Visiting the small city of San Miguel de Allende is like taking a journey back to old, colonial Mexico at its most beautiful. This is one of those places where the light makes even more out of the postcard-perfect main plaza, the impressive main church, the cobbled streets and graceful architecture, and makes the place feel quite magical. The best hotels and places to stay in San Miguel de Allende — from the more traditional luxury hotels to a great selection of chic, boutique properties — are all well located near the centre of town, to make the most of this gorgeous city.

In the early history of Spain's conquest of Mexico (then known as New Spain), San Miguel de Allende was a major metropolis, with a population larger than New York in the mid 18th century. It then played a prominent role in Mexico's war of independence in the early 19th century, becoming the first city to gain independence from the Spanish, a launchpad for the revolution.

Thereafter, it somewhat stagnated economically. However, this slowdown has reaped benefits for travellers today in that much of its old colonial architecture was preserved and not destroyed to make way for more modern structures. Consequently, when travel opened up after the second world war, San Miguel de Allende began to attract a bohemian crowd, with an influx of artists and writers from the US and Canada drawn in by its stunning mix of baroque and neoclasical architecture. They opened art galleries and museums and coffee shops, and today the cultural scene here is thriving, with frequent local fiestas and parades. In recent years these have been added to with a string of artisan boutiques and galleries displaying the work of some of Mexico's best artists and craftsmen. It's a great place to shop as well as to sightsee!

In 2008 San Miguel de Allende was granted World Heritage status. Today the city is highly cosmopolitan, and there's plenty of choice when it comes to the hotels here or places to eat, both catering to the backpacker brigade as well as a more discerning Hotel Guru on tour...

Our selection of the best places to stay in and around San Miguel de Allende include a wide range of hotels and haciendas, from luxurious rural hideaways to boutique city hotels, all ideal in their own ways for exploring everything this great city has to offer.

The Best Places to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

For Luxury

• The Hotel Matilda is a luxury hotel where style is key. Prestigious modern art adorns the walls and a plethora of opulent amenities are designed to cater for every whim of comfort-seeking guests. Spa, gym, swimming pool, quality restaurant and library are all on site, with a number of activities available off-site.
• Nearby, the colonial era Rosewood San Miguel de Allende delivers everything you would expect from this top notch chain — including its signature restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine, a full service spa, and a range of self contained residences which are ideal for families (some with their own hot tub and roof top terrace).

For a traditional feel

• Hacienda El Santuario is an atmospheric property in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. Spacious rooms are traditional in style with white washed walls, fireplaces, enormous windows, four-poster beds and luxurious bathrooms. With easy access to the city's main attractions this makes a great base for local exploring.
• Hotel Amparo occupies a 19th-century mansion in the historic centre. Just five elegant suites are built around a traditional interior courtyard and offer a mix of heritage features and local textiles.

For lovers of chic

• L'Otel is a small (but perfectly formed) property whose individually designed suites feature soft hues, antique furniture, luxurious bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows. A rooftop pool and bar are the icing on this appealing cake. Fabulous. 
• For a more modern take from the same owners, check out the uber chic L'Otel @ Doce 18 Concept House, with its cooling shades of white and cream, its in-room massages, a cool bar and a hot tub and sun terrace.
• Unwind completely at Dos Casas Hotel & Spa — a chic boutique hotel boasting impressive city views. Atmospheric rooms feature exposed brick, beamed ceilings, crisp white linen and wonderfully contemporary bathrooms. A spoiling spa and fabulous restaurant make this a winning choice.

For foodies

• With opportunities for guests to participate in cooking classes, Belmond Casa de Sier is a spectacular property set in a 16th-century residence which perfectly combines historic charm and contemporary style. Spacious suites feature chandeliers, ornate antique furniture and fireplaces. A tranquil garden and pool are ideal for unwinding and the restaurant serves exemplary regional cuisine.

For romance

• Centrally located Casa No Name is the former home of fashion photographer Deborah Turbeville, and before that a bishop, and its six rooms are packed with original features. For adults only, it offers a rooftop hot tub and bar — all in all a stylish and elegant bolt-hole infused with local history.
• Another adults only, six room boutique is Nena, packed with art and original features. A plus here is the rooftop pool, and if you want to be self sufficient, choose the Pilar Suite, which comes equipped with a kitchen.
• Not far away is Casa Blanca 7, which boasts four poster beds and free standing baths, for the ultimate romantic getaway. It adds contemporary luxury to a traditional residential building, and has a fine restaurant serving innovative dishes.
• If it's a private hot tub you are after, book the rooftop suite at Casa Delphine, with its fabulous city-view terrace. Or check into the adults only Casa Hoyos and book yourself a master suite. You'll then want to repair to the sexy cocktail bar by the roof pool, before a romantic dinner in one of the nearby eateries. Bliss.

For something different

• 20 minutes out of town is the gorgeous Casa Adela. With great homegrown dishes (with veg from the farm), a mineral rich pool with countryside views, and a healing spa, this hotel provides a great base away from the crowds in tranquil surroundings.

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option this holiday, don't hesitate to visit our online partner, Booking.com for a great selection of properties perfect for exploring everything the city has to offer.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to San Miguel de Allende?

• Fly to Querétaro Intercontinental Airport situated 86km (53 miles) from San Miguel de Allende. The airport serves a good selection of both domestic and International destinations. It is also possible to get a bus from Querétaro to San Miguel de Allende.
• If you want to rent a car, for prices visit our online partner, Rentalcars
• San Miguel de Allende is a year round destination but the best time to visit is probably between November and April when you'll find warm daily temperatures (although it can get cold at night) with less rainfall than other months.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in San Miguel de Allende,
• Alternatively, widen the net and include our recommendations in Mexico City or Valle de Bravo
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in San Miguel de Allende