35 Best Hotels in San Miguel de Allende and the Heartland, Mexico

With excellent views of Guanajuato, suites at this renovated 19th-century property, a Mexico Boutique Hotel member, are handsomely decorated with period European or Mexican furnishings. It's an utterly relaxing place, with a pretty restaurant and newly renovated bar specializing in artisanal mezcals. Take a stroll along Paseo de la Presa to admire the early-20th-century homes built by mining execs imported from Europe. Walk into town (take a cab back, it's uphill), to the de la Olla Dam, or just stretch your legs in the newly renovated Florencio Antillón park, almost across the street from the hotel.

This is one of the world's more curious hotels: it's built around Mexico's first plaza de toros (bullring), which is the second-oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Pastel fabrics complement dark, traditional furniture in the large, bright, and plush rooms. Some of the former bull pens are part of the bar, which is a great place to unwind; candles supply the lighting, and there are cozy corners. Two levels of the spectator area make up an outdoor café. The formal restaurant ($$$) offers Mexican and international cuisine and, from the upper level, an awesome view of the bullring and the aqueduct beyond.

This luxurious, three-story palace of graceful limestone arches and beautiful, locally crafted furnishings opened in 2011 and is especially popular with wedding parties. The vast majority (80%) of the clientele is Mexican, though the rooftop bar draws an international mix. Luxurious rooms and suites have fireplaces, ample bathtubs, and sumptuous beds and bedding. Tasteful furnishings include wool rugs from Guadalajara, velveteen couches, and plump leather armchairs. Amenities include a large gym and full-service—albeit pricey—spa; a beautiful pool area with cabanas and exquisite landscaping; and a kids' club.

French count Philippe de Reiset fitted this villa with all the trappings of an informal Mexican estate. High above Morelia in the Santa María hills, its five impeccably groomed acres are studded with stone sculptures, although the rooms themselves are less impressive. Each unit has at least one piece of antique furniture, and most have a fireplace and private patio, but the furnishings are rather clunky and plain. The hotel's restaurant serves North American, French, and Mexican cuisine (but these don't get rave reviews); from its huge windows you'll have a marvelous view of Morelia, especially at night.

Guests of this attractive B&B mingle at the large dining table or settle onto the couch or comfy chairs in front of the living-room fire. Each suite or apartment has a fireplace, too, along with mattress warmer, down (or simulated down, for allergic types) comforter, and individual water heater—all for maximum warmth and comfort. Some have a bathtub. The elegant suites combine these modern amenities with traditional elements such high, wood-beamed ceilings, red tile floors, copper sinks from Santa Clara del Cobre, and wrought-iron bedsteads.