EL PALACITO SECRETO LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA, Merida

El Palacito Secreto Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa occupies a 19th-century French mansion with authentic antique furnishings throughout its eight luxurious suites. The property offers a magnificently designed 12-meter outdoor swimming pool, a landscaped garden, and a large terrace surrounded by columns and arches. Guests also have access to a self-service drinks fridge, 24-hour coffee and tea, and afternoon cake service in the shared lounge area.

Each of the eight colonial-style suites features a private balcony overlooking the pool and is decorated with authentic antique furnishings. All rooms include air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a safe, a work desk, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries, with private bathrooms and pool views. Room names such as Alicia, Natalia, Marie Antoinette, and Isabella reflect the unique character of each suite.

A free cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily beside the pool, offering fresh fruit, pancakes, and a choice of hot entrées. The hotel bar serves wine, champagne, and cocktails including margaritas, with a welcome cocktail offered to each guest upon arrival. Bottomless coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day, accompanied by cake in the afternoon.

The full-service spa provides a variety of massages including back, foot, full body, hand, head, and neck treatments, plus body treatments and spa facilities. The hotel has two outdoor pools, both open year-round, with shallow ends and sun loungers for relaxation. Pool and beach towels are provided, and a masseuse can be summoned within the hour for in-room sessions.

Set in the historic center, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Paseo de Montejo and Merida's Cathedral, and 1 km from Main Square. Nearby attractions include the Cacao Chocolate Museum and Jose Peon Contreras Theater, with the International Congress Center Yucatan 1.5 km away. The hotel offers private event hosting for up to 40 persons, concierge service, express check-in/check-out, and a tour desk.

Architecture: 19th-century French mansion with antique furnishings

Suites: 8 colonial-style rooms with private balconies

Pool: 12-meter outdoor pool with two shallow-end pools

Breakfast: Free cooked-to-order breakfast beside the pool

Spa: Full-service spa with massages and body treatments

Events: Private hosting for up to 40 guests

Ideal for: Couples and groups celebrating special occasions