Mérida has many attractive hotels, some with colonial gardens and flowering patios, along with new high-rise hotels that line Paseo de Montejo. These are more likely where you'll want to stay with your family.

Fiesta Americana Mérida

Reservations: 800-343-7821 (U.S.), www.fiestamexico.com

Located on Paseo de Montejo, this five-story, 350-room hotel offers a spectacular glass atrium lobby, pool, health club, and tennis courts, restaurant, and coffee shop.

Hyatt Regency Mérida

Reservations: 800-223-1234 (U.S.), www.hyatt.com

This seventeen-story high-rise just off the Paseo de Montejo has 300 rooms, plus elegant public areas with marble floors, archways, and fountains. It features two restaurants, a bar with live entertainment, a health club, two tennis courts, and a large pool.

Casa del Balam

Reservations: 800-624-8451 (U.S.), www.yucatanadventure.com.mx

This seven-story, fifty-seven room high-rise offers a distinct colonial atmosphere with a tree-filled interior courtyard with a bubbling fountain. Facilities include a small L-shaped pool, a bar, a rooftop sun deck, and a restaurant specializing in Yucatecan cuisine.

Hotel Misión Mérida

Reservations: 800-448-8355 (U.S.), www.hotelesmision.com.mx

Just two blocks off the zócalo, this colonial-style hotel offers spacious rooms with red tile floors and wood wicker furnishings. An interior patio has a large pool and garden, good restaurant, bar, and shops. It's a good family hotel in the center of the action.