The understated and classy Hotel Quality Inn Villahermosa Cencali (Av. Juárez and Paseo Tabasco, tel. 993/313-6611, toll-free Mex. tel. 800/112-5000, www.qualityinnvillahermosa.com, US$90 s/d, US$106–145) has 161 rooms that occupy long low buildings with curved walkways and broad sloping clay roofs. A huge mural adorns the lobby and many of the rooms have nice views of Laguna de las Ilusiones. Rooms in the new wing are a bit nicer, but all are large and have modern furnishings, including air-conditioning. The hotel has a well-tended pool and a popular restaurant. Parque-Museo La Venta is a short walk away.

A gleaming lobby welcomes you at the Calinda Viva Villahermosa (Av. Adolfo Ruíz Cortínez at Paseo Tabasco, tel. 993/313-6000, toll-free Mex. tel. 800/711-5555, www.hotelescalinda.com.mx, US$85 s/d with a/c and buffet breakfast), where rooms are smallish but very nice. A welcoming garden-side pool, sunny restaurant, and fully equipped business center and gym are also at each guest’s disposal. Parque-Museo La Venta and Tabasco 2000 are both a 10-minute walk away. Be sure to ask about weekly specials.

Next door, the Hyatt Regency Villahermosa (Av. Juárez at Paseo Tabasco, tel. 993/310-1234, www.villahermosa.regency.hyatt.com, US$135–160 s/d with a/c) has elegantly furnished rooms and five-star amenities, including a large swimming pool and patio area, two tennis courts, and a car-rental agency. For a bit more, the hotel’s Regency rooms include continental breakfast and afternoon drinks along with a private lounge.