Uncover the Secrets of Posada del Fraile: Tepotzotlán's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Posada del Fraile in Tepotzotlán! This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review; this is a journey. I'm going to try to untangle the whole shebang, from the very practical (hello, accessibility!) to the ridiculously luxurious (a sauna?!). And honestly, if I can even get half of this list covered, I’m calling it a win.
First Impressions: The Accessibility Angle (and My Own Stumbles)
Alright, first things first: Accessibility. It's gotta be a priority, and I’m grateful the review covers it. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I love when places think about everyone. The fact that they mention it gives me hope. Fingers crossed they've at least got ramps where necessary, and the elevators are in tip-top shape. I always feel a pang of unease (and a whole lotta sympathy!) when I picture someone struggling with stairs. I mean, picture lugging a suitcase up three flights – I feel winded just thinking about it!
Accessibility: This is important! I need to know if it's easy to get around the property. Are there ramps? Elevators? Clear signs?
On-site accessible restaurants / lounge: Crucial too. Nobody wants to be stuck in their room because the dining options are inaccessible.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, please! This includes everything from parking to restrooms.
Rambling time: You know, I once stayed at a place that claimed to be accessible… and then I had to navigate a cobblestone courtyard in the dark with a bum knee. Never. Again. So, Posada del Fraile, prove it.
Internet – The Lifeline (and My Frustrations)
Okay, let's talk Internet. In this day and age, good WiFi is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity. I need to upload my epic travel pics, stalk my social media, and, you know, occasionally work.
Internet access: CHECK!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HELL YES! This better be reliable. I've had terrible WiFi disasters in the past.
Internet [LAN]: Fine, a backup. Just in case.
Internet services: Let’s hope they mean more than just offering a signal.
Wi-Fi in public areas: Essential. I need to be able to check my emails poolside without looking like a complete tool hunched over my laptop. (Although, let's be honest, I'd probably do that anyway).
My Biggest Fear: Those hotels that promise "Wi-Fi," and then you get a signal weaker than a kitten's meow. Shudder.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Let's Get Pampered!)
Okay, now we're getting to the good stuff. Things to do, ways to relax. This is what I’m really interested in. I’m picturing myself, utterly blissed out…
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, that's a lot. I'm already exhausted just reading the list. Let's break it down, shall we?
- The pool: Must have a view! I'm talking Instagram-worthy vistas. If it's just the back of a parking lot? Hard pass.
- Spa: I'm a sucker for a good spa. Massage is a necessity. A sauna and steam room? Yes, yes, and YES!
- Fitness center: Ugh. I should probably go to the gym. Will I? Probably not. But it's nice to have the option, just in case that holiday weight starts to creep up…
- Body scrubs, wraps, foot baths: I'm intrigued. I might actually try these.
- The anecdote moment! Last year I found this amazing spa in the middle of nowhere. Walked in feeling stressed and came out feeling like I was floating on air. The scent, the music, the little tiny cucumber slices on my eyes…pure heaven. I want that again!
Cleanliness and Safety - The Post-Pandemic Reality
Cleanliness and safety, unfortunately, is now top of mind. I want to feel safe, not paranoid.
- Hand sanitizer: A MUST. Everywhere.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: This is all comforting stuff.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Crucial. I want to know the staff knows what they're doing.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Seems reasonable.
- Safe dining setup: That means not crammed in like sardines.
- Cashless payment service: Definitely convenient!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Good for peace of mind.
- Hygiene certification: Excellent, the more of these the better!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Feed Me!
The Dining, drinking, and snacking section is where my heart truly sings. Let's eat!
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Okay, wow. I am practically vibrating with anticipation.
- Breakfast buffet: Love it (but only if it's a good one. I'm talking fresh fruit, good coffee, and maybe even a mimosa or two).
- Restaurants: Plural! This bodes well. Variety is the spice of life, right?
