I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Queretaro several times over the past decade or so. I estimate that I have probably spent 30 nights collectively over that time, in a variety of accommodations. Those stays have ranged from two to six nights. Some of these hotels I gladly recommend. Others? Not so much.
Because I’m always on the hunt for great places to stay, we spent some of our wander time in downtown Queretaro, checking out some of the hotels that were recommended to me by my fellow travel bloggers as well as the places where our friends have stayed and loved.
Just within the Historic Center alone, there are hundreds of lodging options to choose from and that can be daunting if you have not been to the city before. As our readers seem to travel the way we do, I’ve focussed my recommendations on hotels and accommodations located in the historic center within easy walking distance of historical points of interest, parks, museums and good dining options. Other requirements include reliable free wi-fi and air-conditioned rooms. With so many dining options to explore, I never plan to order in but having a nice restaurant onsite and room service is certainly a plus.
I’ve whittled down my recommendations to 16 properties that I would gladly stay in and recommend to friends and readers. I’m not going to detail each and every one of them but you can find them all on my Google Map. Luxury properties are marked in purple, mid-range hotels are tagged in blue and the best budget-friendly hotel properties are marked in yellow.
Contents
- Luxury Hotels in Querétaro
- Mid-Range Hotels in Queretaro That You Will Love
- Where to Stay in Queretaro
Luxury Hotels in Querétaro
Casa de La Marquesa: Where to Stay in Queretaro if You Want to Feel Like Royalty
There are some truly beautiful places to stay in Santiago de Queretaro but, La Casa de la Marquesa is in a league by itself. There isn’t a hotel in Querétaro that compares. The building is one of the oldest and most beautiful estates in the city and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The design and construction was entrusted to the great Querétaro master builder Cornelio, an expert in 17th-century Baroque style. The estate was to be the exclusive residence of his wife, the Marquesa.
According to legend, a Spanish Marquis came to Mexico in search of wealth and found it by marrying Doña Paula Josefa Paula Guerrero y Dávila, a wealthy woman and benefactor of the Poor Clare nuns. However, this Marquis had a wandering eye (and very bad judgment) and fell in love with one of the nuns, Sister Marcela. She refused his advances but took advantage of his affection and asked him use his newfound riches to bring water to the city.
The lovestruck Marquis ordered the construction of the city’s iconic aqueduct as well as the building now known as La Casa del La Marquesa. Legend says that the grandeur of the building was inspired by his love for Sister Marcela. But it was his wife who would inhabit this remarkable estate upon its completion in 1758.
The structure is remarkable in every aspect with carved stonework, intricate iron trellises and fantastic Moorish details. Throughout its rich history, the property has hosted notable dignitaries such as Eulalio Gutiérrez, then President of the Republic, Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg, and Emperor Agustín de Iturbide in 1821.
At the end of the 20th century, it was decided that the best way to honor this historic Baroque jewel was to make it one of the most exclusive hotels in the country, worthy of Mexicans and international tourists alike. And so, in 1995, La Casa de La Marquesa was inaugurated as Queretaro’s premier luxury hotel.
This magnificent property has been carefully restored, down to the original parquet wooden floors, paintings and frescos on its walls. The 13 elegant suites, each uniquely decorated with design elements and objects from around the world, create a relaxing and exclusive atmosphere for discerning guests.
As you can imagine, luxury comes at a cost. You can expect to pay 5000 pesos and upwards per night for this magnificent 5-star hotel. The good news is, rates for this luxurious hotel are pretty good in comparison to comparable accommodations worldwide. If you want to really treat yourself, this is the hotel we recommend.
Madero No. 41
Centro Histórico Santiago de Querétaro
México, 76000
What to Know Before You Go: This is an adults-only hotel. Like many of the hotels in historic buildings, the rooms on the upper floors are accessible only by stairs. Not all of the rooms feature air conditioning. Parking is not offered.
La Casa de la Marquesa: Find the Best Rates for Your Dates
Tá Hotel de Diseño
Are you looking for an elegant, adults-only boutique hotel in the Historic Center of Queretaro but don’t want to break the bank? Are you looking for luxury with a more contemporary flair and modern amenities? Tá Hotel de Diseño may be just the place for a romantic city getaway.
