Wondering where to stay in Guadalajara in Mexico? In this article, I’m going to cover everything you need to know to choose the best location and accommodation for your stay in Guadalajara.
Guadalajara is a great city, probably my second favorite Mexican city, after Mexico City. During the past few years, I’ve gotten to spend some time in Guadalajara as it’s my husband’s home city. So you can rest assured that you are getting some solid local information in this post.
I have broken down the best areas to stay, including why it’s one of the best areas in Guadalajara, and of course, who this area will best suit. I’ve also added a couple of hotels and Airbnb Guadalajara recommendations to help you find the best place to stay in each area as well as more substantial accommodation reviews and recommendations broken down into budget and type.
Whether you are looking for an Airbnb Guadalajara or a hotel room you will find something for each budget, in all of the best areas in this post, so keep reading!
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything! Travel insurance has always been high my list of things to get before I travel but now more than ever its at the top of my list.
I’m pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. So when looking for travel insurance it’s important to check it covers travel disruption due to COVID-19, Hey Mondo, Passport Nomads, Safety Wing, and Travel Insurance Master all provide cover for this.
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover. You even have the option to start the cover when you are already on your trip, although you won’t be covered for the first 72 hours. For me my favourite feature is their app which offers you a 24/7 Dr chat and the ability to file a claim direct in the app.
Passport Nomads provides the most comprehensive cover for Digital Nomads. The game changer with them is that you have a red card and if you find yourself in need of medical care you just contact them and they will pre load your card with the funds to cover your treatment, meaning you won’t need to pay out of pocket and then put in a claim later.
Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. They have an excess of $250 and it’s simple to make a claim through their website. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy and I like that it renews on a monthly basis, so I don’t have to pay out a big lump sum up front.
I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips.
If you are doing shorter trips or an extended backpacking trip then Hey Mondo or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for Passport Nomads or SafetyWing.
The Best Areas To Stay in Guadalajara
Wondering where the best place to stay in Guadalajara is?
- For short-term stays Colonia Americana for trendy restaurants and nightlife.
- For sightseeing, Centro Historic wins.
- But for longer-term stays, if you prefer somewhere with a bit more green that still has a lot of nice cafes, coworking spaces, and trendy restaurants, then I recommend Providencia.
Colonia Americana
Colonia Americana is a bit of a hip and modern neighborhood very close to the center and all of its attractions. The main street of this neighborhood is called Avenida Chapultepec, here you will find bars and restaurants that offer every kind of food that your heart may desire.
Another highlight of Colonia Americana is that it is also the perfect place to visit another two of my favorite areas, Tlaquepaque and Zapopan.
Top accommodation pics in Colonia Americana
Centro Historico (Downtown)
If you are visiting Guadalajara, it doesn’t matter where you stay, you have to visit the Centro Historico.
So for shorter stays, to avoid so much travel (Traffic in Guadalajara can be a nightmare), then centro historico is without a doubt one of the best places to stay in Guadalajara, especially if it is your first time here.
You’ll be close to museums, restaurants, bars, art galleries, and basically all of the main sights to see in Guadalajara.
Top accommodation pics in Centro Historico
Hotel Morales Historical & Colonial Downtown Core
Providencia
If you are looking for a bit of luxury, this zone is for you. You will find casinos, spas, restaurants, bars, and even an aquarium. Providencia is great for young professional, young families, and its also known as a romantic destination close to downtown.
Top accommodation pics in Providencia
NH Collection Guadalajara Providencia
Tlaquepaque
If you are looking for the cheerful and colorful Mexican culture you see on the postcards then Tlaquepaque is where you will find it. Tlaquepaque is a real gem.
You will find mariachi bands singing every afternoon, pottery, and lots and lots of colors. Here, you can also see colonial architecture, the amazing church of San Pedro Apostol, and all sorts of colorful and beautiful things that make it beautiful and very instagramable if you are into that!
Top accommodation pics in Tlaquepaque
Quinta Don Jose Boutique Hotel
Zapopan
Zapopan will absorb you in the best possible way. It is like a small city with everything you need. It is great if you are spending only a few days on a business trip or on a vacation with the family. It really has that vibe that can make you feel at home, and it is very close to downtown and Tlaquepaque.
Top accommodation pics in Zapopan
Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara
Zona Expo
Ok, I wrote about Zapopan being a nice place for business travelers, but if you are looking for the best area for business travelers, look for Zona Expo. There are great hotels and a great restaurant and nightlife scene, and of course, there is Expo Guadalajara Convention Center.
Top accommodation pics in Zona Expo
Holiday Inn Guadalajara Expo Plaza del Sol, an IHG Hotel
Financial District
When you think about a financial district, you just can not think about skyscrapers. This area is actually part of Zapopan and over the last few years tall buildings have been popping up, giving it a very modern technological look.
Top accommodation pics in Financial District
Grand Fiesta Americana Guadalajara Country Club
Chapalita
GREEN! Green spaces, art vendors, and mariachi music -that is the way to describe this area. It is also a part of Zapopan, so it is a nice place to relax en get lost in the everyday life for a couple of days.
Top accommodation pics in Chapalita
Baruk Guadalajara Hotel de Autor
Areas to avoid in Guadalajara
Wondering what areas to avoid in Guadalajara?
