Quinta Real Zacatecas

This wonderful hotel, located in the rather less-visited town of Zacatecas, may well be the most spectacular boutique hotel in all of Mexico. It was built within an old stone bullring just on the outskirts of the historic central area of this once-thriving mining town. Today the town is delightful, with narrow, winding streets lined with restored colonial classic buildings. The small chain of Quinta Real hotels prides itself on offering very personalized service, gourmet cuisine, and fine examples of hotel design and architecture. Each property is unique, with this impressive hotel certainly being the most extraordinary of the group. The architect was a master at combining old and new: built into the surrounding walls of the bullring are the bedrooms, the lobby, and a gourmet restaurant, all situated to take in the wonderful views of this ancient structure. Even more unique is the bar, situated on the ground level looking out over the ring, which uses what were once the bullpens for small sitting areas. Dining at any Quinta Real restaurant is always a pleasure; but the view, the setting, and, of course, the cuisine, make this dining experience truly wonderful, especially when the ring and its walls are lit up at night. The Quinta Real is so special that it definitely warrants a splurge when visiting Zacatecas.