How to Find Cheap Hotels in Guadalajara, Mexico

Known as the "City of Roses" and located in the state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is Mexico's second biggest city and is said to be "the most Mexican city in Mexico." If you're eager to experience the hustle and bustle of a Mexican metropolis, Guadalajara is a vacation destination made for you.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport (required for U.S. travelers to Mexico as of 2007)

Know Your Destination

1. Take lots of pictures. Guadalajara is full of beautiful monuments, fountains, tree-lined streets and parks full of old-world charm and colonial splendor.

2. Participate in some of the city's famous heritage by catching a Mariachi band or Mexican hat dance during your stay. Guadalajara is famous for being the birthplace of both these Mexican cultural mainstays.

3. Appreciate the modern amenities you'll find in Guadalajara's accommodations. This city is perfectly suited for those who want all the comforts a big city can provide while experiencing a unique cultural experience in Mexico.

4. Plan to visit the nearby town of Tequila, and enjoy the home of one of the world's most famous drinks.

5. Make an excursion to the nearby town of Zapopan, one of Mexico's most famous pilgrimage centers and home to many of Guadlajara's best-known attractions. It lies on the western border of the city.

Choose Your Lodging

1. Consider staying in accommodations southeast of Guadalajara's city center to be near Tlaquepaque, a colonial village that is also an old craft center. To book accommodations, contact Guadalajara Tourism Bureau at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

2. Choose a cheap room in downtown Guadalajara. Here, it's possible to enjoy some of the beautiful luxury establishments in this refined Mexican metropolis while staying within your lodging budget.

3. Find cheap accommodations in the nearby town of Ajijic, and enjoy your proximity to the famously serene Lake Chapala.

4. Consider booking your accommodations online. Due to the city's large size, you should be able to find many choices from well-known providers at cheap Web-only rates. It's relatively easy to find rooms costing well under $100 per night.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers include the international prefix "011." When calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Reserve your rental car in advance for cheaper rates. Rental cars are very expensive once you get into the city of Guadalajara.

• Check out the "Guadalajara Reporter" before your trip (see Resources below). It's the only English-language weekly newspaper serving Guadalajara, Mexico.

• Make a note of the hotel's cancellation policies, as well as check-in and check-out times.

• Avoid booking accommodations during the month-long October festival. Rooms will be much less expensive during non-peak times. Often, the steamy summer months are your best bet for truly cheap rates.