Overall, Guadalajara is pretty safe, but like any other place you visit, you have to take precautions. My best advice is to avoid the east side of the Calzada and Oblatos.
Appartments for Rent In Guadalajara
If you are planning on staying in Guadalajara longer than a month then you are probably going to be looking for apartments in Guadalajara rather than hotel rooms. While Airbnb Guadalajara might seem like an easy option, it will cost you a lot more money if you want to stay for a few months.
If you don’t mind putting in a little extra work, the best place to look for apartments for rent in Guadalajara is actually Facebook! There are several Facebook groups dedicated to just too long and short-term apartments for rent in Guadalajara. You will likely need to utilize google translate but your bank account will thank you!
Here are a few of my favorite Facebook groups dedicated to advertising apartments in Guadalajara:
Rentas Baratas Casas Depas y Locales Guadalajara y ZMG
Roomies y cuartos en renta en Guadalajara
Renta en Guadalajara – Casas, Locales, Oficinas, Departamentos, etc
Where To Stay In Guadalajara
Luxury Hotels In Guadalajara
Quinta Real Guadalajara
Although this hotel is not exactly in the center of Guadalajara, it is located 20 minutes away by car from the center inside of a gated community. This could be a plus for all of you who are looking to get away from the buzz of the city. Because we all know how big cities are all noisy, busy and with people running all the time. This Guadalajara Luxury hotel gets you away from all that. It is a peaceful place with a colonial and modern touch, plus it kind of feels like you are staying in a museum.
Inside this Guadalajara hotel, you’ll find a restaurant, gym, bar, and a pool. Of course, let’s not forget the spacious rooms and numerous amenities.
Location: between Colonia Americana and Zapopan
Demetria Hotel
This is a luxury Guadalajara hotel closer to the city center. You’ll be only a 15 min walk away from Guadalajara University. One of my favorite things about this place is the insanely beautiful lighting in the rooms. There are huge glass windows where you have a stunning view of the city.
There is also a rooftop with a pool, restaurant, bar, gym, and spa. Plus, you’ll be close enough to walk to the restaurants in the city.
Location: Downtown
Boutique Hotels In Guadalajara
Casa Pedro Loza
Located inside an old building in Guadalajara’s historic center, this boutique hotel is a gem! Everything from the location, decoration, and the rooms are simply amazing, but the highlights for me are the beautiful rooftop and the food.
It is tough not falling in love with a place like this.
Location: in the heart of Downtown
Villa Ganz Boutique Hotel
This is one of those quiet and private boutique hotels in Guadalajara that pop into your mind when you think about a romantic getaway.
It is located inside an old restored mansion with a nice garden and a walkable distance to the city center if you fancy exploring the city and its attractions.
Also, these people really know how to spoil you, with a welcome beverage and a bottle of wine on arrival.
Plus, from 18:00 to 20:00 every day, there are wine and canapes available in the restaurant if you’d like to connect with other guests.
Location: Downtown
The Best Mid-Budget Hotels in Guadalajara
Real Del Sol – Zona Expo e Industrial
Clean, spacious, and modern spaces at an affordable price with a breakfast buffet?
That sounds like a good deal to me! The only downside of this Guadalajara hotel is that it is a bit far from the city centre, 8 km to be exact. If you are traveling in a rental car, this is definitely a great home base to explore Guadalajara.
Location: Zona Expo
Hotel Real de Castilla
If you are looking for a nice accommodation in Guadalajara. Somewhere comfortable, not to fancy, affordable, with free wifi, and in the historic center in Guadalajara? Then you better hurry up to book your Guadalajara accommodation here because vacancies fly fast.
This place is perfect for solo travelers or families looking for a place that is a walkable distance to all Guadalajara’s central attractions.
Location: in the heart of downtown
The Best Hostels in Guadalajara
BOHOSTEL
This Guadalajara hostel is located in a new building with a terrace perfect to hang out with other guests or for a morning yoga session with the first rays of sunshine. They have bunk beds from which you can choose to stay in a girl’s only or mixed dorm, private double rooms, or a familiar suit.
Plus, there is a kitchen you can use! Always a bonus if you want to save money on eating out.
In terms of location, it is at a walkable distance from the city center.
Location: Downtown
Hostal Nacional By Rotamundos
This is an adult-only hostel in Guadalajara, incase you fancy a little party close to the bed you sleep in. Plus there is a game room as well as a TV room and shared kitchen.
If you are looking for activities to fill your free time, you can ask at the front desk what will be the next event at the hostel since there are always things happening. For some of these activities, you need to pay a little extra.
It is in a nice location to explore the city.
Location: Colonia Americana
Hostel Hospedarte Centro
Personally, I think this is the best hostel in Guadalajara if you want to stay just a few days. It is right in the historic center and it is such a nice place. The price of accommodation includes breakfast and there is a kitchen you can use. Plus, you can ask at the front desk about tours to Tequila and Chapala.
In general, it offers a great ambiance if you want to chill, go out to explore, or meet new people.
Location: in the heart of Downtown
Olga Querida B&B Hostal
Last but not least, this little Guadalajara hostel offers all the necessary for a good night’s sleep close to the city center. There are spacious private rooms and dorms and a kitchen you can use.
Location: in the heart of Downtown