There is air conditioning in all the rooms, a lovely plunge pool and peaceful common spaces such as a private art gallery that features the work of national and international artists. The hotel’s Instagram account sets the scene better than I can.
We found Tá Hotel de Diseño while we were looking for the Fountain of Neptune and exploring the Jardin Guerrero. The hotel is in a quiet area near the Museo de la Ciudad, the Calendar Museum and the city’s art museum, among others. For an easy point of reference the main square, Plaza de Armas, is just a few minutes away walking so this is a great location.
16 de Septiembre No. 40 Poniente
Centro Histórico Santiago de Querétaro,
México, 76000
Tá Hotel de Diseño: Find the Best Rates for Your Dates
Casa Once
We must have walked by Casa Once three times before we finally had a chance to pop in and check out the property. It’s just around the corner from one of our favorite bars, Alquimia, in one of best locations in Centro.
The bright pink, perfectly restored exterior really called to me but I was sold once we stepped inside. The hotel is characterized by its beautiful colonial architecture blended with contemporary design elements.
The property is impeccably maintained. All of the rooms are air-conditioned. There is even an outdoor swimming pool. The staff could not be more welcoming. It is clear they are proud to work there.
Casa Once is family-friendly but don’t let that sway your choice just yet. It’s lovely that they welcome families but this boutique hotel is built for a romantic holiday. The rooms are elegant with thoughtful design choices that blend traditional colonial architecture with chic, modern elements and furnishings. You will love the location and the facilities.
What To Know Before You Go: Hotel Casa Once is family-friendly but probably better suited to couples or families with older children. There is no parking but transportation from the airport is offered. There is no restaurant onsite.
Calle Doctor Leopoldo Río de la Loza Norte No. 11
Centro Histórico Santiago de Querétaro,
México, 76000
Casa Once: Find the Best Rates for Your Dates
Hotel Criol
Hotel Criol was recommended to us by some friends who came through the region last year, to explore the Wine and Cheese route. They had not visited Queretaro in about a decade and were delighted to find a sharp modern hotel option with a high level of amenities and services in the Historic Center of the city.
For reference, they love Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende and Hotel Criol felt similar to them. I think that’s generous but the architectural stylings of the hotel, the choice of artwork and the library certainly let you know you are in a place where someone is paying attention.
Hotel Criol is located just across the street from Casa Once and about two and a half blocks from Plaza la Armas. It’s a great central location but on a quiet street. The hotel offers breakfast to its guests but we recommend walking a few blocks to our favorite morning spot, El Breton. Criol offers a nice brunch on the weekends which is open to the public.
What to Know Before You Go: Hotel Criol is a family-friendly hotel but better suited to couples or those traveling with older children. There is no elevator in the building but the property does have rooms that are wheelchair accessible. There is no parking onside but valet parking is offered for a charge.
Calle Doctor Leopoldo Río de la Loza Norte No. 6
Centro Histórico Santiago de Querétaro
México, 76000
Hotel Criol: Find the Best Rates for Your Dates
Mid-Range Hotels in Queretaro That You Will Love
Here are some moderately priced hotels where you get a lot of bang for your buck. They are all well-located, 4-star hotels with similar amenities. Expect to pay between 1500 to 2200 pesos per night, perfect for a stay of 3 to 5 nights.
El Meson de Santa Rosa
El Meson de Santa Rosa is probably my top pick overall for hotels in Queretaro. For me, it ticks a lot of the boxes on my list of criteria for a great hotel. It is housed in a magnificent 300-year-old property with beautiful architecture and details.
It is in a perfect location just off of Plaza de Armas which means everything you want to see and do is within a few minutes’ walk. The hotel itself is just gorgeous. Travel sites list this property as a 4-star hotel but that reflects only the cost. The atmosphere, the amenities, the attention to detail and the level of service are all 5-star!
There are so many things I love about this property. The blend of colonial architecture and modern art and furnishings has been done seamlessly. The rooms are spacious and airy with all the modern conveniences. The beds are very comfortable and dressed with high-quality linens.
