Luxury Extended Stay: Siglo XXI Suites, Mérida, Mexico - Unforgettable Escape!
Luxury Extended Stay: Siglo XXI Suites, Mérida - My Brain Dump on an Unforgettable Escape! (SEO'd & Seriously Real)
Okay, folks, let's talk Luxury Extended Stay: Siglo XXI Suites in Mérida, Mexico. Forget the glossy brochures, I'm here to give you the real deal. This isn't just a hotel review, it's my brain, after a week of margaritas, sunshine, and trying (and failing) to learn some basic Spanish. Buckle up, buttercups!
First Impressions & Accessibility (the good, the potentially not-so-good)
Right off the bat, wow. Mérida. It's… vibrant. Think colonial charm meets modern Mexico. Siglo XXI Suites? Seems to fit the bill. The website promised an "unforgettable escape," and I’m all in. Accessibility is kinda important to me (I'm clumsy, sometimes I have a dodgy knee, and you never know what life's gonna throw at ya). The website hints at facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. I’d love to say I tested every single detail, but… well, I didn’t. I did see an elevator, which is a HUGE win, especially if you snag a room on a higher floor. Overall, the initial feel was positive, though always confirm specific accessibility needs before you book. Let’s be real, no hotel is perfect, even if they claim it is.
Getting Connected (Because, You Know, Internet is Life)
Internet access, Internet [LAN], Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Wi-Fi in public areas… Let’s just say I need the internet. Like, bad. My job pretty much revolves around it. Luckily, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend. Speed was generally decent, didn't lag me out of my Zoom meetings (thank god), and I actually managed to edit some travel photos. The occasional drop probably happened because… well, I was probably simultaneously streaming something, downloading something else, and trying to text my best friend. The Internet services felt pretty up to par and easy to use on the whole.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Because, Duh!)
Alright, this is where Siglo XXI Suites really shines. Forget just "relaxation," this place is practically a spa-topia. Forget the generic “spa” descriptions. This is the juicy stuff.
- Spa/sauna and steamroom: I practically lived in these. The steam room was like a hug for my soul after a long day of sightseeing (or, let's be honest, just wandering around in the heat).
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Picture this: sipping a margarita poolside, gazing at the gorgeous Merida skyline and contemplating the meaning of life (or just what I was going to eat for dinner). The view was stunning. The Poolside bar? Let's just say I made friends with the bartender. More on that later…
- Gym/fitness: Okay, confession time. I intended to hit the Fitness center. I really did. I packed my workout clothes. But…the pool, the bar, the general allure of doing nothing… prevailed. The fitness center looked good, I promise. I just… didn't use it. Maybe next time.
- Massage: Highly recommend. Book immediately. I had a masseuse named Maria who worked magic on my travel-weary muscles. I emerged feeling like a totally renewed human being. Honestly, it was the best money I spent all week. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: the whole shebang. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking (The Real Meat of the Experience!)
Okay, food. My favorite topic. Siglo XXI Suites offers a ton of options, but let's delve into a few specific experiences:
- Breakfast [Buffet], Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: The breakfast buffet was good. The usual suspects: eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, pastries. The bacon was crispy. The fruit was juicy. No complaints! There were definitely moments of "hangry" feelings but this A la carte in restaurant option was always open.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Need a pick-me-up? They've got you covered. The coffee was decent (essential for functioning in hot weather), and there's a coffee shop if you are in a hurry and can't have a proper sit-down.
- Poolside bar: Ah, my happy place. Remember my bartender pal? Well, let's just say he knew my name (and my preferred cocktail) by the end of day one. The Happy hour was… dangerous. Delicious, but dangerous. They also served snacks which came in handy if I decided to stay an extra hour.
- Restaurants: There were a couple of different restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines. I tried the [insert restaurant name], I have to say, the Soup in restaurant was amazing and the desserts in restaurant had me coming back for more.
