I headed to Cuernavaca, Mexico, to see a childhood friend from when I was in 7th grade in Columbia, South Carolina. He was in the 5th grade. My family moved to upstate New York the summer before I turned 13. Years later, I connected with my friend through LinkedIn.
This year, I decided to visit Cuernavaca, where he lives. When I tossed out hotel stay options, he said, “Most definitely” to Casa Colonial Historical. This hotel is within walking distance of many of Cuernavaca’s must-see spots.
Casa Colonial Historical is Near the Cathedral in Cuernavaca
Built in the late 19th century, Casa Colonial Historical once had connections to the Cathedral of Cuernavaca. This magnificent Roman Catholic church complex started in the 16th century as a monastery, expanded to cathedral status by the end of the 19th century. Designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site as a collection of monasteries, the monastery and cathedral are a couple of blocks from the hotel.
Fortunately, the cathedral is a terrific landmark for finding one’s way back to the hotel if you take a taxi to the wrong location. On this unexpected walking adventure, I also used the bus station Terminal Centro Pullman as a landmark. The hotel is across from the station.
More About Casa Colonial
Built in a Spanish-colonial style, the hotel is a cool mix of Moorish and Arabian influences. Arches, carved wood details of beams and doorways, gardens, and a courtyard create an environment for relaxation. I felt at home as soon as I stepped into the reception area. Artwork, plants, and furniture groupings create a vibe more like a well-appointed casual home than a stuffy place where one feels nervous to move about.
The 19 guest rooms open to hallways that lead to verandas or into the garden. My friend and I hung out one night on the veranda on the 2nd floor and explored the rest of the property. Guest rooms vary from the simple but aesthetically pleasing (like mine) to rooms where the bathrooms have skylights and look a bit like a botanical garden.
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As lovely as the hotel is, the staff is as lovely. Whatever I needed, my needs were met. From directions to giving me a message from my friend to finding out why the bedside lamp in my room didn’t turn on, help was delivered. And always, help was delivered with warmth and a smile. I was also able to store my luggage for a few hours after check-out.
Guest Rooms
My Classic room with a double bed immediately charmed me. The rich red accent wall, kiva-style fireplace, rustic antique wooden wardrobe, and carved wooden doors of the bathroom reflect the hotel’s ambiance. The small rustic desk and framed artwork fit perfectly in the room as well. Rooms have a flat-screen TV. Hairdryers and irons are on request. Two bottles of water are provided each day. Wi-Fi is free.
Like the rest of the room, the bathroom felt authentic to the hotel. Rustic white tiles of the sink’s vanity, floor, and the walk-in shower felt like old Mexico. Both the room and bathroom were spotless.
Hotel Amenities and the Restaurant
Although I didn’t use the spa, I did check it out. If you book a massage, go through the front desk to book. The spa is a restful space, but it is not staffed unless there is a booking.
I also did not swim in the gorgeous pool in the middle of the main courtyard, but I did enjoy eating breakfast at a table next to it. The hotel’s restaurant includes an outside dining area overlooking the gardens and the pool.
Breakfast is not included, but I highly recommend it. On my last morning at the hotel, I had the fresh papaya, juice, and the Enchiladas De Pipian Estilo Colonial, a delicious dish with pumpkin seed mole. I ordered it because it is Casa Colonial’s specialty breakfast dish. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner. My friend talked about how the restaurant is known to be quite good.
While I was in Cuernavaca, I also reconnected with my friend’s brother, who lives there as well. I’m so looking forward to a return trip.
My two-night stay at Casa Colonial Historical was $144 at Hotels.com. Rooms also include suites and two beds. Also check out Booking.com and Expedia. This is an adult-only hotel, by the way.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
