The gardens and artwork make this a delightful retreat. It is extremely clean and well-kept. There is a discount for multiple nights, a deposit is required with the reservation, and the balance due upon arrival (cash only). Very helpful staff who respect the privacy of the guests.

We recently stayed at La Mariquinta and from the reviews we expected great hospitality. Unfortunately the owner did not receive us and his staff was not very helpful or welcoming. Although the room was comfortable, except for a full-size bed that was small for both of us, the parking is very complicated and a hassle. The hotel itself is in the middle of the city, so a great location if it weren't for the bad smog and the real difficulty with luggage and parking.

Xalapa is a bustling medium-sized university town in Veracruz state which is well worth a visit, especially if you are traveling from Mexico City or Puebla (another very worthwhile destination!) toward Veracruz City and the gulf coast. The Posada La Mariquinta is a superbly well run and reasonably priced (about $65 US for a small suite) place to stay on a quiet street a few blocks from the center of town. The suite we stayed in was in the modern section, but the older part apparently goes back to the 1600's. (Didn't see the rooms there, but the library common room and garden are gorgeous.) The owner speaks fluent English and French (his native language). The modern section is the opposite of gaudy; rather, it's designed and perfectly maintained in an intelligent 1960'-70's style of functional, simple elegance--think Mexican Bauhaus. The combination of old and new is perhaps characteristic of this city.
If you stop in Xalapa leave time for a day trip to Xico, where the best, most subtle mole sauce can be found, and for a remarkable inexpensive meal at La Sopa near the Posada.

My daughter, son-in-law, a family friend, and I recently spent 4 nights at La Mariquinta in October 2007. This was my fifth visit to Xalapa but my first time staying at La Mariquinata. I chose it this time because we would be celebrating my daughter's birthday and my daughter and son-in-law's wedding anniversary during our stay and I wanted the owner, Jean Luc's, help with the details of that celebration. He could not have been more accomodating. From recommending restaurants and making reservations, to ordering flowers and a delicious cake from a French Bakery in Xalapa, every detail was attended to with perfection. As for the hotel itself, the rooms and accomodations were everything that the hotel's web page advertises and more. Jean Luc also was helpful in recommending numerous other restaurants and outings during our stay. I would highly recommend La Mariquinta to anyone who wants to be treated as a guest rather than a customer. I plan to stay there again soon myself.