A haven of serenity and a gathering place for locals and guests, Hotel Matilda pays tribute to Mexico’s artistic heritage with style and substance. You’ll find its sleek white Cubist design, museum-quality art, intimate spa with a hammam and the outstanding cuisine of restaurant Moxi magically synchronize this boutique hotel’s heady sensuality.
Tucked away on a quiet cobblestoned street close to San Miguel de Allende’s central plaza and the unique pink towers of 17th-century church Parroquia San Miguel, the 32-room stay puts you within walking distance of shops, boutiques and art galleries as well as the idyllic Parque Juarez.
On any given day in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one festivity or another takes place with flute players or mariachi musicians serenading those out for a stroll, providing a vibrant soundtrack for your return to your luxurious retreat.Our Inspector's Highlights
- Hotel Matilda sits close to San Miguel de Allende’s center with its classic Spanish Colonial architecture and many of the city’s key attractions, including the much-photographed Parroquia San Miguel, a neo-Gothic 17th-century church known for its soaring pink spires.
- In addition to the traditional menu of massages and facials (luxe brands like Natura Bissé and Tata Harper feature heavily here), Spa Matilda also offers an apothecary, where you are invited to blend your own beauty or skincare products with the help of a knowledgeable apothecary concierge.
- Be sure to ask at the reception desk for a tour of the hotel’s art collection. Diego Rivera painted the portrait of the hotel owner’s mother, Matilda, now on permanent display in the Library Lounge near the front entry.
- Visit Hotel Matilda’s rooftop bar for custom tequila drinks, light bites and a lively, upscale local scene.
- Whether inside at Moxi or dining alfresco by the pool, an evening at this chic spot provides a great way to end a day exploring the city.
Things to Know
- San Miguel is home to a year-round roster of events, including a respected writers’ conference in February and a Market of Arts & Gastronomy Festival in July. Check the calendar before planning and book your stay well in advance.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for navigating San Miguel’s cobblestoned streets and byways. Designer sneakers and cushioned sandals will fit right in at this sleek city-center stay.
- Save yourself the bother of driving by taking a convenient shuttle from the airport or pre-arranged pickup from the boutique hotel. In town, taxi service is widely available.
- Just a block from Hotel Matilda, serene Parque Juarez brings a contemplative counterpoint to the city’s lively el centro (center). At the park’s Saturday Art Market, interact with local creatives and purchase an original masterpiece to bring home.
The Rooms
- Request one of the second-floor courtyard rooms with a balcony overlooking the pool and bougainvillea-covered walls. Reminiscent of the architecture of the Greek isles, the view is all sleek white Cubist shapes softened by flowering vines in brilliant hues.
- Elegant minimalism prevails throughout the San Miguel hotel’s 32 rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows, black-out curtains, Egyptian cotton linens, deep bathtubs and toiletries by Malin + Goetz.
- Rotating black-and-white photography exhibits by contemporary Mexican artists are displayed in the rooms and hallways.
The Restaurants
- Reserve a table at the luxury hotel’s stylish and contemporary Moxi (“craving” in the local Otomi language), overseen by chef Francisco Ibañez of Mexico City’s acclaimed Pujol.
- Enjoy a flavorful tour of Mexico with the restaurant’s six-course, wine-paired tasting menu. Dishes might include chileatole (corn soup) with spicy pasilla chiles or rich red mole with pork belly over rock Cornish hen and wild rice.
- À la carte selections are equally as tempting, including the fork-tender, slow-roasted pork hock served with classic black beans and guacamole.
- The wine list offers an excellent intro to fine Mexican and South American wines, many sourced from the Baja region.
Getting There
Aldama 53, Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
TEL52-415-152-1015
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
BJX (1 h 40 min)