- Room service [24-hour]: Essential for those late-night cravings. I once ordered room service at 3 AM, in a bathrobe, eating fries while watching a terrible movie. No regrets.
- Poolside bar: Please tell me there's a pool bar. A mojito is calling my name!
- Happy Hour: Yes, please! This is non-negotiable.
- Happy Hour Anecdote! Last night I was at the bar and… hmm, my memory is a little foggy… But there were friends, there were margaritas, there was laughter… and that, my friends is why happy hour is important.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Excellent, I think I’ll be starting a vegan diet to enjoy it!
Services and Conveniences - The Extras (and the Annoyances)
Services and conveniences: This is where they either shine or fail miserably.
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Concierge: Helpful for booking tours, answering questions, and probably getting me out of any trouble I manage to find.
- Daily housekeeping: YES. I want my room to be magically clean every day.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Very useful.
- Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Great!
- Elevator: Thank the heavens!
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
- Doorman: Welcome!
- Gift/souvenir shop: Great for grabbing those last-minute gifts.
- Meeting/banquet facilities & Business facilities: Good for everyone.
- Luggage storage: Another huge plus!
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Fingers are crossed for parking to be available.
- Food delivery: Wonderful.
For the Kids (Important for Families!)
For the kids, alright, alright, I’ll admit, I'm not a kid, but this is important for parents.
- Babysitting service: Excellent.
- Family/child friendly: Good to know.
- Kids meal, Kids facilities: Perfect.
Available in all rooms : Amenities (The Nitpicky Stuff)
- Additional toilet: Fine, you know… Just in case.
- Air conditioning: Of course.
- Alarm clock: Okay.
- Bathrobes: Nice!
- Bathroom phone: Fancy!
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: I like the option
- Blackout curtains: So important for sleep!
- Closet: A must
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Always a plus
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Good for getting some work done, but I sure hope I don't have to.
- Extra long bed: Yes! Especially if you are a tall person like myself
- Free bottled water: Essential.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your typical, clinically sterile travel itinerary. This is more like a crazed diary entry, peppered with coffee stains and existential dread (just kidding… mostly). We're venturing into the heart of Tepotzotlán, Mexico, with the esteemed Posada del Fraile as our supposedly tranquil base. Prepare for chaos, profound insights, and me probably forgetting to eat actual meals.
Tepotzotlán: An Unplanned Adventure (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Dust Bunnies)
Day 1: Arrival and an Attempt at Zen (Spoiler: Failed)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Mexico City airport. The air smells of anticipation… and maybe the occasional stray sewage pipe. My luggage, bless its cotton socks, miraculously survived the flight. The taxi ride to Tepotzotlán was… let’s say “eventful.” Apparently, Mexican drivers have a completely different definition of 'personal space' than I do. Nearly had a minor heart attack.
- 3:00 PM: Checked into Posada del Fraile. The courtyard? Instagram-worthy. The room? A charming, albeit slightly dusty, portal to the past. Found myself face to face with a rather intimidating portrait of a stern-looking monk. He’s judging me; I can feel it.
- 4:00 PM: Attempted to find the "inner peace" everyone raves about. Sat in the courtyard, trying to meditate. A rogue hummingbird nearly gave me a caffeine-induced panic attack, buzzing right by my ear. Fail.
- 5:00 PM: Wondered if a margarita could induce enlightenment. The answer: yes. (And probably a hangover). Had my first taco of the trip, which was the best taco I've ever had.
- 7:00 PM: Rambled around the town square. The lights, the music, the sheer life of it all was breathtaking.
- 8:00 PM: Stumbled upon a mariachi band. Got absolutely swept up in the rhythm. Briefly considered quitting my life and becoming a dancer. My feet weren’t exactly in sync, but the joy was real.
- 9:00 PM: Ended the night nursing a cerveza and contemplating life, the universe, and why I didn't learn more Spanish before leaving. Slept fitfully, haunted by the monk's judgmental gaze.
