Mérida Favorites

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Fondest memory: One of the fondest memory I always remember out of my trip to Mexico is my swimming in January and February. It was cold winter that time in Moscow.
As I have already written I took every chance to swim in every hotel pool in this trip along Mexico. That’s why swimming in the outdoor pool in the Hotel Hyatt Regency Merida was especially pleasant for me. And I will remember it not less than all the best Merida’s attractions.

The outdoor pool located on the 3rd floor of the hotel. You can enjoy sunny days in the city, either swimming or sunbathing.
Access is offered exclusively to registered guests.
Hours: Daily 8:00am to 8:00pm
Kids area depth: 2.94 ft
Pool depth: 5.43 ft

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Favorite thing: Our path from Mayan Ruinas Uxmal to Ruinas Chichén-Itzá was led through Mérida - the capital of the Mexican State of Yucatán and largest city of the Yucatán Peninsula.
It is located in the northwest part of the state, about 80 km from Uxmal, about 120 km from Chichén-Itzá and about 35 km from the Gulf of Mexico coast.
We spent there half a day, then a night before we continued our ride along Yucatan.

Useful information:
City Hall Information Center
Street level of the City Hall
Calle 62 between 61 and 63;

City Council Contact Service
Phone: (999) 942 00 00, Ext. 8011

Paseo de Montejo Information Module
Paseo Montejo (Calle 56-A) and Calle 33-A
www.merida.gob.mx

You can watch my 4 min 07 sec Video Mexico Merida part 1 out of my Youtube channel or here on VT.

Favorite thing: ATMs are prevalent in Merida, so we had no problem exchanging money. In addition, several shops had exchange windows open in the evening. On the other hand, I didn't see the bank open once - great banker's hours in Merida. ATMs will not be so easy to find in the small towns. If you leave Merida on a day trip, in addition to filling up your tank, make sure you have pesos to last you through the day.

It seemed that dollars would be accepted in a pinch, but pesos were used more often. Where US dollars could be used, the exchange rate was still the usual 10 pesos to 1 dollar to make the math easy -- just like last year. That's not a great rate since the US dollar is now worth over 11 pesos. You're better off having a supply of pesos with you at all times, and tip like hell just before you fly back home.

Favorite thing: Before we arrived in Merida, I read that Merida is a "white city". I pretty much forgot that once I got to Merida, because white is not necessarily the predominant color of buildings. Really, anything goes, and many of the buildings are painted in vibrant earth tones, pastels, and even this aquamarine color, which reminds me of one the houses I grew up in.

Fondest memory: Aquamarine houses look better here in Merida than they do in Federal Way, Washington.

Favorite thing: The City of Merida has recently commissioned many artists to create works of art that are displayed in various parts of the city, with a high concentration of artwork on Paseo de Montejo. Walk along the boulevard and admire the many original sculptures on the sidewalks.

Paseo de Montejo is also the location of the city's Carnival procession.

Fondest memory: We especially liked this Sherman Tank built out of industrial cannisters and pipes.

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Favorite thing: Extending northward from the Centro Historico is the beautiful Paseo de Montejo, a wide boulevard lined with ornate turn of the century (20th century) mansions. Paseo de Montejo is in stark contrast to most of the rest of Merida, which has less spectacular buildings and consists mostly of working class neighborhoods.

Many of the buildings are now occupied by businesses. Some are in disrepair. Approaching Ave. Colon, the buildings are in better shape. The intersection of Ave Colon and Paseo de Montejo is the location of several large newer hotels, such as Fiesta Americana, Holiday Inn, Hyatt and Intercontinental. In this area, it is easy to forget that one is in a struggling developing country with a shaky economy. In fact, we felt as if we had been transported suddenly to the United States, with its large hotels and glitzy shopping malls.

If Holiday Inns or Hyatts are your preference, you will likely want to stay in this area. If you want to experience a more authentic part of Merida, I recommend the small hotels and inns southward in the Centro Historico.

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Favorite thing: But if you want more traditional Mexican music (and prefer to sit and watch!) then head for the more central Parque Hidalgo - with the outdoor terraces of the various cafes and bars, a great place to listen to the music, chill out and people watch. But there's always someone who can't resist the rhythms. And then's there's always some that find it too much to deal with :) Plus the Iglesia de Jeus, Pinacoteca del Estado provides the perfect backdrop.

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Favorite thing: A distinct one-way system and a grid lay out make it very easy to find your way round. The narrow streets also add to the atmosphere of a busy, bustling city, with the open space of the central Plaza Mayor the main 'landmark' of the city.

Fondest memory: Amazingly friendly

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Favorite thing: Try and ensure you are in the city on a Sunday - the squares and parks become open-air concerts and dance venues! And not just traditional Marriachi either - 1950s 'ballroom' style dancing is very popular in Parque Santa Lucia, with hundreds of locals taking up with their partners (and some great local food on offer too)

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Favorite thing: Markets abound in central Merida, where you can buy fresh fruit and other local produce as well as everyday items. Favourite items were Tommy Half-Finger goods - which were everywhere LOL

Central de Abastos (south of the Zocalo) is the biggest: indoor and in the streets around it.