Best Western Hotel de Cortés

The Best Western Hotel de Cortés, (Av. Hidalgo 85, tel. 5518-2184, fax 5512-1863, U.S./Canada tel. 800/528-1234, www.bestwestern.com/reservations/mx, $108 s/d, $154 suites), opposite the northwest corner of the Alameda, has lots of historical ambience. Originally built in 1660 as the Hospice of Saint Nicolás Tolentino of the St. Augustine Hermits, it was originally dedicated to providing housing and food for the poor. Closed for several years following Mexican Independence, the building reopened in 1860 as a hostel for traveling tradesmen on local market days. The owners inaugurated the Hotel de Cortés in 1943, and today it offers 27 rooms and suites along with a small restaurant/bar and a beautiful courtyard dining area. Corner suites feature separate sitting areas; a few nonsmoking rooms are available. Although the rooms are nothing spectacular, the beautiful two-story terra cotta–colored courtyard, with its fountain, lush foliage, and caged songbirds, is a lovely place to have a relaxed meal. Trovadores (strolling musicians) often perform in the afternoon. The 2 p.m. check-out time is another plus.