Uncover Hidden Paradise: Hotel Los Escudos, Patzcuaro's Best Kept Secret?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Uncover Hidden Paradise: Hotel Los Escudos, Patzcuaro's Best Kept Secret? – and let me tell you, secrets are always tempting! This review is gonna be less "sterile brochure" and more "honest travel buddy spilling the beans over a late-night tequila." I'm aiming for a messy, real, and utterly human perspective, so prepare for some rambles, opinions, and maybe even a tear or two (of joy, hopefully!).
First Impressions & Getting There (The "Arrival & A Little Bit of Panic" Chapter)
Let's be honest, getting to Patzcuaro can feel like a treasure hunt. Depending on where you're coming from, you're potentially dealing with winding roads and, let's say, "enthusiastic" drivers. But pulling up to Hotel Los Escudos? Whoa. It's like stepping into a postcard. The facade is all charming colonial architecture, brightly painted a warm ochre, and somehow already feels welcoming.
- Accessibility: Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always check these things because, frankly, everyone deserves an amazing vacation. The website isn't super-detailed on this, but I did see mentions of an elevator. This might be something to double-check with the hotel directly before booking to make sure your needs are met. The good news is access is available, but not enough information to tell for sure.
- Getting Around: They offer airport transfers, which, after my "adventure" getting to Patzcuaro, sounds like pure bliss. I also saw mention of a car park (free!), taxi service, and valet parking. Score!
The Room – My Cozy Fortress of Solitude (and the Occasional Annoyance)
Okay, so my room… My room was… magical. I mean, seriously. It was a non-smoking room, and the best part? It came with a window and a view… chef's kiss. The room was well-appointed. My room was lovely.
Available in all Rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock (thank god!), bathrobes (YES!), bathroom phone (for those urgent spa emergencies, obviously), bathtub (another YES), blackout curtains (essential for hangovers and naps), closet, coffee/tea maker (important!), complimentary tea (nice touch), daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed (bliss!), free bottled water (hydration is key!), hair dryer, high floor (yay for views!), in-room safe (peace of mind), interconnecting room(s) available (for families or, you know, secret lovers), internet access – wireless, iron and ironing facilities, laptop workspace (for pretending to work while really looking at the view), linens, mini bar (temptation!), mirror, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator (for those secret midnight snacks), safety/security feature (always good!), satellite/cable channels, scale (ugh, the truth!), seating area, separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), shower, slippers (comfy!), smoke detector, socket near the bed (bless!), sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella (Patzcuaro rain is a thing), visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens (FRESH AIR!).
Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They really deliver on this. Which is crucial for… well, everything these days. Plus there's LAN available.
The "Imperfection" Zone: The only hiccup? Sometimes the Wi-Fi was a little spotty. Not a deal-breaker for me, but if you absolutely must stream HD videos all day, you might have a moment of frustration. But honestly, in a place like this, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise – encourages you to actually disconnect.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Personal Foodie Adventure (with a Side of Self-Loathing)
Let's talk about food. Because, honestly, that's half the reason I travel. And Hotel Los Escudos does not disappoint.
- Restaurants: There are restaurants aplenty, which means options galore.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
- A la carte in restaurant: Check
- Alternative meal arrangement: Check
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Check
- Bar: Check
- Bottle of water: Check
- Breakfast [buffet]: Check. And not just any buffet. We're talking a glorious spread of fresh fruit, pastries, and local delicacies.
- Breakfast service: Check
- Buffet in restaurant: Check
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Check
- Coffee shop: Check
- Desserts in restaurant: Check
- Happy hour: Check. This is where the "self-loathing" comes in. Because… Margaritas. Lots of them.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Check
- Poolside bar: Check. Sipping a margarita by the pool… pure bliss.
- Room service [24-hour]: Check. Hello, post-margarita cravings!
- Salad in restaurant: Check
- Snack bar: Check
- Soup in restaurant: Check
- Vegetarian restaurant: Check
- Western breakfast: Check
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Check
I'm absolutely obsessed with the [specific dish I loved]. I won't spoil it, but it's the kind of thing you dream about. Now, I always say, a good hotel also has a good bar.
The Spa & Relaxation – Surrendering to Serenity (and Possibly Falling Asleep in a Face Mask)
Okay, the spa… sigh. This is where Hotel Los Escudos truly shines.
- Ways to Relax:
- Body scrub: Available
- Body wrap: Available
- Fitness center: Available (though, let's be honest, I mostly used it for the air conditioning)
- Foot bath: Available
- Gym/fitness: Available
- Massage: Available. The best. Seriously, the best. I booked one session and then immediately booked another. And another.
- Pool with view: Absolutely. The pool is gorgeous.
- Sauna: Available
- Spa: Hello Heaven.
- Spa/sauna: Available.
- Steamroom: Available
- Swimming pool: (Outdoor): Available
This area is beautifully designed, clean, and the staff is incredibly attentive. The massage itself was… otherworldly. I honestly think I stopped breathing for a few minutes. In a good way, of course.
