I recently visited Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan in Mexico, to participate in the LGBT Confex, Mexico’s largest LGBT business and tourism expo. The host hotel was the brand-new Hampton Inn by Hilton, which opened in August 2015 near the Centro XXI convention center. Here’s a review of my experience.
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MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS: Mexico City Travel: 7 Cool Things To Do in the Condesa District
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THE STYLE: The Hampton Inn brand, in generally, is known for its fresh style and range of included amenities. In Latin America, the Hampton brand tends to include even more features than its hotels in the United States. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors at the lobby entrance create a modern effect, as does the contemporary decor and lighting fixtures throughout the property. Click here or below to see a rebroadcast of my live, unedited Periscope tour of the lobby area — and follow me on Periscope (@MunderaMedia) for more of my live, unscripted and unedited travel videos, reviews and interviews.
GUEST ROOMS: I stayed in room 305, which has fresh, bright decor, including colorful, abstract artwork. There was a comfortable queen-size bed, a love seat and large work desk. Amenities include a safe deposit box, mini fridge, iron and ironing board, coffee maker and mini refrigerator (empty, which is more practical since you can fill it with what you want, rather than get charged for expensive minibar items). The hotel leaves one free bottle of water per day in the room as well. The bathroom had a large walk-in shower and bath amenities by Neutrogena.
Free Wifi (in the guest rooms and in public areas), as well as a large, free breakfast buffet (with hot and cold food) is included with all room rates, which is a nice plus.
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HOTEL FEATURES: The Hampton Inn by Hilton Merida has enough features to keep most travelers satisfied without leaving the property, at least for short stays. A 24-hour convenience counter, next to the reception desk, allows guests to buy snacks and drinks, while the adjacent bar and lounge is a comfortable place to relax and watch the giant TV screen. There is also a small gym as well as a spa treatment room.
The hotel is especially convenient for anyone attending events at the Siglo XXI convention center, which is just across the street — and business travelers can also make use of 3,000 square feet of meeting and event space at the hotel.
The hotel also offers a free shuttle service for any location within a seven-kilometer radius.
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BEST FOR: The Hampton Inn by Hilton Merida is a good fit for business travelers looking for value, amenities and proximity to the convention center, as well as leisure travelers looking for a familiar name with good prices and an array of free amenities; the property is less than five miles from the center of Merida, and just 18 miles to the beach at Progreso, making it a potentially good midway point for travelers.
ROOM RATES: About $60 and up.
MORE INFO: http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/yucutan/hampton-inn-by-hilton-merida-MIDHXHX/index.html