I started staying at Luz around eight years ago after reading good reviews about the place. It was owned by an American ex-pat named Madeleine. It was definitely not a 5 star hotel. It was more like staying at the home of an eccentric aunt. The courtyards were a bit overgrown with tropical foliage, the room decor was a mix of antiques, Mexican handicrafts and garage sale finds, and Madeleine's "adopted" cats roamed the place. But the rooms were comfortable, the prices were reasonable and the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming. It was the total antithesis of the big impersonal chain hotels.
The next time I came to Mérida and reserved a room at Luz, I was at first distressed to learn that Madeleine had sold the place, and moved to Uruguay. The new owners were Tom and Donard, an American and an Irishmen who had worked as tour guides. Fortunately, they have maintained all the best qualities of the hotel, and have polished the edges so that it is better than ever. All of the rooms have been renovated, additional rooms have been added, and the jungle in the back courtyard has been tamed and turned into a delightful spot with a small swimming pool. The owners and the rest of the staff are extremely helpful, and provide a level of personal attention that you would never find at a larger hotel.
If you plan to stay here be sure to book a room well ahead of time because it has become an extremely popular place with knowledgeable travelers. Credit cards are not accepted, but there is no reservation deposit, nor is there a penalty if you should need to cancel a reservation.
Sounds charming. I'll have to check it out. The two times I've been in Mérida, I've stayed at the soulless Holiday Inn. But I did have a wonderful experience in the pool one evening at dusk. As I sat in the water, many bats dive-bombed the insects near the surface, and I think some of them were drinking the pool water. It was fascinating and memorable.
ReplyDeleteSaludos,
Kim G
Boston, MA
Where bats are suffering some kind of weird plague.