We stayed at Casa de los Tesoros and the associated Casa Encantada in Alamos over the New Years weekend 2010. Everything about the stay was great, from the quiant authentic hotel rooms to the breakfasts and dinners. The special dinner for New Year's Eve was outstanding. The service from every one we encountered was excellent, and the setting of these courtyard hotels speaks authentic historic Mexico. This was our third stay over the last many years and we have never been disappointed.

This was my favorite hotel on a trip to Mexico. The rooms were clean and each one was different. Our room was large with a working fireplace, a walk-in closet and a good shower. It is not an American hotel, which is what I liked. The food was very good as was the service. Look for the lady selling embroidered shirts, and linens in front of the hotel.

My wife and I have spent years traveling in Mexico. One thing one must realize when staying in hotels outside of major tourist destinations like Cancun or Cabo San Lucas is that you can not apply the same standards that you find in the US. But that is the whole charm and experience in staying in and visiting places like Alamos.

That is why we loved the Casa De Los Tesoros. The hotel is in a restored 200 plus year old convent and is beautifully decorated and furnished. Yes, there were times when the water pressure wasn't all that great but the ambience more than made up for that. We especially loved not having TVs or phones in our rooms. Although oddly enough the hotel has wireless internet.

A wonderful trio of musicians played each night and the food was excellent. The hotel staff was kind and considerate and the margaritas made by the bartender Jose Luis were out of this world. We also enjoyed chatting in the bar with locals both Americans and Mexicans. We also met the American owner who while a bit eccentric was a wonderful story teller and made us feel at home.

One night we also had dinner at Charisma up the street which is run by the same owners as the Casa De Los Tesoros. The food was excellent and for those of you who know either the Coyote Cafe or Casa Cena in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the food was just as tasty and chique. Which was no surprise because the Chef hales from Santa Fe. Not only was the food great, but the Chef personally chatted with all his dinner quests.

Alamos itself is a colonial gem full of restored mansions and is absolutely beautiful. The Casa De Los Tesoros and Alamos are places where one can find the remnants of elegance of a by gone era. Not perfection but an experience that is unique.

If you are looking for pampering like a Four Seasons, this is not the place. But if you are looking for something totally unique and has old world charm...then this is the place! When you stay at the Tesoros you quickly forget about the busy days in the States and you start imagining about the past and relaxing in a beautifully restored colonial hotel. Its best if you just let things go and breath in the experience. For example, have breakfast on the terrace while overlooking the main courtyard or listen to a trio of musicians at night and drink a wonderful vodka colons or margerita especial from the famous bartender Jose Luis. In fact, Jose Luis has worked there over 30 years! Just remember that manana time in mexico is not a myth...it does exist but it adds to the charm in a funny way. The back area by the pool is quiet and equally pretty and the rooms are quaint with woodburning fireplaces. The sister hotel mansion up the street also looks promising and has a interesting restaurant named Carisma that opens during late Dec and winter season. Having traveled throughout southern spain in remote places like Ubeda, I will definitely come back to Alamos and recommend the Tesoros if you are looking for the things I talk about above and a place that stands out from all the rest. Enjoy...