Very nice hotel and good value, but our 2 night stay was spoilt when nearby fireworks woke us at 6am the day of our departure ! Apparently this is a tradition at weekends throughout May and June; the hotel says some locals have complained but there's nothing that can be done. Unfortunately as with a lot of places in Mexico your peace is disturbed by rowdy neighbours who don't give a damn about keeping you awake. So if you're looking for somewhere to have a nice lie-in (in May and June at least), be warned.

Pros:
- Beautiful old building and gardens.
- Friendly service, e.g. letting us dine after 10pm after arriving late.
- Big, comfortable room with balcony.
- Shuttle bus service to the centre every hour.
- Free wifi in restaurant and lobby.
Cons:
- Pool needed cleaning; jacuzzi was just a tub with water in it (again needed a clean).
- Breakfast is just coffee, fruit and roll and muffin; eggs etc cost extra.
- Guests having a gathering not far from our room could be heard until 1am, again another disturbance (in addition to the fireworks that lasted during the evening as well).

This is a delightful old place on a hill above town. The room (a jr. suite) was spacious, with a nice greenbelt view. The staff was pleasant and helpful. The pool was fun for the kids. Basically, its a wonderful place for a relaxing stay. I highly recommend it if your looking for a place away from downtown.

There is a free shuttle that about every half hour or so for the 5 min. ride into town, but you need to take a cab (about $2.50) for the trip back.

On the downside, the place is obviously one of the older "hacienda" style hotels in town. Of course, all the haciendas are old, but this one seems to have been turned into a hotel a while ago. Some furnishings are a little dated, and the room had a slightly musty smell about it. However, I think that based on the price and the amenities, it was a great choice for us.

Note that I would be a little wary about staying here in the winter, as the only heat is from a fireplace that was far from the beds.

This hotel sits atop a hill, away from the center of town. But do not be dismayed, they offer a free shuttle service to the center of town and is available immediately, and its available everyday from 8am-9pm. You can come back by taxi which costs about $2.50. The hotel has lush grounds, that are kept spotless. The hacienda style hotel was very quiet, and so relaxing. The pool temperature is warm and inviting, which includes a jacuzzi. The staff was great and always helpful. Their is a computer and free internet access in the lobby. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy San Miguel in a traditional Hacienda style hotel, then this is the place to stay. I'm definitely returning!

I am now planning my third trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This is a wonderful retreat for artists or for anyone who wants to relax in a clean friendly town. Although the cobble stone streets and slight hills in the town can be a challenge for some, it is very easy to find your way around. The town is a beautiful historic site, and no modern buildings may be built. Many Americans and Canadians have retired to the good life in San Miguel, so English is spoken almost everywhere. I have stayed at the Hotel El Rancho Atascadero, about two miles from the center of town. This hotel is in a scenic setting and very comfortable. The restaurant and bar at the hotel are quite good, as is the service. Internet is available. Check portalsanmiguel before you go, as there are periodic festivals in town. There is a large outdoor market, very good restaurants, a large library and many nice shops.