Best Western Palmareca (Blvd. Belisario Domínguez 4120, tel. 961/617-0000, toll-free Mex. tel. 800/500-0102, www.palmareca.com, US$66 s with a/c, US$71 d with a/c, US$79–83 suite) is a surprisingly comfortable hotel on the far end of town. Set back from the road, rooms come in two categories: sleek with muted colors, chocolate wood furnishings, and modern fixtures; or traditionally Mexican with bright colors and talavera tiles. Most front a lush garden with an inviting lap pool and kiddie pool; all have cable TV, in-room phones, and wireless Internet. There’s also a small gym on-site. Rates include an excellent breakfast buffet.

Hotel María Eugenia (Av. Central Ote. at 4a Calle Ote. Nte., tel. 961/613-3767, toll-free Mex. tel. 800/716-0149, www.mariaeugenia.com.mx, US$58 s with a/c, US$67 d with a/c) is considered the best hotel in the center of town. In fact, it’s decidedly humdrum with plywood furnishings, plastic walls for a showering area, and old-school decor; the pool, a nice thought, is sadly neglected. What the hotel does have is a perfect location if you want to be near the action. That, and good city views from the rooms on the upper floors (be sure to ask for one of those).