If you are in Mexico’s second-largest city for business, the Voco Guadalajara Neruda by IHG is a great choice. The hotel is in the financial district of Guadalajara and caters to every need of a busy executive.
My husband and I arrived after a difficult drive from the airport. Traffic was piled up, and we weren’t moving. Finally, we inched past a horrific accident and made it into the city.
There are fun spots to stay in enclaves outside the city, but we didn’t have that option this trip.
A Cool Welcome at the Voco Guadalajara Neruda by IHG
Feeling tired and shaken, it was a relief to check into the Voco Guadalajara Neruda by IHG. Welcoming coffee and cookies beckoned in the lobby. In addition, a water station caught my eye. I pushed a button to start it and was given a choice of cold-filtered, carbonated, or hot water. A long glass of cold water did wonders to calm my nerves.
We were in town to do a little research on cultural activities. The hotel was a 20-minute Uber ride to the historic city center, where we were going to spend a bit of our time. Not exactly close, but also far enough away to be fairly quiet and close to some residential areas.
Plus, I noticed a bicycle in the lobby. I was told guests could use it around the neighborhood. I was too tired for that, but it was good to know.
Voco Guadalajara Neruda by IHG is a 12-story building with 104 rooms. Floors one to six were commercial, while the hotel restaurant was on floor seven. The upper floors housed the hotel’s guestrooms.
What to Expect in the Rooms
We found ourselves a couple of floors above the restaurant. Opening the drapes, I was thrilled by the view of the city. Plus, a sliding door led to a balcony containing a patio chair. Drag another chair out from the room, and we’d be in business to catch some rays and enjoy a beverage.
Ours was a Standard room with a King bed. The bathroom had a walk-in shower and a minibar with local beers and soda. The first round, our check-in clerk explained, was complimentary. Those beers were heading straight for the balcony.
Other room options were two Queen beds or a Premium King bedroom. Premium rooms were a bit larger than ours and included a small couch. The great thing about this hotel is that all rooms have a balcony.
All rooms and common spaces had free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee/tea machines. Plus, if you wanted to bring Rover, the hotel was pet-friendly. The clerk told me you were allowed one doggie per room, a maximum weight of 25 pounds. Beds and water bowls could be provided upon request.
Accessibility, Parking, and Fitness
It was great to see that wheelchair-accessible rooms were also available. I learned that the elevators and public restrooms were wheelchair accessible, and there was one wheelchair accessible parking space.
We came in by taxi, so we weren’t worried about parking. But, I was told that for a fee, the hotel offered underground parking and had charging stations for electric vehicles.
Taking the elevator up to the 12th floor, I discovered a huge outdoor event space. Plus, a glassed-in area held the fitness center.
- Guided Tours in Mexico
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- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Get a Car Rental
Open 24/7, it had towels and water available. The elliptical machines and treadmills faced floor-to-ceiling glass and had spectacular views. These were an enticing way to burn a few calories and take in the landscape. In addition, there was a stair climber and a stationary bike.
Cuisine and Beverages with a Spectacular View
When hungry, the place we headed was Querida Luna, on the 7th floor. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week, it offered a combination of Mexican and international dishes. The chef, Alexis Nieves, takes great pride in using local Jalisco ingredients.
There’s also a bar, so you can enjoy a drink while soaking up the panoramic view. We missed it, but every Friday night you can enjoy live music.
If you want to chill, room service runs from 6:30 am to 11 pm.
Meetings and a 24-hour Business Center
The Voco Guadalajara Neruda by IHG has six meeting spaces and a theater-style auditorium for up to 200. Plus, catering is available.
Open 24 hours, the business center offers printing, copying, a scanner, shipping, and the use of a PC.
Rates at Voco Guadalajara Neruda by IHG
Standard rooms start around $300 per night. A deposit is required when you book, and there are no refunds. You can also opt for free cancellation for an extra fee. If you want to add breakfast, that’s an additional $30. Premium rooms start at $400. The fee for pets is $60, and you are allowed one per room.
Check rates for Voco Guadalajara Neruda online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Visit Guadalajara arranged for her visit to the city as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