The Room & Amenities (Home Away From Home)
- Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: My room was an oasis. Really! Clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything I needed. The air conditioning was a lifesaver. The bathtub was perfect for a long soak after a day exploring. The blackout curtains helped me sleep in (essential, for me). The free bottled water was a nice touch, and the daily housekeeping kept everything sparkling. It was like a little luxury apartment. Everything was very well executed.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: This is important. The hotel’s taking cleanliness seriously. I felt very safe.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, Obvi)
Okay, this is important in this day and age. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I saw a lot of cleaning happening. A LOT. Everywhere. I definitely felt safe and confident from a health perspective.
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
A whole bunch to note. Here's the ones I actually used and appreciated:
- Concierge: Super helpful. They helped me book tours, gave me restaurant recommendations, and even helped me navigate the local bus system (which, let's be honest, I was hopeless at).
- Daily housekeeping: Shout out to the housekeeping staff! My room was always spotless.
- Cash withdrawal: Very handy, given that I’m a fan of the local markets (and street food!).
- Laundry service: Essential after a week of sweaty adventures.
- Luggage storage: For those awkward check-in/out times.
- Doorman: Always a great feeling to feel welcomed when you arrive.
The Imperfect Bits (Because, Life Isn't Perfect)
Okay, time for some real talk. No hotel is perfect.
- Traffic, noise: Well, given that it's downtown, some street noise is inevitable. Nothing crazy that kept me from sleeping (thanks, blackout curtains!), but be aware.
- Lost and found: I left a book I was reading in the bar and had to go back to get it.
- Parking: The hotel offered Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Valet parking. I didn't drive, but if you do, I heard parking can be a bit tricky, especially during peak times.
- Hotel chain: the reality is, this place is part of a hotel chain. They have protocols. They have the best amenities and practices to cover all points. It’s a great thing to know.
For the Kids (If You're Traveling with Littles)
While I didn't have them, I did see a few families. They seemed happy. The hotel offers Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around (Exploring Mérida & Beyond)
Airport transfer: I did a private transfer as I arrived pretty late. Smooth and easy. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station: Again
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard Port of Spain's Unforgettable Luxury
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. This is the real, messy, glorious, "did I even pack socks?" version of my Merida adventure, starting and ending, of course, at the Extended Suites Merida Siglo XXI. Let's dive in:
Merida Meltdown: A Semi-Coherent Itinerary (with a generous helping of chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ceviche Debacle
- Morning (8:00 AM): Arrived in Merida after a flight long enough to contemplate the meaning of life (spoiler: I still don't know). Taxi ride to the hotel was delightfully chaotic, the driver seemingly having mastered the art of weaving through traffic while simultaneously texting and yelling at his radio. First impressions? The Extended Suites is… functional. Clean, but the decor feels like it's been stuck in a time warp since the 90s. More on this later.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Unpacked, which mostly involved assessing the damage my suitcase had sustained. Found a rogue banana peel (don't ask). Decided to hit the pool, which, surprisingly, wasn't overrun with screaming children. Score. This is where I fell in love with the hotel – seriously, the pool is the best part!
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Okay, this is where things get…interesting. Wander into the historic center, lured by the promise of authentic Yucatecan food. Found a charming little place with a Spanish name I can't remember, and promptly ordered ceviche. Mistake. Now, I love ceviche; it's like a party in your mouth. This ceviche was… not. The fish tasted like it had a grudge against me, the onions were nuclear, and a stray cilantro leaf decided to become a permanent fixture in my teeth. Ugh. I ate it though, because I am a stoic traveller.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): After the ceviche experience, I spent most of the afternoon in a post-ceviche haze. Wandered aimlessly through the Plaza Grande, squinting at ancient buildings, feeling my stomach churn. Found a gelato shop and decided to have it: best gelato I've ever had: the mango tasted like pure sunshine.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a place promising regional specialties. The "cochinita pibil" (slow-roasted pork) was… well, it was better than the ceviche. The people watching, however, was fantastic. Families, giggling children, the whole cast of Merida life.
- Night (9:00 PM): Back to the hotel. The hotel is great…for sleeping.
