We’ve visited many cities in Mexico, but have only just returned from our first 5-day stay in San Miguel – and relied on Trip Advisor to help choose our hotel.
To some people a hotel is just for sleeping, but in San Miguel we wanted a retreat, a place with charm that reflects the city, central location, good service, and a price that wouldn’t break the bank. We narrowed the search to several properties – one with a nice view (which, during our visit, we realized would have been an arduous hike up from the center).
We chose the Villa Mirasol Hotel – and what a happy choice it was. We were absolutely delighted. From the moment we stepped through its unprepossessing entrance, we were made to feel welcome.
We’d originally reserved a suite with a King bed, but on reflection thought that perhaps two beds would allow more lounging space, and so were shown a number of available rooms.
This was our introduction to the quiet reading lounge with its shelves of books in English, shaded courtyard, outside staircases (no elevator) and many sunny little patios that comprise this small hotel.
We chose Bella Vista, with its tiny patio, high up in the back – our own little Casita in San Miguel. Spotlessly clean, unbelievably quiet, only the sound of church bells and birds intruded. Though the hotel had other guests, we rarely saw and never heard them.
In every way it was the beautiful and affordable retreat we sought.
The tiled bathroom was spacious & the water hot – however, there was only a shower. Fine with us. And I’m sure some rooms have bathtubs. There’s a ceiling fan, plus air conditioning for the hot months - not a given in San Miguel hotels, from what I’ve read. The TV, though not widescreen, has a range of cable channels - whether there are English channels I can’t say, as we watched very little. There was no in-room safe, but one at the front desk for securing valuables. The bulb in the bedside lamp, as is typical of Mexico, was not bright. The beds themselves, however, were very comfortable - not the hard ones you often find. We slept so well.
The Continental breakfast (fruit, bread, coffee, juice) is included – there is an additional, not excessive, charge for omelets etc. Breakfast is served until 11:30 – a luxury.
And there’s a computer available to guests for checking e-mails, if you really have to keep in touch with the outside world. (Sadly, I did).
The location is a gentle seven-minute uphill walk to the Jardin, on narrow cobbled streets, passing galleries and small shops on the way. The Institute Allende is a ten-minute walk in the other direction. This location was ideal for us – close enough to easily reach any point in the city on foot, and yet just outside the currents of activity.
And yes, do bring comfortable shoes.
In April, we found the mornings cool, the midday sun very warm, and the late afternoons punctuated by a brief thundershower.
I can’t say enough about the hotel staff. Their ability to speak English varies, but as I know some Spanish and my partner is fluent, there was never a difficulty. They were always gracious, pleasant and helpful, as we asked questions about everything from museums and tours, to music and restaurants. (Villa Mirasol does not serve dinner – they offer lunch and afternoon tea). They allowed us to leave our bags at the front desk for the two hours between checking out and catching the express bus back to Mexico City (a 3¾ hour ride).
As for San Miguel itself, it’s a jewel, unique, a place to savor, to drink in slowly like fine wine. And its atmosphere is as intoxicating.
And though there is an international presence, due to the art and language schools, and expatriate community, it is overwhelmingly a Mexican city with all the warmth, music, laughter and life that suggests.
We’re returning this autumn. We won’t consider another hotel. For us, Villa Mirasol, like San Miguel, was “Perfecto.”

My wife has conducted a knitting retreat/workshop in San Miguel for the past five years. Each year we, and there have been as many as 27 attendees at each workshop, have lodged at the Villa Mirasol on Pila Seca. This small, 12 room hotel, excels in color, comfort and staff attention. Anyone wanting a "special" place to stay while in San Miguel would be more than happy at the Mirasol.

Humm. I've stayed in similar in other locations and can't help but feel that this place is over priced. Granted, it is clean, has plenty of character, rustic rooms with paintings everywhere. Quaint steps leading to new hidden guest rooms full of charm. It is very hard to criticise this hotel. I like the way it is a few streets down from the centre of the town because it means that you walk past lovely shops on the way to see the churches.
Check in was fine, except they wanted to charge more than the price that we had agreed on the phone. After 5 minutes of feeling hard done by they went to check with other staff and then gave in.
The staff are on the 'way too servile' end of polite. I felt bad for asking them to do anything since they made me feel like a British imperialist.
The free part of the breakfast was good, but meagre.
The rooms had character and charm. Ample for our needs.
The price is too inflated. I can't help but feel that half the price would have been enough. I've enjoyed better for less in other cities here in Mexico.
Go and stay by all means. It is very pretty indeed.
Will I go back? Humm. Not sure. I would like better value for money.

My husband and I just returned from a visit to San Miguel de Allende. We stayed two nights at the Villa Mirasol before moving to a house rented by friends. We were in the mini-suite Diana's on the top floor (there are three levels in an old house). The room was lovely, very well appointed (fridge, microwave, etc.) and we had use of a large terrace area. The views of the city were great. A small breakfast was also included in the moderate rate for the room.
We booked directly with the hotel and the experience was positive from beginning to end. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The location was near pefect, just a few blocks from the main square. I would highly recommend this hotel.