Nestled high in the hills of Chiapas, Mexico, the charming colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas is a traveler’s delight. With its winding cobblestone streets, vibrant indigenous culture, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s no wonder this mountain town draws visitors from around the globe. But as any seasoned explorer knows, finding quality accommodations on a budget can be a challenge. Fear not, dear wanderers – I’ve scoured San Cristóbal’s nooks and crannies to unearth some true hotel hidden gems to suit any taste and wallet size.
For the Frugal Adventurer:
Cheap AND Cheerful
Let’s start with the shoestring brigade who want to stretch their pesos as far as possible. The good news is that San Cristóbal has plenty of inexpensive hostels and hotels where you can snag a basic room for under 300 pesos per night. No need to settle for grungy digs either – I’m talking clean, comfortable, and well-located budget lodgings.
One of my top picks for cheap sleeps is Hotel Jardín Maya, just a couple blocks from the zocalo (main square). A small, family-run operation with just 16 rooms, it offers singles from 200 pesos and doubles from 270 pesos. The simple, tidy rooms have fans, cable TV, and free WiFi. For pennies more, spring for a room with a balcony overlooking their lush garden courtyard.
Another solid budget option is Hotel Las Casitas, a collection of cozy bungalows with kitchenettes about a mile from the center. Dorm beds start at just 120 pesos while compact private rooms go for 270-400 pesos per night. There’s a sunny terrace, outdoor kitchen, and an array of free extras like drinking water, coffee, and guest computers.
Going Green: Veggie-Friendly Hotels
These days, plant-based eating isn’t just for hippie nomads. As conscious travelers, many of us seek hotels aligned with eco-friendly, ethical values – and San Cristóbal delivers. From casual hostels to upscale inns, the city has various vegetarian and vegan-friendly hotels to suit any budget and taste.
For a fun, social atmosphere, check out Hostel Vanvidaweb Te Toca. This all-vegetarian hostel exudes funky, creative vibes with its colorful murals, community kitchen, and chill common areas. Dorm beds with ensuite bathrooms go for around 200 pesos while private rooms start at 400 pesos per night. Wake up to hearty plant-powered breakfasts and the smell of real fair-trade coffee brewing. It’s easy to meet like-minded veggie vagabonds here eager to swap recipes and travel tales.
On the higher end, experience green eco-luxury at Na Bolom, a breathtakingly restored 18th century mansion turned boutique hotel. In the heart of the historic center, this vegan-friendly gem features 26 antique-filled rooms surrounding a tranquil interior garden courtyard. Nightly rates hover around 1900 pesos ($100 USD) which includes a lavish breakfast spread of local fruits, baked goods, and veggie specialties. Added perks are the gorgeous indigenous art gallery, traditional temazcal sauna, and serene feng shui energy.
Classic Colonial Charm: Budgets from Basic to Indulgent
Of course, for many travelers, location and Old World ambiance trump modern niceties. San Cristóbal is chock-full of atmospheric hotels housed in beautifully preserved colonial buildings. Whether you want to splurge or pinch pennies, you’ll find plenty of character-filled lodgings to suit your style (and budget).
Starting with the bargain basement options, Posada La Carlota is a spartan but super affordable option near Calle Real – the city’s lively “real” (or pedestrian) street. No-frills singles go for around 150 pesos. Pay a tad extra for an exterior room to avoid the dank interior ones. A few blocks away, the conveniently located Hotel San Francisco boasts a lovely Spanish arcadia (interior courtyard) and a rooftop terrace for taking in city views. Standard doubles hover around 450 pesos, with fancier suites going for 800+ pesos.
If you can splurge a little, two of my top picks blend historic bones with modern comforts. Hotel Bo is a meticulously renovated 16th century convent offering doubles from 1200 pesos. Immerse yourself in tranquil cloisters, fountain courtyards, and rustic stone walls while enjoying amenities like flat-screen TVs and spa-quality bath products.
Or, treat yourself to a stay at Casa Mexicana, a lavish six-room retreat in a stunning colonial mansion. Here you’ll pay premium prices (around 2500 pesos per night) but get an equally premium experience. These opulent quarters feature soaring beamed ceilings, antique Mexican furnishings, wood-burning fireplaces, and huge bathrooms with jetted tubs. There’s also an outdoor pool, massage room, and indulgent included breakfast to start your day like royalty.
As you can see, San Cristóbal overflows with one-of-a-kind hotels for every travel style and budget. These are just a few standouts among the city’s riches. So whether you seek bare-bones basics, veggie-fueled hosteling, or an immersive colonial splurge, this magical Mexican mountain town won’t disappoint. Now you just have to get out there and start exploring!