Merida Hotels and Accommodation

(Merida, The Andes, Venezuela)

Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, Merida offers a vast choice of lodging options, especially at budget pasada (guest house) level. Of all the hotels in the province, some 35 percent are located in Merida, both in the historic downtown area and on the edges of the city.

Options range from upscale luxury hotels, resorts and spas through boutique and mid-range accommodation, to a good selection of budget lodging, which also caters for the city's student population. Also available are self-catering apartments and studios.

Where to Stay

Casco Central, the historic city centre set along the eastern edge of the valley, is the heart of Merida and is the main commercial and urban area, as well the location of the most sights. Upscale hotels are found here, often converted from imposing colonial buildings.

A huge array of pasadas and hotels can be found in and around the Plaza las Heroinas, making it easy to check out a few before you decide on your preferred lodging. For rented self-catering accommodation, the Las Tapias district is good, while for a fine view, the Pedregosa Alta on the hillside is the place. The expat area is La Valle, which is scenic and cooler than in the city centre.

Set in the outskirts of the city on the Avenida Panamericana, the four-star Hotel la Pedregosa is one of Merida's most prestigious. As well as suites and rooms, there are cabins to rent which have magnificent views of the city and its ring of surrounding mountains.

For a colonial experience, the Hotel El Castillo de San Ignacio has an unforgettable location in a castle with thick walls, medieval rooms and an elegant interior. Further luxury accommodation comes in the form of the El Serrano, with its classy restaurant and fine gardens.

The small, half-Andean inn and half-Swiss chalet Centro Turistico el Encanto resort is all-inclusive, and the centrally located Hotel Chama has warm and elegant rooms, good service and reasonable prices.

For peace, quiet and great views, the Hotel and Spa La Sevillana won't disappoint, with its charming garden and well-equipped small spa, set on the hillside above Merida. The Altamira offers a surprising number of facilities for its comparatively reasonable price, and the Hotel Carabay is a good mid-range centrally located choice.