La Siranda Casa-Hotel
Mexico: Michoacan: Pátzcuaro
Located steps from the main square of Patzcuaro's historic center, La Siranda Casa-Hotel is a private, exclusive gem where guests immediately feel embraced by warmth and tranquility. Behind the typical high walls that uniform the picturesque town lies this serene five-suite hotel with its rich colored walls, interior patio with garden, and large gorgeous accommodations. The warmth and energy radiated throughout the hotel is brought about by the creative and lively owner, Isabel Lange. An interior designer by trade, Lange redesigned this 18th century property using antique furnishings from around the world gathered on her trips with her husband, a former Mexican Ambassador. Accommodations have thick adobe walls with chimneys that are adorned with tapestries, high ceilings with wooden beams and modern bathrooms. All accommodations also have central heating - yes, that's correct; central heating is needed at times in the evenings during cold weather months due to Patzcuaro's high altitude.

For its size La Siranda has incredible amenities such as concierge service, King size beds with imported Frette linens, high-speed Internet, cable television and sound systems in each room. There is also an amazing restaurant that serves delectable contemporary Mexican cuisine fusing regional specialties with a modern twist. The restaurant, which also has an excellent wine cellar, faces the hotel's outdoor terrace and garden, and has views of what were once the orchards of the convent of Santa Catarina of Siena. The terrace is perfect place for an aperitif or digestif or both!

The colonial town of Patzcuaro (translated as 'door to heaven" in Purepecha) can be reached by Michoacan's state capital, Morelia, in 30 minutes (90 minutes from the airport). The charming cobblestone streets and squares are great to explore on foot and the town's hilltop lake views are outstanding. A visit to Michoacan's high plateaus, with its rolling hills, numerous lakes and islands, is a great addition to add to an itinerary in central Mexico. For example, by car Guadalajara can be reached in 2 1/2 hours, San Miguel de Allende in 3 hours, and Mexico City in 4 hours.

Note: There is no signage at the hotel's entrance