Mexico Boutique Hotels

It takes a certain je ne sais quoi to restore a historic building and transform it into a vibrant, modern space that doesn´t jar the senses. The architect owners of La Casona de la República certainly have it and they´ve done a marvelous job breathing new life into this late-19th century building. Taking cues from bits and pieces of the past and incorporating modern sensibilities, they´ve created a unique hotel that pleases all your senses.

You´re welcomed at a magnificent wrought iron gate, which opens onto a courtyard ringed with fragrant orange trees; in the center, a sleek granite fountain bubbles up from the ground. White umbrellas top small tables, inviting guests for an afternoon coffee. Beautiful glass doors open onto the patio, with sensuously etched forms that echo the best of the Art Nouveau movement. A glass walkway bridges an ancient acequia, or channel, that once brought running water into the home; a metal staircase spirals up towards the rooftop; and the niches of an old dovecote serve as exhibition spaces behind a bar. It´s this superb combination of design periods that makes the hotel such a treat.

Behind closed doors, guests are treated to exquisitely decorated rooms that reflect the eclectic tastes of the owners—each one is different and each is named after an important moment in history. Hand-carved furniture, modern finishes and restored antiques work together with flat screen TVs and WiFiÉ Each one is a welcoming haven, made even more so by the wonderfully plush bedding—always white—that graces each gorgeous bed (with, yes, a pillow menu). Bathrooms are contemporary in style but classic in comfort, with an ample supply of pristine, fluffy towels, scrumptious bathrobes and yummy amenities. Even the standard rooms are anything but: they are just as gracefully decorated as their more expensive counterparts, and guests will not feel they´re missing out on a single detail.

The city´s great weather begs to be enjoyed to the fullest, and La Casona has gladly obliged by creating a wonderful rooftop area with groupings of sofas and chairs and views of the city and the adjacent church domes, presided over by La Conspiración bar, tucked inside what was once a tiny room for prayer. The Spa Luna Azul is also on the rooftop: compact but complete, tired guests can pick from a list of rejuvenating massages. Hungry? The menus at La Conjura and El Encuentro lean heavily on tasty, hearty Basque fare, with a definitive dash of Mexican dishes. The appetizers are very generous and oh so deliciousÉ

Much like the city of Querétaro itself, La Casona de la República represents an invitation to savor the best of the past and the present. How can anyone resist?

Consider This ...
Querétaro is one of the “cradles” of Mexican Independence and the capital of the state with the same name. It´s also a wonderfully starting point for exploration to neighboring colonial cities such as San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato. There are first class buses (reclining seats, on board lavatories, in-bus movies) that can take you there and back. Check our destination pages for more details and where to stay!

You´ll Especially Love
La Casona is in the very heart of the Historic District—everything´s within easy walking distance! Art museums, galleries, churches, monasteries and beautifully restored buildings are all nearby, as are the lovely andadores: long pedestrian walkways lined with boutique shops, tiny restaurants and colorful stands selling everything from silver earrings to hand-embroidered clothing.

You May Want To Know
The rooftop terrace can only be reached by a spiral staircase, which may be difficult to navigate for some guests. However, the central patio with its fresh orange-scented air and bubbling fountain is a wonderful alternative for an al fresco evening!

What´s Fabulous Here
The entire hotel is a gallery! Everywhere you look you´ll find a lovely piece of artwork and each piece was created by Querétaro´s local artists. The coolest thing is you can actually buy anything that strikes your fancy. More than just paintings, the hotel is filled with statues, carvings, screensÉ In one room, they commissioned the painting of a vault above the bed with the colors of Querétaro´s sunset. That one is a little hard to take home, but unforgettable nonetheless.

Who It Would Appeal To
C-suite executives (the in-room WiFi connectivity is spotless) looking to experience the city while still being accessible for meetings; lovers of art and history and architecture buffs.