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound (the "Thank God for Sanitizer" Update)
In the era of, well, you know… safety is on everyone’s mind.
- Cleanliness and safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check
- Cashless payment service: Check
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check
- Doctor/nurse on call: Check
- First aid kit: Check
- Hand sanitizer: Check (everywhere!)
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Check
- Hygiene certification: Check
- Individually-wrapped food options: Check
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Check
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Check
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Check
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check
- Safe dining setup: Check
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Check
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check
- Sterilizing equipment: Check
This hotel is taking it seriously. I felt completely safe and comfortable. They’ve gone above and beyond.
Things to Do – Exploring the Magic of Patzcuaro (and Maybe Getting Lost)
Patzcuaro itself is just… enchanting.
- Things to do:
- CCTV in common areas: Check
- CCTV outside property: Check
- Check-in/out [express] & [private]: Check
- Couple’s room: Check
- Exterior corridor: Check
- Fire extinguisher: Check
- Front desk [24-hour]: Check
- Hotel chain: They operate a chain
- Non-smoking rooms: Check
- Pets allowed unavailable: Note regarding pets
- Proposal spot: They are a good spot for a romantic getaway
- Room decorations: Check
- Safety/security feature: Check
- Security [24-hour]: Check
- Smoke alarms: Check
- Soundproof rooms: Check
The hotel is also perfectly situated to discover the heart of the city.
Services & Conveniences – Making Life Easier (Because Vacations Should Be Easy)
- Services and conveniences: include:
- Air conditioning in public area: Check
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Check
- Business facilities:
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a vibe check on a trip to Hotel Los Escudos in Patzcuaro, Mexico. And let me tell you, after spending a week there, I'm pretty sure a tiny piece of my heart decided to stay.
Day 1: Arrival & That Damn View (and the Tears That Followed)
Morning (approx. 8:00 AM): Landed in Morelia, airport felt like it was built in a time capsule (charming, but also, yikes, tiny!), and the taxi ride to Patzcuaro was…well, it's Mexico. Let's just say Google Maps lied a little about the time. Roadside taco stands beckoned, but I was on a mission. First, hotel, then everything else.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (noon - 1:00 PM): Arrived at Hotel Los Escudos. Okay, breathe. This place. Seriously. The courtyard – filled with bougainvillea exploding in a riot of color, trickling fountains, the smell of cinnamon and something else…something elusive that I swear I’ll never identify but will forever associate with happiness. Checked in, fumbled with the luggage (because, jet lag), and finally, finally got my room.
Immediately After Room Inspection: Opened the window, and boom. Lake Patzcuaro. Mountains. Sun. And honestly? Tears. Actual, unbidden, ugly-cry tears. Not because of sadness. Because of…well, beauty. It was overwhelming. (Note to self: pack waterproof mascara next time, even if you aren't going swimming.)
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wandered the hotel. Lost in the maze of corridors, got mildly lost, found my way back. Admired the artwork. (So much artwork. Seriously, someone decorated this place with love.) Had a pathetic attempt at Spanish with the friendly staff. Convinced myself I “understood” everything. (I didn’t.)
Evening (6:00 PM onward): Dinner at the hotel restaurant, the El Refugio. Local dishes that danced on the tongue. (I think I ate three plates of the enchiladas.) Stared again at that view. Seriously. Stared. And then…fell asleep. Hard. Jet lag. Pure and utter jet lag.
Day 2: The Market, the Mole, and a Near-Disaster with a Chili Pepper
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Okay, got it together! Breakfast on the patio at the hotel. Chilaquiles. Coffee. Watching the world wake up. Pure bliss.
Late Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Hit the Patzcuaro market. Chaos. Beautiful, glorious, delicious chaos. Smells, colors, sounds… it was a sensory overload in the best possible way. Bought some ridiculously cheap sandals I'll probably wear twice and a tiny, hand-painted ceramic frog. Got completely ripped off on a woven blanket (I'm pretty sure I paid a fortune). Didn’t care. Happiness.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. Best. Mole. Ever. Like, I'm pretty sure the mole was made with some kind of ancient magic. The woman, an abuela with a smile that could launch a thousand ships, was making a delicious mole in her kitchen. I'm pretty certain the recipe is guarded in a vault, hidden behind a cascade of enchiladas, within the kitchen, but I'm not sure.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The chili pepper incident. Saw a basket full of tiny, what I thought were the cutest little peppers on earth. Didn't ask what kind. Popped one in my mouth. Learned a valuable lesson about the difference between “cute” and “nuclear.” Nearly cried. Again. This time, it was pain. Guacamole saved me. (Thank you, guacamole.)
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Stumbled back to the hotel, slightly singed and humbled. Ordered room service. Watched the sunset. Vowed to learn more Spanish than "hola" and "gracias." (Spoiler alert: I didn't.)
