Mexico ... and a few other places

[amaroo]

With the luggage onboard we made our way to Mérida - the capital of Yucatan. Merida has a population of around 1 million and is definitely worth visiting.

Two time winner of the “American Capital of Culture”
A Guide To Merida, Mexico: 10 Reasons To Visit Now



We stayed at Hotel Hacienda VIP



Our room



Kids room

 

[amaroo]

The hotel is a converted 1820 historic home, it’s small with only 8 rooms and is very well located, walking distance to everything in Merida.

It has that classic unassuming facade / street appeal - but once you open that door - wow.




After sorting the paperwork, we headed out to have a look at Merida...

 

[amaroo]

Merida has a pretty active food scene ... unfortunately, one of the restaurants we wanted to eat was closed. No bother - plenty of great options here.

First off the rank - Oliva Enoteca

 

[amaroo]

Excellent meal, food, service, wine, decor - all top shelf. Recommend putting this one on your Merida list.







Lovely walk back to the hotel... passed the Xmas markets, lots of people enjoying the displays and concert.



Plenty of these doing the rounds

 

[amaroo]

Another full day in Merida - nothing planned other than walking the city taking it all in.

 

[amaroo]

These firecracker traders were everywhere - the locals were gearing up for Xmas.



Like Campeche - it’s a very colourful city.

 

[amaroo]

In this city you never know what’s behind the door...







View attachment 117217

Grand old homes on Paseo de Montejo

 

[carls888]

Yum! Your TRs always make me drool with the food shots. Loving the architecture blending the old and new. Amazing.

 

[amaroo]

Our last night in Merida was a meat feast... one can’t eat beans and corn forever

130 Grados is a meat, scotch, red wine, and gin lovers paradise!



Visual menu...



Awesome meal! One of the best steaks we’ve eaten.

 

[amaroo]

It’s time to leave Yucatan and see what else Mexico has to offer...

Today we’re flying to San Miguel de Allende, via Mexico City and Guanajuato Int airport.



Our flight out of Merida was early, and I was concerned about the arrangement for returning the hire car before 6am on Xmas Eve. Particularly, as EasyWay’s rental office was located in Merida ... not Merida airport. I emailed prior to leaving Oz and was assured not to worry.

Right on time, Jose was waiting for us at 5:45am. Within 5 minutes he inspected the car, processed the paperwork, and was in the drivers seat of our packed car driving us to the airport - how good is that!

Personal transfers included. EasyWay rental are excellent.

BPs in hand we thought we’d try our luck with the BOQ CC provided priority pass.... we get unlimited free access for two, but 4 might be pushing it.

Bingo - no charge for the kids. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing.

Caral VIP lounge, Merida





Our first flight on AeroMexico ... not bad.



Merida from the air



Our first look at Mexico City



Bussed out to board the flight to BJX

 

[amaroo]

We had arranged for the hotel to take care of the transfer to San Miguel de Allende (SMdA) .. a lovely big suburban was waiting for us, and our ever increasing luggage.



Really nice scenic drive - made for a nice change to the flat landscape of Yukatan.






First look at SMdA



Time for a little luxury - Rosewood Hotel

 

[amaroo]

We booked connecting Colonial King and
Colonial Twin. Huge rooms and very well appointed.

View attachment 117401

View to the courtyard

 

[amaroo]

Connecting these rooms makes for a massive suite



Views from the balcony



Nice touch for Christmas Eve

 

[amaroo]

Xmas Eve dinner - Aperi.

This was a delicious meal!

Fixed set menu



The Duck - flavour plus on a plate.... without doubt the best duck I've eaten.



After dinner we took a stroll around SMA and quickly found the main draw card on Xmas Eve.... Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel



Standing room only.

 

[OZDUCK]

I have to admit that the great quality of the hotels and food in your TR has really surprised me. My uniformed views have obviously been tainted by too many coughpy USA TV shows.

 

[craven morehead]

We booked connecting Colonial King and
Colonial Twin. Huge rooms and very well appointed.

View attachment 117391 View attachment 117392 View attachment 117395 View attachment 117396 View attachment 117397 View attachment 117398 View attachment 117399 View attachment 117400 View attachment 117401

View to the courtyard

View attachment 117402

Very nice !! ..... again lol

 

[amaroo]

I have to admit that the great quality of the hotels and food in your TR has really surprised me. My uniformed views have obviously been tainted by too many coughpy USA TV shows.

You're not the only one Plenty of people have a slanted view of Mexico. It's one of those countries....

 

[drron]

In a little less than 3 months we will go to Mexico-but to board a cruise from mazlatan to Vancouver.They offer a 2 day land alternative after about 5 days to take a train into Mexico's grand Canyon.Your report has meant we will now take that option.

 

[amaroo]

In a little less than 3 months we will go to Mexico-but to board a cruise from mazlatan to Vancouver.They offer a 2 day land alternative after about 5 days to take a train into Mexico's grand Canyon.Your report has meant we will now take that option.

Copper Canyon train? We tried very hard to squeeze that in.... it looks absolutely stunning.

 

[amaroo]

Merry Christmas! After a good sleepin we wandered down stairs for Christmas Brunch at the Rosewood hotel 1826 restaurant. One word ... WOW!!