Day 2: Ruins, Regret and the Magical Market
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up. The hotel bed is… okay. More coffee.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Hired a driver for Chichen Itza. The drive, a long 2 hours, was punctuated by the driver's attempts for me to buy his uncle's jewellery and some other souvenir. The drive was ok, but Chichen Itza was amazing. The pyramid is majestic, and the energy surrounding it is palpable. Walking around, and seeing the details of the buildings made me feel in awe.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Tried the food near Chichen Itza. It was…fine, much better than day 1. Ate in the shade, and then I realized that I forgot my sun glasses.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Sweltering heat. Lots of water. Started feeling a bit dizzy. This is not fun. This is where it got bad. I hate the heat.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Decided it was time to go back.
- Late Afternoon (5:30 PM): Back at the hotel. I ordered room service (which was ok, considering), and watched a movie.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Hit the the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez. It's loud, it's chaotic, it's overwhelming. But it's also magical. The colours, the smells, the sheer energy of the place… it's intoxicating. Bought enough spices to open my own shop. Found a stall selling marquesitas (thin, crispy crepes with cheese and Nutella). Pure bliss.
- Night (9:00 PM): Sleep. I need it. The market nearly broke me.
Day 3: Colonial Charm and a Tequila Tango (and a very messy bath)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Slept in. The hotel room is quiet enough. Decided to embrace the central location of the hotel and explore the city on foot.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Strolled around the Paseo de Montejo, a beautiful avenue lined with grand mansions. Imagined myself a wealthy hacienda owner, then promptly remembered I'm on a budget and moved on.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Found a little cafe tucked away on a side street. The food was simple, but the atmosphere was perfect.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Decided it was time to embrace the culture. Took a salsa class. I have two left feet, but I tried (and failed spectacularly). Laughter.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Tequila tasting. This is where things got interesting. The tequila was smooth, then not, then very not. One too many shots, and suddenly I'm channeling my inner Frida Kahlo on the hotel balcony, singing (badly) to the moon.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant with a courtyard. Ate food I don't remember. More tequila…
- Night (10:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Then the water in the hotel ran out, and I ended up with half a bath. More sleep required.
Day 4: Departure (and lasting regrets, perhaps?)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Woke up with a mild headache, the memory of the tequila-fueled balcony serenade seared into my brain. Hotel breakfast (toast and weak coffee).
- Morning (10:00 AM): Checked out of the hotel. I bid a fond farewell to the pool.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Bought some last-minute souvenirs (mostly edible).
- Lunch (12:00 PM): One last meal: a good burrito.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Airport.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Flight.
Final Thoughts:
Merida, you magnificent, messy, delicious place. I'll be back, even if I have to be on a 12-step program for ceviche avoidance. The Extended Suites, well… it was a place to lay my head, in a pinch.
This itinerary is a lie. It's not possible to write a perfect itinerary for Merida. Every trip is different – it's an adventure, an experience. And sometimes, those experiences involve questionable ceviche, tequila-induced dance moves, and a whole lot of laughter. That's what makes it worthwhile.
Now, someone pass the aspirin (and maybe a bottle of tequila, just in case).
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Okay, spill. Is Siglo XXI Suites *really* as amazing as it looks in the photos? Because sometimes, let's be honest, those things lie.
Alright, alright, deep breaths. Yes. Mostly. The photos? Kind of capture the vibe, but they don't tell you about the *smell* of the jasmine in the courtyard at dusk, or the ridiculously comfortable bed that swallows you whole after a day of exploring. But look, let’s be real. My first impression? *Whoa*, this place is fancy. Like, I almost tripped over my own feet trying not to mess up the pristine marble floors. It’s a little… intimidating at first. You feel like you should be wearing a monocle and sipping a tiny cup of something.
But then, you settle in. The staff is seriously lovely – always smiling, ready to help. One day the AC conked out in my suite, and I nearly freaked. I mean, it's Mérida! It's hot! But they fixed it *immediately*. Actually, they upgraded me to a *different* suite while they fixed it. Talk about turning a crisis into a win! You’ll be fine. Trust me. Just… don’t be like me and try to eat a burrito in the pristine white robes. Lesson learned, people. Lesson. Learned.
Extended stay? Is this place actually *livable* for more than a week? I have a life! (And a lot of laundry!)
