Round The World and other travel

Hotel 7

Hacienda Puerta Campeche, Campeche

The Hacienda Puerta Campeche is one of five properties in this part of Mexico that Starwood acquired and promptly added to their prestige Luxury Collection portfolio. It goes without saying that Luxury Collection hotels adhere to the highest standards, but more than that, they also shy away from international chain hotel blandness and try to represent a unique splash of local colour and character. This is certainly true of the Hacienda Puerta Campeche, with its brightly painted buildings, beautiful library, rooftop terrace and a pool that appears to consist of several flooded rooms in a ruined part of the original complex. Attention to detail is often a sign of quality and was evident in nice little touches such as the shower amenities being presented in local pottery jars.

This Hacienda is situated right beside one of the main gates into the old walled city. It is therefore a relatively easy walk from most of the city's attractions, provided you don't set out in the blazing midday sun. We were given a friendly welcome, including a drink in the library, a guided tour of the property and complimentary wine and cheese on the first night as a Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum gift. The rooms - of which there are only 15 - are in restored 17th Century buildings, featuring Mayan decoration and sensitively introduced modern technology. We enjoyed the friendly service, whether it was in the room, by the pool, or in the library, restaurant or rooftop terrace.

Altogether, very highly recommended!