Day 2: Delving Into the Baroque (and Maybe Running Away)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Posada: fresh fruit, surprisingly good coffee (thank the heavens), and a side of existential questioning. The monk still looms.
- 10:00 AM: The Colegio de San Francisco Javier. Okay, wow. The architecture is mind-blowing. Every inch is carved, gilded, screaming with detail. I got a neck cramp just from looking up. Honestly, I felt a bit overwhelmed, like I was supposed to understand all of this, but I got the feeling that I was supposed to be touched by the place. I was.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local fonda. Ordered something I think translates to "chicken stew." The waiter, a sweet, elderly man, spoke almost no English, and I spoke equally little Spanish, but we managed. The food was divine, the conversation was an adventure in itself.
- 1:30 PM: The Museo Nacional del Virreinato. More baroque, more history…it's all a bit much to be honest. I felt this burning desire to take a nap right there in front of all those fancy paintings.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Doubled down on the experience. This wasn't on the agenda, but I spent an entire afternoon at the Colegio. I just wanted to soak it all in. I ended up sitting for hours in the chapel, just listening to the silence. The way the sunlight hit the gold leaf was just…magical. I felt a connection to something ancient, something bigger than myself. It sounds cheesy, I know.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the town square. Another amazing meal, some delicious wine. The town was buzzing with a sense of community. I felt like I was a part of it.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the Posada. The monk's gaze seems softer tonight. Maybe I'm developing Stockholm Syndrome…or maybe I'm actually starting to get the hang of this whole "being present" thing.
Day 3: The Unexpected Detour (and the Quest for the Perfect Churro)
- 9:00 AM: Decided to take a cooking class in the morning. I have no cooking skills to speak of. Might cause a serious disaster.
- 10:00 AM: A cooking class. It was a total disaster. Okay, not disaster, but I almost set my apron on fire. I managed to create some beautiful salsa! And eat all of it.
- 12:00 PM: Stumbled upon a local market. The smells, the colors, the sheer organized chaos! Bought some trinkets, probably way too many, but what are vacations for?
- 1:00 PM: The quest for the perfect churro. It became my single-minded mission. Tried churros from three different places. The last place? Heaven. Crunchy, sweet, a perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar. The best moment of my life so far.
- 2:00 PM: Time to go home. My heart is heavy, but I know that this trip will stay with me forever.
Random Thoughts and Observations:
- The dust bunnies in my room at the Posada are probably older than me.
- I need to learn more Spanish. Or at least, how to order coffee.
- The people are lovely. So kind, so welcoming, so patient with my terrible language skills.
- I left a part of myself here. I don’t know how to explain it. But I feel it.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is a suggestion, a suggestion of chaos. Your experience may vary. You may not encounter any dust bunnies. You may definitely find the perfect churro. And you might, just might, find a little piece of yourself along the way. And the monk? He might just be smiling now. Enjoy!
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Relaxation Awaits at Relaxful Hotel, Luang Prabang
Okay, so... Posada del Fraile. Is it actually a "hidden gem" or just another overpriced Instagram trap?
Alright, alright, let's address the elephant in the colonial courtyard: the "hidden gem" trope. Honestly? It *kinda* is. The Fraile isn't some secret handshake place only the cool kids know. It's become a (deservedly) popular spot. Instagram? Oh, yeah. You'll see it. EVERYWHERE. BUT… and this is a big but… there's a reason. The *sense* of hidden-ness is still there, especially if you're wandering around Tepotzotlán in general. It feels like stumbling into something *special*, not just another cookie-cutter hotel. Walking through those ancient walls, I genuinely felt a historical weight, like the ghosts of monks were judging my questionable Spanish. Okay, maybe that was just the margaritas talking.
What's the vibe like? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Haunted by extremely judgmental nuns?
