisted with walking directions to local needs and points of interest. i did not use the hotel’s excursion desk so i cannot comment on this service. it seems they are there mon-fri. our first morning in town (sun) we arranged our excursions with a local company. i did not book excursions ahead as i normally do because my dad travelled with us this time. he is a little older, so game time decisions were in order. there is a restaurant at the hotel, which we did not use. there are many good spots in the vicinity, try which ever looks good to you! we thought food and beverages throughout the trip were very inexpensive. the hotel has a small gym, i took a peek - up to date, towels, water. and there is a small cute pool which we used one afternoon. again, clean, no problems. not heated, but it is hot in mexico. a cool pool is refreshing.
in sum, a good experience with el castellano. it seems to be an older property, however friendly, clean, and serviceable. and please remember, merida is a city. an old, colonial city, not a purpose-built tourist trap.
as for the area - walk walk walk. walk around and enjoy the city and its heritage. the sidewalks are narrow, the buildings are lovely, there’s lots photography options, people watching, shopping.....
excursions - please make time for uxmal !!
and chocolate lovers --- ki’xocolatl calle 55 between 60 and 62, el castellano is on 57

If you visit Merida as a tourist El Castellano is located at a great spot, only 2 blocks from the zocalo. But the whole place is a bit dated, the service very basic, and the cleaning is not very good. The price is quit high for what you get. I would suggest or a cheaper hotel and you will get the same, or pay the same at a nicer place.
I stayed at what they call the Junior Suite, just a very large room but there is no furniture in it. The TV is very far away from the bed or chair so watching it is a crime.