There is an elegant bar and the onsite restaurant, Orange, is bright and beautiful. It’s one of my favorite places to come for breakfast, even when I am not staying there. The hotel has a lovely garden area with a good-sized outdoor pool. There is a library that can double as a small conference space, a private dining room or an intimate reception area.
With good reason, this is one of the more popular hotels in the city center and rates do go up in their peak seasons. During the remainder of the year, I find their room prices very reasonable for the location, level of service and the quality of the amenities. If La Casa del la Marquesa is fully booked or stresses your budget, El Meson de Santa Rosa is the perfect place to stay.
What to Know Before You Go: El Meson de Santa Rosa is a family-friendly property. There is no parking onsite but valet parking is offered to a secure lot nearby at an additional charge. There is no elevator in the building.
Luis Pasteur Sur No. 17
Centro Histórico Santiago de Querétaro
México, 76000
El Meson de Santa Rosa: Get the Best Rates for Your Dates
Casa Aspeytia
El Antiguo Mesón de Aspeytia is a sentimental favorite of mine and although it fails to meet one of the criteria I have set for this list of recommended hotels, I’m including it anyway. This historic property was recommended to me years ago by a fellow horse mom who had been staying there for years with her family. Since then, I have stayed in Casa Aspeytia twice, both times on riding trips with the kids and their trainers.
The property is absolutely charming and feels much more expensive than it is. The hotel rooms have floor-to-ceiling French windows that open out to the street and welcome in the sun. It is located on a quiet street in a great location just a few minutes’ walk from the main plaza
Both of my stays in this hotel were at the end of November and early December when the days are warm but the nights can be quite chilly. There is no air-conditioning and we did not need it but we did enjoy the soft down comforters. The charm of the hotel, coupled with a quiet location and one of the best rooftop restaurants in the city, puts it firmly near the top of my list.
The onsite restaurant, Grupa, is one of our favorites. Even if you are staying in another hotel, be sure to stop by for sunset drinks and a romantic dinner overlooking the city! The hotel also has a wine bar and great live music.
What to Know Before You Go: Casa Aspeytia is a family-friendly property. There are rooms on the ground floor but most of the rooms as well as the restaurant and wine bar are only accessible by stairs. There is no air conditioning in any of the rooms at Casa Aspeytia (yet). This should only be a consideration in the hot summer months. There is no parking onsite but they have an arrangement with a lot nearby for their guests. I believe they offer valet parking as well.
Luis Pasteur Sur No. 11
Centro Histórico Santiago de Querétaro
México, 76000
Casa Aspeytia: Get the Best Rates for Your Dates
La Casa del Atrio
We found this little gem on our way to dinner at Tikua and we´re glad we did. La Casa del Atrio is a charming boutique hotel, located just across from the Templo de San Augustin in Queretaro’s Historic Centre. The property is absolutely gorgeous inside with cozy seating areas set in the interior courtyard spaces. There is no restaurant onsite but breakfast is served to guests in these quiet garden nooks.
There are a variety of room offerings, all with views into the courtyard. The rooms have a wonderful blend of colonial and contemporary elements. Each room is unique with thoughtfully chosen artwork and furnishings. The property welcomes families and there are room available on the ground floor for guests with mobility impairments.
There is a spa/wellness center on the property. The reception desk is open 24/7 and offers concierge services. Free parking is available. If you are looking for a property with 4-star accommodations at 2-star prices, take a close look at La Casa del Atrio.
Calle Ignacio Allende Sur No. 15
Centro Histórico Santiago de Querétaro
México, 76000
Casa Atrio: Find the Best Rates for Your Dates
Other budget-friendly hotels in Queretaro that we recommend include:
Casa Altamira
El Serafin
Hotel Boutique Casa Loreta
El Gran Hotel de Queretaro
La Casa del Naranjo (Adults Only)
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Queretaro
There are plenty of options for cheap hotels in the centre of Querétaro. You can find accommodations for under 500 pesos a night. But that’s not how we travel and not what our readers are looking for. Here are 5 3-star hotels we would be happy to stay in. You can stay at any one of these small boutique hotels for 1200 pesos per night or less!
