Best Places to Stay in Puebla, Mexico: Banyan Tree Puebla

Mostly you know you'll find me along Mexico's beaches. But every now and then I wish that I had more opportunities to visit the exciting and cultural cities in Mexico. So in May 2022, David and I decided to take a little trip to Puebla, just because. 

I absolutely *love* Puebla. It is a spectacularly rich and historic city that sits in the shadow of two of Mexico's biggest volcanoes. Did you know that Puebla is basically the only city in Mexico that cares about Cinco de Mayo? That's because that date celebrates the Battle of Puebla, where Puebla was victorious over the French. It is *not* Mexico's Independence Day and no one else in Mexico really cares about the date.

Anyway, Puebla is home to hundreds of churches, dozens of museums, historic underground tunnels, and of course, gorgeous hotels. I got the opportunity to experience the Banyan Tree Puebla and I can tell you that this is one of the most beautiful and splurge-worthy hotels in the city. Location, historic value, art, rooms — it's all really great here. So read on for my full review if you’re looking for the best places to stay in Puebla, Mexico.

And if you're so inclined to book it for yourself, you can do so right here.

Banyan Tree Puebla Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

Best Places to Stay in Puebla, Mexico: The Vibe of Banyan Tree Puebla

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable 

Arriving to the Banyan Tree Puebla is an *experience.* You are greeted in the lobby by a massive, surrealist sculpture of a horse riding in the skeleton of a canoe. And it doesn't end there. The entire hotel is plastered with art made by local artists and artists from around Mexico. Art and history are what make this hotel so special.

In fact, the oldest part of the hotel dates back to the 19th century, and areas on the grounds go back even further. Below the hotel is a network of underground tunnels that helped to play a role in the Mexican War of Independence. The bar behind the main lobby was built overlooking Los Lavaderos de Almoloya, where residents of Puebla would come to wash their clothes in the 19th century. History is truly around every corner at this chic, luxury hotel, which is one of the reasons why it is one of the top hotels in downtown Puebla, Mexico.

Banyan Tree Puebla: The Amenities at Banyan Tree Puebla

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

If you want to be wowed at the Banyan Tree Puebla, the first place you need to head is to the roof. The rooftop lounge is simply stunning. The Banyan Tree Puebla pool is certainly a spotlight feature of the hotel ,and the surrounding bar and lounge all overloo the glorious spires and historic rooftops across Puebla’s Centro Historico. Have a glass of wine and a small bite while gazing at the iconic view. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Popocatepetl volcano. One note is that the pool is mostly kept in the shade, so if you’re a grandma like me, the water isn’t as warm as you may prefer.

The location of the hotel is another top selling point, as you’re just a 20-minute walk from Puebla’s main cathedral and zocalo. Along the way you’ll pass many of the other top sites in the city, including beautiful churches, historic cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants. 

Hotels in Downtown Puebla, Mexico: The Rooms at Banyan Tree Puebla

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

I absolutely *loved* my room at Banyan Tree Puebla. I stayed in a Bliss Junior Suite, which was a massive 680 square feet - the actual size (or larger) of my apartment back in Queens. The rooms are so beautifully decorated with exposed stone, gorgeous tiles, and a copper-colored soaking tub in the spacious bathroom. Banyan Tree Puebla has only 78 rooms, which keeps it super intimate.

Banyan Tree Puebla Review: The Dining at Banyan Tree Puebla

Overall Score: Above Average

To be fair, many of the restaurants weren’t open when I stayed at the hotel because it was so new (and the traditional Saffron Thai restaurant is only open on the weekends). But the food that I did eat was quite good. Breakfast was tasty, albeit a little unmemorable, but the rooftop small bites were really delicious. 

Puebla, overall, has some of the most amazing food in all of Mexico so I do encourage you to venture out to enjoy the delicious street food, upscale modern restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall hideaways.

Best Places to Stay in Puebla, Mexico: The Wellness at Banyan Tree Puebla

Overall Score: Above Average

I did not try the spa here, though there is one on the roof. I did, however, use the gym daily and as far as hotel gyms go, this was a good one. It doesn’t have *everything* a gym rat may need, but it has enough. Plus, it has some really wonderful views over Puebla.

Stay at the Banyan Tree Puebla

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