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.
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San Miguel de Allende (Downtown)
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 for a tranquil and easy base.
San Miguel de Allende
This boutique hotel is located in a heritage building in downtown San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Rooms boast original tiled floors, high ceilings and unique artworks; book the Pilar Suite for a walk-in wardrobe and fully-equipped kitchen. Unwind with a drink by the rooftop pool; a chic bolt-hole.
San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel de Allende)
An uber stylish adult-only boutique hotel set in a grand 18th century house. Set around a courtyard, rooms are decorated in dusky pinks with black-tiled floors and bespoke furniture. The Master Suites have large whirlpool tubs. The rooftop with a pool and hip cocktail bar steals the show.
San Miguel de Allende (No. 51 San Miguel de Allende)
A luxurious rural property located just north of San Miguel de Allende. Comprising of just seven rooms the aesthetic is fresh, contemporary and spacious. Think floor to ceiling glass, whitewashed walls and modern artworks. Large pool, indulgent spa and excellent restaurant make this a relaxing stay.
San Miguel de Allende (Colonia Centro)
This boutique hotel concept is nestled on a cobblestone street in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. The elegant guestrooms feature Cantera fireplaces and a balcony that overlooks the hotel's private courtyard; book the rooftop suite for a terrace hot tub with panoramic views. A stylish bolt-hole.
San Miguel de Allende
A spectacular property set in a 16th-century residence perfectly combining historic charm and contemporary style. Spacious suites feature chandeliers, ornate antique furniture and fireplaces. A tranquil garden and pool are ideal for unwinding by and the restaurant serves exemplary regional cuisine.
San Miguel de Allende (Centro Historico)
This luxury hotel is located in the historic centre of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Elegant guestrooms feature preserved heritage detail, antique furniture and period artwork; book the master suite for a private terrace and fireplace. Unwind by the hot tub at the rooftop bar; a stylish bolt-hole.
San Miguel de Allende (53 Centro)
Luxury chic 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 all on site, with a number of activities available off-site.
San Miguel de Allende (Col. Centro)
This luxury hotel occupies a 19th-century mansion in the historic centre of San Miguel de Allende. Elegant suites line an interior courtyard and feature a blend of heritage features, modern design and local textiles; book the Amparo Suite for a freestanding bath. Unwind at the bar; a refined hotel.
San Miguel de Allende ( Centro San Miguel de Allende)
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 makes this a winning choice.
San Miguel de Allende
A grand residential house dating back to the 17th century turned into an elegant small hotel. Rooms & suites keep the building's original features but have contemporary luxuries such as feature gas fireplaces. The courtyard restaurant serves very good innovative fare. Characterful & well-positioned.
San Miguel de Allende (Colonia Centro)
A small (but perfectly formed) property centrally located in picturesque San Miguel de Allende. 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.
San Miguel de Allende
Sophisticated luxury in the centre of San Miguel de Allende. Rooms have colonial-era interiors and heritage features, from high ceilings and exposed wooden beams to private balconies; book a private residence for a luxurious, self-contained apartment. Dine at the rooftop tapas bar; a chic hotel.
San Miguel de Allende
A boutique stay in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. Housing a Concept Area displaying everything local from ceramics to tequilas. Boasting a superb cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant. While the collection of spacious rooms are undeniably stylish and the rooftop pool is an indulgent touch.