Known for its historic architecture, with European influence, super safe living (and touring), amazing food scene, and clean reputation, I have been anxiously awaiting our time to visit.
Unfortunately, the other thing Merida is well known for is heat. Go ahead, say “Merida” to any Mexican, and you will 100% of the time, hear back “ooohhh mucho calor” (very hot). Since its an inland city, and I dont know, other scientific reasons, its hot there with little wind. People told us it didnt matter what time of year, or time of day, its hot.
Boy do I disagree!!
We found Merida to be perfectly breezy (sure, it was hot in the sun, for small parts of the day, but no more than in Playa del Carmen).
The streets were indeed very clean, and felt safe. The main avenue (60th) was very busy, but as soon as you venture off left/right of it, its quiet, and desolate. The sidewalks are narrow and it feels like a car is going to hit you any minute, haha, but it forced us to pay attention and be more present. Which I can appreciate! We loved the people (happy, warm) and the food scene so much, that we would consider moving here one day. But we would first see what they mean by July heat - so no promises to live here!
A review of our hotel: Piedra Hotel Boutique
So beautiful. Historic. And incredibly interesting. Kind front desk. Amazing downtown location! Beautiful pool back area (we took so many pictures there!). You can see the cathedral from it. The hotel staff were very kind to our children, we never felt judged.
Terrible food, just terrible though! Some of the worst we have had in Mexico, or anywhere in the world for that matter. Don’t eat here. Why so terrible? Just yuck. It’s not even poorly cooked, the ingredients themselves taste awful. How can eggs taste this bad!? I didn’t know that was possible :-(
The room are okay, but the bathrooms were too small for the 4 of us. I wish there was more counter space, I dont even need the walking space, just a place to put my mascara! haha. I also didnt like that our room had no exterior window, just window in the doors in the interiors (Atrium style). Rooms like that always make me feel weird, like I’m in a basement.
and the best Restaurant in Merida! : Oliva Enoteca!
We went twice! Italian food, is often labeled Italian because a chef pulls out a box of gourmet pasta. That’s not Italian. This restaurant pulls out all of the authentic Italian show stopping preparation techniques (eg beautiful gnocchi & incredibly well prepared fish with just the right crispy skin). Add in attentive and friendly service that is knowledgeable in the menu and ingredients and a great wine menu and you have yourself a WINNER!!
As fantastic as any amazing Italian restaurant we enjoyed in Italy!
Our itinerary:
Friday
Arrived in Merida around 1pm, via our car (experienced road work- although not too many delays, almost the whole way!) Checked in, settled in. Parked car for the whole weekend, via hotel valet.
Ventured off for a 20 minute beautiful, calm walk for lunch at Micela Mar y Lena. Upon arrival, discovered there weren’t any tables available (aaahhh!! - this is covid, slow season, why do we need reservations, but we do - everywhere here!). Made reservations for Sunday lunch.
Walked down the street to Oliva Enoteca and were thrilled by our destiny to eat there!
Walked back, home, browsed around the squares, went for a dip in the hotel pool.
Dinner at 8:30pm at Rosa Sur (made in advance reservations) (dont recommend) near a square, nearby live music!
Saturday
Food Tour! After a rough breakfast at the hotel, met with the tour group at 10am, around the corner. We walked together to g
Afternoon dip in the pool, relax, walking in the squares, sitting in the park. Horse carriage ride!
Dinner at Apaola around 7pm (made in advance reservations). Great experience! Oxacan inspired food.
Sunday
Breakfast at Chaya May - really good!
Morning dip in the pool, relax, walking in the squares.
Lunch at Miceala (HATED This place so so bad, food and service was beyond terrible).
Horse carriage ride, shopping in squares, playing with light up toys in the evening in the square.
Dinner was marquesita in the square!
Monday
Breakfast at Chaya May - really good!
Pack.
Drove to 130 grade restaurant (per friend recommendation). Had a really brought server experience and decided to leave after appetizers to walk across the street to Oliva Enoteca! HAHA, destiny brought us back here :) And we were so happy to end this trip here!
Drove back home to find out - just now, that all along, Merida was a on different time than Playa Del Carmen. Merida does observe daylight saving time, while Playa del Carmen doesnt. So Merida, all along, was one hour back, and we didnt notice until this moment!!
