Casa del Alma Boutique Hotel in San Cristobal

The town of San Cristobal de las Casas in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas is a picturesque town with lovely colonial architecture and a strong Mayan indigenous cultural influence. There are few options for luxury accommodation within the city center but with the opening of Casa del Alma in October 2011, travelers looking to be pampered while enjoying the city’s rich cultural offerings have a great option available.

The hotel offers modern conveniences and amenities while paying tribute to the history and culture of Chiapas. From the outside, the hotel blends in seamlessly with the colonial constructions that surround it. The front wall and entrance area were conserved from a historical building, but the rest of the construction is all new. An outsized ceramic sculpture of a jaguar lies languidly by the hotel’s entrance, greeting guests as they arrive. The piece, like several others throughout the hotel, is from the nearby village of Amatenango del Valle which specializes in this type of folk art.

One of the city’s most striking architectural landmarks is ingeniously re-created in the Casa del Alma’s light-filled courtyard. El Arco del Carmen, the arch and bell tower of the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación convent of the Order of the Immaculate Conception was built in the late 17th Century and reflects the Moorish style that was popular at the time. It is located at the end of Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, one of the town’s many pedestrian walkways. During the colonial period, this building served as the gateway to the city. A replica of the arch stands at the end of the hotel’s courtyard, and paintings on easels and on the walls create the effect of standing at the end of a picturesque walkway looking across to the historical building.

There are sofas and armchairs arranged in groups along the length of the lobby. During the day there’s plenty of natural light from the skylight roof, and a gas fire pit adds a warm and homey feel in the evenings.

The hotel has 27 comfortable and spacious suites that are decorated in a simple modern style, but with original artwork and local handicrafts. Standard suites are located on three levels along one side of the courtyard; junior and master suites are on the far end, on the opposite side. Walk through the arch to access the hotel spa and exercise room.

Each floor has a different theme. Rooms on the ground floor are decorated with photographs by Vincent Kransky that reflect the various traditional craft neighborhoods of San Cristobal. The second floor has murals painted by Akio Hanafuji that offer a tribute to the various ethnic groups of Chiapas. Third-floor rooms are decorated with photographs by Romulo Farrera that depict the natural and archaeological wonders of Chiapas state.

The suites also feature wonderfully comfortable beds and all the creature comforts. Standard suites are large and have a table and chairs by the window or balcony as well as a work desk and ergonomic chair. Closets are roomy and you’ll find a few extra pillows, terrycloth bathrobe, slippers, and a safe that’s big enough to hold a laptop, The bathrooms are big with modern fixtures and rain showerheads as well as L’Occitane bath products with their signature fresh verbena scent.

Junior and master suites are larger and include a kitchenette with sink and microwave. The master suite also includes an additional half bath. Balconies offer city, garden, or courtyard views. The third floor offers the best views looking out over the tile roofs of San Cristobal to the mountains beyond. Wheelchair users and other travelers with special needs will find a suite on the first floor that is designed to meet ADA standards.

El Secreto Restaurant

Casa del Alma’s restaurant, called “El Secreto”, is an upscale dining option in this mostly casual city. Located at the front of the hotel on the street level, here you’ll find haute cuisine and attentive service. The decor is sumptuous with plush seats, white tablecloths, and fine dinnerware. Dishes combine the traditional flavors of Chiapas with a few modern twists. The quality of the food and its presentation are both excellent. Quotations from “Los Amorosos” by Mexican poet Jaime Sabines are printed on the wall, adding to the romance of the spot. Lit with candles in the evening, it’s a good choice for a date night, but the breakfasts served here are also sensational.

Casa del Alma is conveniently located in the historical center of San Cristobal de las Casas, just a few blocks from the main square and within easy walking distance of most of the city’s important sights.