Okay, *vibe*. Think… a slightly faded, beautifully dusty, but utterly charming telenovela set. Romantic? ABSOLUTELY. Waking up to the sound of church bells and the smell of fresh coffee – it's practically begging you to start a passionate affair. With, like, the architecture. Family-friendly? Hmm... Kinda. I'm not sure I'd bring super young, rambunctious children. It's more "refined chill" than "toddler takeover." More like, "a nice quiet time" than, "a wild loud time". And the nuns? Look, there's a *lot* of history there (it was once a monastery, duh). I didn't *see* any ghosts, but I definitely felt a presence. A stoic… yet, maybe slightly approving, air about the place.
What's the food like? Because, let's be honest, food is critical. Tell me about Breakfast!
Okay, food. The *real* reason to go. Breakfast, specifically. Oh. My. GOD. I still dream of the breakfast. The *chilaquiles*. Crispy. Cheesy. Perfect. The way the salsa clung to them was a masterpiece of culinary art! And the fresh fruit? Seriously, the sweetest mango I've ever had. Seriously, I took like four. Don't judge me. You've been warned... you will overeat. I remember a moment, eating outside, with the church bells, and it hit me like this wave of contentment, a feeling of sheer, blissful, *this-is-what-life-is-about*. Then, I dropped a chilaquil on my shirt. Okay, not perfect, but close. Dinner? Also excellent. Traditional Mexican fare with a touch of elegance. Definitely try the Mole Poblano. You might need a nap afterwards. I definitely did.
Let's talk rooms: What's the deal?
Rooms... okay, prepare for a little bit of a *character*. They're not your sterile, minimalist hotel rooms. They're full of heavy wooden furniture, and maybe a tiny bit (delightfully) wonky. Remember, it's an old monastery. You're getting a slice of history. They're comfortable, but not in that generic, bland way. Some have balconies, some overlook the courtyard. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Those church bells...they ring at *all* hours. But honestly? I found it charming. It added to the whole experience. It was just, like, the very first time I woke up was disorienting (you get very thirsty after a night of tequila).
What's there to *do* in Tepotzotlán besides eat, drink, and stare at pretty architecture?
Okay, so Tepotzotlán itself is adorable. Walk around the plaza(I did this at least three times per day). Visit the Temple of San Francisco Javier (that's what makes the place worth it). Shop. Eat more food. There's a little museum. Honestly though? I spent most of my time just… *being*. Reading a book in the courtyard. Sipping coffee. Wandering around the cobblestone streets. It's a place to disconnect, which is exactly what I needed. The vibe just demands it.
Okay, but… any downsides? Spills the tea!
Alright, the truth. Okay, it's not *perfect*. The internet can be a little spotty. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds. This is a place to unplug! Also, the prices are creeping up, and they aren't the *cheapest*. It isn't "budget travel". But… I'd still say it's worth it. I'm a total cheapskate and even *I* would go back. Also, the walls are THIN. Seriously, I could hear the guy in the next room snoring. And I'm a *deep* sleeper. Not a deal-breaker though. The other thing? Getting there. Tepotzotlán is a little outside Mexico City. Uber? Possible, although a little pricey. The buses are reliable and cheap, but a little crowded. Plan accordingly, especially if you're prone to motion sickness (like, me).
Would you go back? And if so, *when* is the absolute best time to visit?
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Actually... I'm already looking at my calendar. Best time to visit? Okay, here's the pro tip: Avoid the big holidays. The place will be PACKED. Shoulder season (spring or fall) is perfect. The weather is gorgeous, the crowds are thinner, and you'll get a more authentic experience. And if you can swing it? Go mid-week. Trust me. You'll have a better chance of snagging a balcony room, and those chilaquiles… well, they'll taste even *more* heavenly.
So, the absolute BEST memory you have?
Okay, so, that first breakfast. The chilaquiles, fine. But then, there was this… this MAGICAL moment. The sun *just* peaking over the courtyard walls, casting this golden glow on everything. The air was crisp, I could smell the coffee brewing, and the faintest hint of something floral I couldn't quite place... