Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende (2023)

Last Updated on February 22, 2023 by Nellie Huang

Wondering where to stay in San Miguel de Allende? Here’s my ultimate guide to the best places to stay in San Miguel de Allende for all types of travelers. 

San Miguel de Allende is considered by many (including us) to be the most beautiful city in the whole of Mexico. Even Condé Nast Travellers Magazine has named it the “best city in the world” two years in a row! Poised in the highlands of the state of Guanajuato, this colonial-era city is famous for its baroque Spanish-influenced architecture, world class museums, and art galleries.

San Miguel de Allende has accommodation options for everyone, whether you’re an upscale traveler or budget backpacker. The city may be small, but it certainly packs a metaphorical cultural punch. On my recent trip there, I scoured the best areas to stay in San Miguel de Allende, so you don’t have to.

Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

With the whole city of San Miguel de Allende being a UNESCO world heritage site, it’s safe to say the best area to stay is the historic center. But that’s not to say there aren’t other areas worth checking out. Here I have chosen 4 of my favorite areas to stay in San Miguel de Allende and included hotel suggestions that I can personally recommend. 

• Centro Historico – best for first-time visitors 
• Guadaloupe – best for backpackers
• Guadiana / San Antonio – best for upscale travelers 
• Valle del Maiz – best for families

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How to Get Around San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a small-scale city, so with that being said my recommendation would be to explore mostly by foot. Most of the top things to do in San Miguel de Allende are in the historical center and are all close to one another.

Taxis are easy to come by. You can get a taxi to take you anywhere in the city for around 50 MXN (US$2.50). Uber is present in the city too, but it isn’t hugely adopted so drivers can be few and far between, and getting a driver can be a bit of a pain. 

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Best Areas to stay in San Miguel de Allende

Centro Historico: Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende for First-time Travelers

Centro Historico is the central hub of San Miguel de Allende. At its epicenter, you will find the pink stoned church of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel which overlooks the central square, El Jardín. Most of the best hotels in San Miguel de Allende are concentrated here in the historic center.

Centro Historico is perfect for first-time travelers as it allows for walkable access to almost all of the city’s cultural museums and other sites to see. You can access the majority of the city’s delicious cafes and restaurants in this area too. Check out my guide on the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende.

Best Hotels in Centro Historico

Budget: Casa Liza

Located half a mile away from Paseo del Chorro y Lavaderos this converted mansion still has many of its original features. At superb prices and with an excellent location this place can’t be missed off my list. Check the rates here.

Mid range: Cantera 1910 Hotel Boutique

Featuring a shared lounge, a hotel restaurant, and a roof terrace Cantera 1910 Hotel Boutique has put a simplistic modern twist on its inner interior. Situated just 250 meters away from the famous Historic Museum of San Miguel de Allende the hotel boasts an abundance of excellent review. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel de Allende

The city has no shortage of haciendas here that have been tastefully restored into boutique hotels. One of the best hotels in San Miguel de Allende is Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel de Allende, housed in a former convent. Guest rooms feature vaulted ceilings, terracotta tiles, original brick work, and unique folk art. This hotel hosts luxurious suites, spa facilities, and complimentary continental breakfast for all guests. Check the rates here.

Digital Nomads: Selina San Miguel de Allende

A more modern take on this is Selina San Miguel de Allende, a hacienda turned hip yet nostalgic hotel with stylish interiors.The hotel bar is decorated with eye-catching murals and rooftop is massive and inviting. Plus, Selina is equipped with comfortable coworking spaces, communal lounges, and fun activities for working professionals. Check rates here.

Families: Hotel La Morada

Ideal for a family getaway, Hotel La Morada is reasonably priced and just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main attractions. It offers spacious family rooms and a rooftop terrace with a hot tub and a breathtaking view of the city. Check the rates here.

Adults only: Hotel Boutique Villa Limon

Hotel Boutique Villa Limon is perfect for those child-free relaxing getaways we all need every once in a while. This recently designed hotel offers new and exciting features all while displaying the originality of the building including the built-in stone fireplaces. Located just 100 meters from Las Monjas Temple you’ll find yourself right in the center of the hustle and bustle of San Miguel de Allende. Check the rates here.

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Guadaloupe: Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende for Backpackers

North of Centro Historico you’ll find Guadaloupe. Semi-bordered by the Arroyo de Las Cachinches River, you’ll find lots of local restaurants and converted haciendas. Staying in Guadaloupe would be perfect for young backpackers, as it’s brimming with bars and restaurants and has great nightlife. 

Fabrica la Aurora is a short walk northeast which is a renowned textile mill showcasing and selling art by locals. On your way home, you can pop over to Greek & Coffee to be served up some fresh coffee and a Greek feta salad. Guadaloupe is about 15 minutes walk to the main plaza in the center.

Best Hotels in Guadaloupe

Budget: Lool Beh Hostal & Spa

Starting at just 250 MXN (US$10)  for a bed for the night, Lool Beh Hostal & Spa is a great place for budget travelers and backpackers. Free parking, highly rated WiFi and a hammock-filled garden are but a few of their features. Guests can walk to the center of town in just 5 minutes. Check the rates here.

Mid Range: Albor Tapestry Collection by Hilton San Miguel de Allende

Featuring a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool, you can’t go wrong with the renowned hotel chain Hilton. Just 800 meters from the Church of St. Michael the Archangel it is also a stroll to Zibu Allende the exquisite Mexi-Thai restaurant run by Chef Eduardo Palazuelos. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Casa No Name Small Luxury Hotel

Apart from the lack of a name, Casa No Name has it all. Recommended highly by a friend of mine, this luxurious hotel has old majestic architecture filled with antique furniture. You can relax around the fire pit, explore the artistic sculptures and listen to the twilight-lit pool offering the soothing twinkle of the waterfall all day long. Check the rates here.

Families: Villa Aurora

With a private pool positioned less than 1 km from the Historic Museum of San Miguel de Allende, Villa Aurora offers a modern and ultra-luxurious 2 bedroom self-catering option for the family, with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, a fridge, and an oven. Check the rates here.

Adults only: Casa Naré

Casa Naré is my recommendation for an adult’s only option for Guadaloupe. Its minimalistic rooms provided a rustic Mexican feel. While its stone-paved garden terrace is a great place to watch the renowned sunsets of San Miguel de Allende. Check the rates here.

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Guadiana / San Antonio: Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende for Upscale Travelers

These two areas are next to each other. With San Miguel de Allende being a small place I have decided to join the two areas together. Around 1km from the center, these areas are best suited for higher-end travelers who want to experience the opulent side of San Miguel de Allende.

Some of the houses are as old as the town itself in this area. By staying here, you’ll be sure to catch a glimpse of the city’s celebrated buildings dating back to the 1500s. That combined with the architecture, tends to attract the more upscale travelers.

Best Hotels in Guadiana / San Antonio

Budget: Kubo Hotel

With interior abstract stylistic wall art, Kubo hotel prides itself on its over 300+ booking.com reviews. A little bit out of town, this uniquely designed hotel is perfect for a traveler on a budget looking to keep away from the city buzz. It’s about a 20 minute walk to the square from here. Check the rates here.

Mid-range: Casa Juana Guesthouse

Breakfast cooked by Chef Dave is not only generously sized but complimentary to all guests staying at Casa Juana Guesthouse. The staff are exceptionally attentive and I can say that the value for money here is marvelous. Casa Juana Guesthouse has a hot tub, rooms with garden views, and features a quirky in-house design. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Casa Grande San Miguel Boutique Hotel

The converted hacienda Casa Grande San Miguel Boutique Hotel is my luxurious pick for up-market folks. In both the hotel grounds and your own private room, you won’t be short of space. The hotel has barbecue facilities and equips all rooms with flat-screen TVs so you can kick back and relax after exploring the city. Check the rates here.

Families: Hotel Casa Guadiana

With Guadiana park on your doorstep, Hotel Casa Guadiana offers large family rooms with terraces so you and the family can sit in the open air and take in the city line during sundown. The property is close to the public library and a few hundred meters from Parque Benito Juárez. You’ll find Mazali Beauty & Spa around the corner if you need to de-stress with a massage. Check the rates here.

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Valle de Maiz: Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende for Families

If you want to be near the center of San Miguel but in a quiet area, this is the place. Valle de Maiz is just a 15-min walk to town. There are a few different parks and lots of nature, which is why I recommend it for families, so you can go for family walks or even bike rides. In this area, you’ll get elevated views of town, the lake and sunsets over the mountains.

Best Hotels in Valle del Maiz

Budget: Hotel MX San Miguel de Allende

This budget option in Valle del Maiz is top-notch. Hotel MX San Miguel de Allende offers a pool with a perennial view. Newly built over the last few years, the hotel is stylish, clean, and incredibly affordable. Check the rates here.

Mid-Range: Mansion San Miguel

This 8 bed mansion has been converted and eloquently named Mansion San Miguel. The mansion has a large roof terrace area featuring a jacuzzi pool, sunbeds, and a bar. It is a short walk to El Mirador viewpoint where you can snap an exquisite photo of the city’s center point, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Amatte Wellnest Community

Amatte Wellnest Community self exclaims they give guests the ‘celebrity experience with world-class service’. Hackman’s fine dining restaurant occupies the cactus-scattered rooftop. Their head chef Drew Deckman holds the only Michelin star in all of San Miguel de Allende. The place is a serious contender for the best hotel in San Miguel de Allende. Check the rates here.

Families: Hotel Casa Primavera Boutique

Hotel Casa Primavera Boutique offers a swimming pool for the kids and a spa for you adults. The hotel offers free Wifi and parking plus a 24-hour reception desk. Perfect for a fun family day out, San Miguel Parque de Aventuras is nearby which offers horseback riding, ATV racing, and hot air balloon flights. Check the rates here.

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Where Not to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

While I was in San Miguel de Allende, I felt very safe and didn’t have issues at all. Generally, all the areas discussed above are safe neighborhoods. For me, staying out late is a bad idea especially if you’re a solo traveler.

While speaking to the locals they did advise me that certain areas can be a little unsafe, especially at night. Be a little more cautious while in the areas which I have bulleted below:

• Las Cuevitas
• San Rafael
• Olimpo 
• Independencia

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Did You Decide Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende?

As I am sure you can now see, I absolutely love San Miguel de Allende, and I’m sure you will too. The city has something for everyone, regardless of your interest.

Hopefully the questions you had about where to stay in San Miguel de Allende have now been answered. Now you know where to stay, it’s time to start planning your trip. I have put together a list of the 30 Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende.

Please leave a comment below with any questions you have and I will be sure to get back to you.

If you’re planning to travel more of Mexico, check out some extra resources I’ve written: 

• Visiting La Gruta Spa: Hot Springs San Miguel de Allende
• 30 Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende
• 5 Days in Mexico City Itinerary [2022]
• Where to Stay in Holbox: Best Hotels in Holbox for Every Budget
• Bacalar Mexico: My 2022 Guide to Bacalar Lagoon
• Yucatan Road Trip: My 10-Day Yucatan Itinerary [2022]
• 15 Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico [2022]

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!