Dude, yes. 100%. That’s the point! The suites are, like, *suites*. Not just a glorified hotel room. You’ve got a kitchen (small, but functional – perfect for making your own *cafecito* in the morning and, um, reheating leftover tacos at 3 AM), a living area, and a separate bedroom. It’s more like an apartment than a hotel and it'll make you feel like you *live* in Mérida, like one of those expats with the cool cats and the secret knowledge of the best *panaderia*.
Oh, and laundry? They have a laundry service. Thank. God. Because let’s be honest, who wants to spend their vacation hunched over a washing machine? I mean, I *tried* to do laundry like a local. I ended up accidentally turning half my clothes pink using the wrong detergent (apparently, the stuff in the little shops near the square is… potent). So, yeah, the laundry service is a lifesaver. And the maid service! My place was spotless every day! That's a BIG plus, I can tell you, especially after a hot day in the sun. I can be a *mess.*
The location – is it actually convenient, or am I going to be stuck in a cab all day?
Oh, the location… it's *gold*. You're basically a stone's throw from everything. Ok, a slightly longer stone's throw. You're close to the *zócalo* (the main square), the cathedral, the museums… all the good stuff. Honestly, walking around Mérida is part of the experience. The colors! The architecture! The feeling of stepping back in time, with a side of modern conveniences, of course.
I, being the slightly directionally challenged person that I am, got lost a few times. (Okay, a LOT). But even then, it was fine! The city is safe, the people are friendly, and you're never really that far from anything exciting, or a yummy snack. Just take an Uber or a taxi if your feet give out – they are plentiful and cheap! It's a pretty easy place to navigate, even if you're like me, and have the map-reading skills of a goldfish. I probably should have gotten a GPS. (Pro tip: download one *before* you get there.)
What's the deal with the pool? Is it actually swimmable, or just a decorative puddle?
THE POOL! Okay, so the pool is… dreamy. It’s not Olympic-sized, mind you, but it’s perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of sweating in the Yucatán sun. The best part? It's in a beautiful courtyard, shaded a little by the buildings. When the sun hits it just right… it's pure magic.
One time (ok, several times) I spent a good hour or so just floating there, staring up at the sky. The only noise was the occasional chirping of the birds, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, and maybe the distant sound of someone making a margarita. (Okay, it was me.) It’s a serious chill zone. And let me tell you, the pool and the courtyard were the perfect setting for all the pics - it's so insta-worthy. I mean, just perfect! I wanted to be the "boujee" traveler drinking cocktails poolside! I achieved it!
Food. Tell me about the food! Is the hotel food good, or should I just venture out? (Because I *love* food.)
Okay, buckle up, because the food in Mérida is… phenomenal. This is a place for foodies! The hotel doesn't have a full-blown restaurant (sad face, I know), but it's surrounded by amazing places to eat. Seriously, you can throw a rock (carefully – don’t actually throw rocks) and hit a fantastic restaurant.
I'd go explore! Seek out the tiny, unassuming *taquerias* where the locals eat. Try the cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork – SO good). And don't even *think* about leaving without eating the marquesitas (crispy crepes with cheese and Nutella – your taste buds will thank you). The staff can point you in the right direction for any type of food, and they know all the best places. I got some recommendations for the best churros in the city. This hotel is gold. I would give it 11/10! They let me get a churro delivered, too...
Anything I should be aware of before I book? Like, any hidden catches or annoying quirks?
Okay, look, no place is perfect. Honestly, the only real "quirk" is that sometimes the Wi-Fi got a little spotty. Fine for general browsing, maybe not so great if you have to be on a super-important video call (which, let's be honest, you probably shouldn't be doing on vacation anyway). And once, the hot water ran out… briefly. But honestly? That didn't bother me at all.
Oh! One thing: the walls are pretty thin. So, if your neighbor is a snoring champion (like, I'm talking professional-level snores), you *might* hear them. But, you know, earplugs are a thing. I'm a light sleeper, but it didn't ruin my trip. It's such a beautiful place and you feel so cozy in it. Other than that? Honestly? Nothing. Just go. Trust me on this one. Just… book it. You deserve it. And while you're there, send me a pic of you by the pool, okay?
