Much more than you'd expect...
Written: Apr 06 '05 (Updated Apr 06 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Unbelievably pretty hotel. In-house restaurant. Centrally located. Small and charming. Inexpensive.
Cons: Can't think of any, unless it's the enforced valet parking.
The Bottom Line: Absolutely the place to stay in downtown Puebla. Recommended for everyone, from business to budget-conscious.
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| salme's Full Review: Holiday Inn Puebla Centro Historico |
My husband and I visited Puebla in May, 2004. I was introducing him to my extended family; he was interested in meeting them, but also in taking in a few sights. The Holiday Inn Centro Histórico was recommended by my family, and they were right!
Located on the Zócalo (town square) in historic Puebla, Puebla, Mexico, the Holiday Inn Centro is a grand old hotel with a view of the cathedral. Eight floors high, the 100-year-old French style grand dame is unbelievably lovely, not to mention safe. Walk in through the open doors and gate and you find yourself in a foyer more reminiscent of a French villa than a hotel: tiled and richly gilded, rising from the courtyard-style lobby, a second story frames the elegantly appointed room. The second story—ballrooms for meetings and weddings—was off-limits during our stay.
Check-in is behind the grand staircase, and the elevators to the left. Be wary if they offer you an 8th floor room; the elevator will only take you to 7, where you must get off and climb a short staircase to the 8th. This was not difficult for us, even with luggage, but disabled travelers beware.
With enough room…
The hotel was renovated in 2002, according to Holiday Inn's website. They maintained the grand French style of the Zócalo, and updated the 80 guest rooms (3 suites). Guest rooms are large and comfortable, each with its own bathroom, though ours had only a shower stall, and a sink in the vanity area rather than the bathroom proper. The view on the 8th floor was spectacular from our wrap-around window, which spanned the width of the room. We ended up with two queen beds, which we didn't mind as they were able to accommodate our non-smoking request. (Almost half the rooms are non-smoking.) Hotel rooms include kings, doubles, doubles with sofas, or (three) suites.
No matter which room you get, you can’t beat the price—even the Presidential Suite is under US$170 per night right now! Average rooms run about US$70 to US$100 nightly, depending on availability and smoking preference.
The hotel has one elegant (and pricey) restaurant, which we did not eat at. Other amenities:
Outdoor Pool
Kids Eat Free
High-speed Internet Access
On-site Guest Self-serve Laundry (washer/dryer)
Iron/Ironing Board, Coffee Maker, and Hairdryer in the room
Baby-Sitting Services
Dry Cleaning/Laundry Pickup
Foreign Currency Exchange
Ice Machine
Safety Deposit Box available at Front Desk
Room Service
The hotel also boasts a business center, with copier, E-mail and Internet computers, Fax, and Printing. We didn't use the business center, as we were on vacation.
Though we didn't rent a car, parking is available. They advertise exactly 80 spaces, and parking by valet is recommended. Everything you need is right there – from tasty food to bargain shopping. On weekends, the Zócalo fills with vendors and carnival games, and is full of music and families.
Location Location Location
A hotel couldn't be more centrally located. This Holiday Inn is in the center of Puebla, a town built for colonialists passing from Vera Cruz to Mexico City and points west. Our room faced the Zócalo, around which several churches, a cathedral, and lots of restaurants cluster. You can get your shoes polished (a cottage industry at the Zócalo), or eat at the many bistros surrounding the square.
The Zócalo is on the World Heritage List of historic places; a large plaque commemorating the Zócalo’s status is found near the fountain where I played as a child.
El Parián, a favorite outdoor market, is within walking distance (3 blocks or so). Vendors at El Parián sell all manner of knick knacks and souvenirs, from tees to talavera (blue and white pottery), onyx figurines to sweet potato candy.
Around the corner is VIPS, a restaurant chain I have fond memories of as a child. VIPS was bought out by Wal-Mart, and it shows, but the food is still classically Mexican and tasty.
Another benefit to the location is the opportunity to see “real” Mexico – mingling with locals is one of my favorite pastimes; there are so many locals here, you’ll feel like one yourself.
To get there, hop a flight to Mexico City, get on the Estrella Roja bus line (first-class), and take it to Puebla Centro. The hotel is a short taxi ride away, at:
HOLIDAY INN, PUEBLA-CENTRO HISTORICO
2 ORIENTE NO.211, CENTRO HISTORICO
PUEBLA, 72000
MEXICO
Local Phone: 52-222-223-6600
Quintessentially Mexican, the Holiday Inn Centro Histórico will surprise and delight you.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
salme
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Location: University Park, MD
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 5 members
About Me:
Professional editor and freelance writer.
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