We stayed here because there was a convention at the MACAY and Olimpo we were attending, so it was within walking distance. In fact, it is within walking distance of TONS of restaurants, shops and attrations, and a short taxi ride to many more. However, we did not get the rate we were promised for staying in the hotel the convention recommended, and when we tried to tell the desk that, the details were lost in translation. The power went off twice (seemed to be related to when the air conditioner turned on) and the shower did not drain and had mold growing on the celing. We did know other people staying in different rooms and they seemed to have no problems. We actually enede up switching hotels after 1 night since the hotel would not change our room. The food and drink in the lobby restaurant is expensive. So plus would be the walking distance, minus would be that you are paying more for the location than the service.

Merida is a very different place. The architecture, people, climate, food were all a suprise and exciting. The hotel, El Castellano was 1 - 3 blocks from all of the Central historic district of Merida. Walk to restaurants, shops, squares, universities, and there are free social activities every single night. The only small, tolerable kink was the nightclub sounds on Sat. night. But, when traveling, you are so tired by the time you go to bed that you sleep. I would recommend this hotel to anyone. Also, the dining room was nice, and the food was good including the house vino tinto.

El castellano is not fancy but it's a very nice place to stay. I was happy with it's location and that my family and I had the blessing to see such a beautiful town. Thank you.