Gran Real Yucatan
Merida, Mexico
Gran Real Yucatan
Calle 56 No 474 Por 55 Centro, Merida, Mexico, 97000 Original Property Opened in 19th Century Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2016Gran Real Yucatan affords travelers with a wonderful opportunity to explore the ancient city of Mérida. Dating back to the 1800s, the hotel was once a sprawling henequen farm. The building’s columns and flooring—as well as most of its doors and windows—are authentic to the location. Only a short distance away from the city’s main thoroughfare, Paseo de Montejo, the city’s top shopping and dining destinations are incredibly close nearby. And from ancient ruins to quaint villages, the Gran Real Yucatan is also located near a multitude of storied sights that have defined the Yucatán region for centuries.
Discover
- Discover the Colonial Revival-style architecture of this terrific historic hotel. Originally constructed during the 19th century, Gran Real Yucatán still possesses many of its original features, such as its columns and windows.
- Walk along the Paseo de Montejo, only moments away from the hotel. Named after a famed Spanish conquistador named Francisco de Montejo, the thoroughfare is lined with many beautiful historic mansions from the 19th century.
- Stroll through the Parque de Santa Lucía right down the road. This verdant public space is replete with gorgeous sculptures and lush vegetation. An open-air dance festival known as the Yucatecan Serenade has been hosted here weekly since 1965.
Explore
- Explore the Plaza Grande in downtown Mérida. Also known as the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de la Independencia, this amazing destination is set within the heart of the historic city center. Many other cultural attractions are just a short walk away, including the Palacio de Gobierno and the Museo Fernando García Ponce-Macay.
- Visit the Catedral de San Ildefonso (Cathedral of Mérida). Located mere steps from the Plaza Grande, this stunning building is among the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It is one of the most historic churches in North America, having been constructed during the late 16th century.
- Travel to the remarkable Dzibilchaltún on the outskirts of the city. Dzibilchaltún is a fascinating Mayan archeological site that features many well-preserved structures that date back thousands of years.
Experience
- Experience the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum of Mérida). This world-renowned cultural institution commemorates the rich culture of the Maya through its extensive collection of ancient artifacts.
- Tour the Palacio Cantón. This beautiful Porfirian-style building was originally constructed during the early 20th century for the prominent Cantón Rosado family. It is home to the Museo Regional de Antropología Yucatán, which also covers the history of the Mayan civilization.
- Interact with the exhibitions inside the Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida. The museum is focused on telling the great story of Mérida’s past from pre-Columbian times to the present. Few places are better in the whole city to learn of its impressive history.
Taste
- Savor a delicious local dish called ceviche. Eaten throughout the Yucatán, ceviche consists of raw fish marinated in citrus juice, chilies, cilantro, and chopped onions. Many restaurants in Mérida serve this local delicacy given their proximity to the ocean.
- Taste a salbute or panucho when out exploring Mérida. Salbutes are deep-fried, puffy corn tortillas that are filled with a delectable assortment of meat, onion, and salsa. Panuchos on the other hand are very similar to salbutes, except that their crust is stuffed with refried black beans before it is cooked.
- Start the day off with some huevos motuleños. Beloved across the region, this delightful breakfast dish is comprised of a fried tortilla that is topped with fried eggs, refried black beans, and a local tomato-based sauce. Local chefs will occasionally add ham, peas, and plantains, as well as a sprinkling of cheese.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offer
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
