We have checked out a number of hotels that are somewhat close together and near the primary venue for the Institute. We will add to this list as we find more suitable hotels. We will also be looking into asking hotels to make a block of rooms available for a reduced, group rate. So, we will get back to you on that.
The rates we have cited were in effect in March 2009. They will likely be different by the time we are there. In every case where we have quoted a daily rate, either in pesos or US dollars, you will need to ask if the hotel will provide a monthly rate.
The currency rates change frequently so double check value at one of several currency conversion sites. I use XE Universal Currency Converter – http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Per XE, today’s rate (10-18-09): $1000 pesos equals $76.32 US
1) Hotel Maela (three stars), Constitución 206. Good location, near the Santo Domingo Cultural Center. This little hotel has cable TV and phone, but we are not sure it has Internet. This hotel has a website: www.mexonline.com/maela.htm); somewhat recently rates were about $500 pesos for a single room and $650 pesos for a double. TEL. 01 (951) 516-6022;
2) Casa de los Frailes (four stars), Constitución 203 (casadelosfrailes@yahoo.com.mx; website: www.casadelosfrailes.com); the website has very detailed information; reservation inquiries need to specify how many people, what kinds of beds preferred (matrimonial or king; one or two matrimonial beds), interior or exterior room, smoking or not, air conditioning or not, ground floor or not; prices are higher here, perhaps $70-90 US per night; TEL. 01 (951) 514-1151;
3) La Casa de los Abuelos at 410 Reforma; this a humble, clean place with considerable charm. Mainly provides suites though there is one single room with private bath. Rates (3/2009): Suites – $1000 (US) per month includes with kitchenette and dining area; daily rates are $65 USD/day (or $45 UDS/day, for the single room); the owner, Rosa, has a bank account in the US where she asks that deposits be made to hold a room; she’d like reservations two months in advance; she has a website: www.lacasa-de-rosita.com. and email: lacasadelosabuelos@hotmaill.com. Tel. 01 (951) 516-1982 OR 01 (951) 514-9815.
4) Hotel Principal on 5 de Mayo #208. The street has more noise than Constitución, but it is well located for accessing the center and the convent of San Pablo. It is very economical, asking $475 pesos per night for a double and $295 for a single, taxes included. For more information: hotelprincipal@gmail.com. Stephanie found it was too dingy for her taste.
5) Real de Antequera, on Av. Hidalgo #807, very near the zocalo (the main plaza where you will find lots of people and activity): a single was recently going for $498 pesos and, for a double, $628 pesos. This hotel might offer a 10% discount on a month’s stay. One would have to write and request, and also write to reserve at least a month in advance. Email: hra5109@prodigy.net.mx - Web: hotelrealdeantequera@yahoo.com.mx. Stephanie describes it as being on a somewhat noisy street, but it might get quiet at night. She also wonders whether an interior room might mean less noise. It is not very economical, considering the potential for noise.
6) Casa Antigua, on 5 de Mayo #206, has a very clean and nice appearance. It describes itself as “a small hotel of luxury.” The street has a little more noise than Constitucíon, but might be okay. This is more expensive than many – a standard room for two people is $850 pesos per night (tax included). A junior suite with two double beds would be $1050. This hotel offers a deal where you can pay for three weeks and get the fourth week free.