The Andy
If you are looking for an affordable, contemporary-design hotel in a very good location with great amenities, you really can´t beat The Andy. We came upon this awesome hotel by accident and were blown away.
This is definitely a case of not judging the book by its cover. The exterior of the hotel is pristinely restored in keeping with the colonial style of the Historic Center. Inside is a whole other thing! Walk inside and you will find a fantastic homage to the art of Andy Warhol. The design elements, the art…everything harkens back to the Pop Art movement of the 1960´s.
The rooms are spacious and ultra modern with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. The hotel welcomes families and there is a small pool to keep them happy. This hotel is one of the few properties in the city centre that has elevator access to the upper-level floors.
If you are looking for a unique place, a 4-star accommodation at 2-star prices, The Andy is the place to go. With rates starting under 1000 pesos per night, we think this is one of the best hotel deals in the city.
Calle Próspero C Vega No. 38
Centro Histórico Santiago de Querétaro,
México, 76000
The Andy: Find the Best Rates for Your Dates
Other budget-friendly hotels in Queretaro that we recommend include:
MO17 Hotel Boutique
Morazul Hotel Boutique
Hotel Markee
Certain amenities are at a premium in Queretaro’s Historic Centre. Pools and parking are two hotel features that many of our readers look for during their vacation stays. It’s easy to find hotels with pools and parking at the larger resort properties and business-class hotels outside of the city. In the desirable Historic Centro, both features are much harder to find and will limit the accommodations you should consider. I’m providing these shortlists for your convenience.
Hotels with Pools
If you are traveling to Queretaro, depending on the time of year, you may find a pool quite refreshing. We certainly would have used one during our last trip to the city. If you are traveling with kids during the summer school break, the promise of a swim may just get them through all the cathedrals and museums you want to visit.
The following hotels all feature an outdoor pool albeit, most of them are quite small. I would recommend that you confirm with the hotel that the pool will be open during your dates of stay to avoid disappointment. Here is a quick list of the best options for hotels with pools in the historic center of Queretaro City.
El Meson de Santa Rosa (Family Friendly)
Casa Loreta (Family Friendly)
Hotel Criol (Family Friendly)
The Andy (Family Friendly)
Tá Hotel de Diseño (Adults Only)
Casa Once (Family Friendly, for Children Ages 3+)
Hotels with Parking
Most of our readers are going to be visiting Santiago de Queretaro for a few days and will not have a vehicle. However, If you are traveling around the Bajio with a car, parking in the city (not just this city) can be an issue. You can drive around for hours without finding a place to park on the streets in the Centro Historico. There are plenty of public lots scattered throughout the city’s historic centre. Look for signs with the big red E for estacionamiento.
Depending on the length of your stay, free parking may be preferable. When searching for hotels with parking we found that many places listed parking as an amenity when, in fact, it might only be available somewhere in a public lot. Or not.
Based on the hotels we can recommend, the following provide parking for their guests, either onsite or in a secure lot with valet service. In the latter case, expect to pay 200-250 pesos per day. I strongly suggest you confirm the availability of parking directly with the hotel before you reserve to avoid any surprises.
El Meson de Santa Rosa (Valet Parking, 250 MXN per day)
La Casa del Atrio (Free Parking Nearby)
Casa Altamira (Free Private Parking Onsite)
Casa Aspeytia (Valet Marking, 195 MXN per day)
Where to Stay in Queretaro
At this point, I’ve got a pretty good idea of what Queretaro has to offer for accommodations, particularly within the Centro Historico. All of the hotels we have stayed in and recommend are located within this general area. Chances are you will encounter most of them as you make your way to the various points of interest in the city.
But, Santiago de Queretaro is a large city. There are other neighborhoods in the surrounding areas you might consider, especially if you are planning an extended stay. If we ever return to spend a month or more in Queretaro, we might look into other neighborhoods like El Campanario, Jurica, Juriquilla or Balvanera. That will be a whole other article.