Day 3: Island Hopping and a Fishy Encounter
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Boat trip to Janitzio Island. The boat ride itself was a blast! The lake, the sun, the crazy boatman. Seriously, he should be in a movie. Clambering up the hill to the giant statue of Morelos? Worth the effort. The views… again with the views. (Someone needs to write a book of clichés about Lake Patzcuaro.)
Lunch (12:00 PM -1:00 PM): Found a restaurant near the lake. Ordered pescado blanco (white fish). Then the fish was presented to me. I was so proud of myself. It tasted amazing and I ate the whole thing.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Wandered around, bought some souvenirs. More art. More smiles. The local people are so sweet.
Afternoon (4:00 PM)- Evening (7:00 PM): Relaxed. Reflecting on my day in the room, with the window open, soaking in the atmosphere.
Day 4: The Art, the Artists, and a Moment of (Relative) Serenity
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Explored the local art scene. Visited workshops, watched artisans at work, tried (and failed) to bargain. The talent here is mind-blowing. The colors! The textures! The way they make it seem so easy.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Small cafe. More Mexican food. Starting to feel I am actually living here.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Found a quiet square. Sat on a bench. Watched the locals go about their lives. Read a book. (Okay, half a book. The Spanish was still a challenge.) Just… breathed. Finally, a moment of pure, unadulterated peace.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Back to the hotel. Dinner. Journaling. Watching the stars. Feeling… content.
Day 5: The Basilica, The Ghosts (maybe) & Deep Thoughts
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Visited the Basilica. Stunning architecture. The energy of the place was palpable. Took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the place and the people and just everything.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Walked along the Calle de las Monjas, the town's most beautiful street. The history oozes from every stone. Looked at the hotel, the place looked absolutely fantastic.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Heard rumors that Hotel Los Escudos had some ghosts. Went to the hotel bar and asked about this. I heard some tales of things moving around by themselves and of shadows in the night. Never did see a ghost.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Asked for dinner at the hotel. They made some enchiladas, with some mole and some amazing fish. I realized that I was so lucky to be there.
Day 6: Day Trip to Santa Clara del Cobre & The Copper Conundrum
Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Santa Clara del Cobre. One day this could be a wonderful town to visit.
Noon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Found some Copper. Found a charming little shop where I bought some copper items.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explored Santa Clara del Cobre, bought some more copper items that looked fantastic.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Asked for Mexican dinner. Went to bed, thinking about the amazing day, and how it'll be a sad day tomorrow.
Day 7: Departure & the lingering taste of magic
Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast on the patio. Tears again, but this time, a mix of sadness at leaving and gratitude for the experience. Seriously contemplating how to secretly become a permanent resident.
Late Morning (10:00 AM): Checked out. Hugged the staff. (Seriously, I’m going to miss these people.) Promised I would return. Probably lied about the Spanish skills.
Lunch (12:00 PM): Last meal in Patzcuaro. Ate some more tacos
Uncover Hidden Paradise: Hotel Los Escudos, Patzcuaro's Best Kept Secret? - The Truth (and a Few Rants)
Okay, Seriously, Is Los Escudos *Really* a Hidden Paradise? Everyone Says That!
What's the Vibe Like? I'm Worried About Creepy Old Hotels!
The staff... now *that's* a vibe. They're generally lovely – friendly, helpful, and patient with my pathetic Spanish. They can be a bit slow, though. Remember, "manana" is a lifestyle, not a deadline. One time I ordered coffee. I waited. And waited. I finally had to flag someone down after about twenty minutes (felt like an eternity!). So, yeah, embrace the laid-back rhythm.
Anecdote Alert: The first time I went, I was obsessed with the tile! Every single square, a work of art. I was snapping pictures like a crazy person. The cleaning woman gave me this *look* – a mix of amusement and mild annoyance. She eventually pointed to a hidden corner where she had a whole stack of extra tiles on display! It’s the little things, people.
Are the Rooms Nice? What Should I Expect?
Double Down! The Great Water Heater Debacle (And My Breakdown): Okay, I need to talk about the hot water situation. In my second stay, the heater in our room was… let's just say it was *temperamental*. One day, a perfectly fine, moderately warm shower. Next day, it's ice cold. The next? Scalding. I called the front desk (slowly, patiently). They sent someone. Who fiddled with it. Nothing. I called again. They sent someone else. More fiddling. More nothing! I almost lost it. I think I actually sobbed. I mean, I was tired, I was cold, and I just wanted a decent shower! Finally, after two hours and a tearful phone call to my friend, they moved us. Lesson learned: Don’t be afraid to demand a room change if something's not right. (And maybe pack extra patience.)
What About the Food? Is it Good?
Location, Location, Location! Is it Good?
Anything Bad to Watch Out For? Red Flags?
- Plumbing: As mentioned, the water situation can be finicky. Be prepared.
- Noisy Nights: The location is central, so you might hear some street noise. Especially on weekends - don't expect silence.
- Service Pace: As I said, embrace the “manana” attitude. Don't be in a hurry.
- Insects (maybe): I didn’t have a problem, but old buildings sometimes have, well, bugs. Pack some bug spray if you're sensitive.
So, Should I Stay There?
