Home to three and a half million people, Guadalajara ranks as the second largest city in Mexico. Although the city is large, it is easy to navigate and has a user-friendly public transportation system. The city is full of interesting cultural monuments, churches, museums, and shopping centers. If you plan to travel to Mexico, there are a number of options for hotels in Guadalajara, from inexpensive family-owned hotels and bed and breakfasts to excusive five star resorts.

The architecture of downtown Guadalajara reflects its rich history. One of these examples is the Hotel Morales, a historical hotel that has seen its share of famous Mexican politicians, athletes, and other celebrities through the years. The hotel is decorated in a colonial style with refurbished wooden floors and hardwood ornamentation. Each air conditioned room offers free high speed internet access, an electronic safe, cable TV, and a large wardrobe. Some of the larger rooms have a Jacuzzi, a CD player, and a refrigerator. The hotel’s authentic Mexican restaurant offers room service from early morning until late at night.

If your travel itinerary calls for visits to museums and theaters, you may want to stay at the De Mendoza Hotel, a modern hotel located right in the heart of Guadalajara’s cultural center. Each air conditioned room is equipped with one king-sized or two queen-sized beds, a TV, a telephone, and a safe. Recreational facilities include a jogging track, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a health club. A business center with computers, printers, and internet service is also available. Once you get settled in to your hotel, head to Plaza del Sol, one of the oldest shopping centers in the city. Centro Joyero, a popular place to buy gold and silver jewelry, is also nearby.

If you’re looking for a hotel with historical charm, look no further than the Old Guadalajara Hotel. Located in the historical district near several old churches and government buildings, the colonial building is furnished with colorful tile floors, dramatically high ceilings, and other colonial Mexican accents. Even though the hotel doesn’t have air conditioning, the spacious rooms with ceiling fans stay fairly cool throughout the year. Guests of the hotel can cool off in a central courtyard that is shaded by bamboo. A complimentary breakfast consisting of fresh organic foods is served daily.

Many people enjoy staying in downtown Guadalajara, where the majority of historical buildings and theaters are located. One popular theater is the Teatro Degollado, which dates back to 1886 and is home to the city"s orchestra and opera. Expect to pay more for Guadalajara lodging in the heart of the city. This is especially true in the winter, when tourism is at its annual high. Since Guadalajara is such a big city, there are accommodations to fit every need and budget, from small locally owned bed and breakfasts to large upscale hotels in the heart of the city.