Price Band: $$
Tags: City, gardens, historic, views
Morelia
Morelia
Morelia
Price Band: $$
Tags: City, gardens, historic, views
In a nutshell:
Memorable boutique hotel on the hillside overlooking Morelia, with spectacular views and beautiful gardens. Guest rooms are furnished with antiques and working fireplaces. Outstanding restaurant.
This noble hideaway is owned by a French Count who entered the world of tourism after falling in love with the property. We are confident that every guest will be equally as captivated with its delightfully rustic accommodations, replete with antiques, fine furnishings and luxurious amenities.
Yet it is the Villa’s exquisite gardened terraces and staggering views that set it way above the competition. Artists and photographers will be delighted by the multicolored blooms, towering fir trees and ivy-covered stone walls. Guest cottages are arranged on several levels so that each has privacy and many share the panoramic views of the terraces.
The scene is especially magical from the swimming pool patio (during the daytime) and the restaurant terrace (at sunset). Be sure to take in the view before dining in the Villa’s gourmet restaurant.
Villa Montana is an indulgent retreat for mild winter days and cozy fireside evenings. Guests should note that from November to March an excursion to the Monarch butterflies wintering grounds could be the highlight of a visit. The hotel is also popular in the summer, when Morelia’s altitude and fresh breezes make a welcome change from the sultry beaches.
The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty and colonial treasures, from the green waters of Lake Patzcuaro to the majestic churches and mansions of Morelia. A tour of the many excellent museums in the area offers an insight into the rich heritage of this Tarascan city and its heavy involvement in the struggle for independence.
For those with dreams of a visit to Morelia and Michoacan, the unique charm of Villa Montana is the perfect reason to reward yourself.
Villa Montana’s forty rooms and suites are nestled on the slopes of the Santa Maria hills, overlooking the colonial spires of Morelia. Amidst a profusion of jacaranda, bougainvillea, orchids and ivy, the unique cottage-style accommodations are lavishly furnished with antiques, log fireplaces and beamed ceilings. Every window has a picture-postcard outlook over the exquisite gardened terraces and many have stunning views down the hillside to the city.
Because each room is so different it’s difficult to specify the typical features of a standard room, junior suite or master suite – usually the distinction lies in the size of the accommodations rather than the number of rooms. Standard amenities in each room or suite include a wood burning fireplace, satellite television, safety deposit box and direct dial telephone. Bathrooms are all equipped with hair dryers and extension telephones.
Summary of room facilities
All rooms
Fireplace, room safe, high-speed internet access, hair dryer, coffee maker, TV.
Standard room
One king bed or two double beds, views of the hotel and gardens
Junior Suite
One king bed or two double beds, fireplace, sitting area, views of the city or of the hotel and gardens
Master Suite
King bed, fireplace, separate sitting room, views of the city or of the hotel and gardens
Two Bedroom Master Suite
One king bed and two double beds, two bathrooms, fireplace, separate sitting room, views of the city or of the hotel and gardens
Presidential Suite
One king bed, private living and dining area, fireplace, refrigerator, views of the city or of the hotel and gardens, terrace.
Romantics will love these charming beamed rooms, reminiscent of a beautifully furnished country cottage. Cozy winter evenings can be spent by wood burning fire – a basket of logs is provided in each room.
This room has a king size bed and views over the gardens and terraces. Standard Rooms are also available with two double beds. All rooms have a small but very comfortable sitting area and sometimes a writing desk too.
Modern amenities include a pretty tiled bathroom with a hair dryer and a shower-tub combination. In the bedroom you’ll find a satellite television and direct dial telephone.
Junior Suites are very spacious accommodations, often with a generously sized sitting area featuring a fireplace. These suites are beautifully furnished with antiques and handcrafted furniture. Some suites have a large picture window in the living area with sweeping views down to the city of Morelia. The scene is especially magical as the sun sets behind the mountains. Others have a lovely terrace with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying Morelia’s mild temperatures. Each room is unique, with its own special characteristics.
The Master Suites at the Villa Montana are impressive suites with a separate sitting room. All have at least one fireplace; some have two. These suites enjoy panoramic city views or pretty outlooks over the gardens, with oranges or scented blossoms growing just outside.
The Master Suites often have particularly spacious bathrooms, sometimes with a separate vanity area or dressing room.
One tip for your visit to the Villa Montana: plan to start your evening before dusk, with a cocktail on the terrace of the restaurant, overlooking the city. As the sun sets, the rose-hued mansions and churches of Morelia’s colonial inheritance glow in the warmth of the sun. Later, as darkness falls, the city comes alight with hundreds of twinkling lights.
Proceed to the dining room, where a combination of rustic charm and elegant formality creates a special setting for this highly regarded restaurant. The cuisine is a mix of traditional Mexican and International, beautifully presented and attentively served. A wide selection of national and imported wines are available (including half bottles) to accompany such dishes as ‘Confit of Duck with Warm Red Wine Vinaigrette’ and ‘Enchiladas del Portal with Grilled Chicken Breast’.
Don’t miss the spectacular buffet breakfast served at weekends and featuring a host of Mexican specialties both hot and cold, plus fresh fruits, home baked breads and yogurts. During the week, choose from the a la carte menu offering fruit, cereals and some delicious egg dishes, or chilaquiles, molletes and the local corundas.
Consider the attractions of a roaring log fire on winter evenings or dining outside on the patio in the summer and you’ll understand why guests are rarely tempted to leave their hillside retreat. Strolling ‘home’ through the scented gardens to a freshly turned down cottage suite is a suitably perfect end to the evening.
Morelia’s airport is about 20 miles from downtown Morelia. A taxi to the hotel takes around 30 minutes.
Driving directions
The Villa Montana overlooks Morelia from its perch in the Santa Maria hills, just south of the city. From the center of town, head south on Av. Juarez towards the zoo (about 3 km) and the follow the signs just after the zoo entrance. From the airport or the toll highway from Mexico City, follow the periferico south as it skirts the city. The hotel is signed to your left (up the hill) as you pass the park and zoo.
Villa Montana
Patzimba No. 201, Col. Vista Bella
Morelia
Michoacan
Mexico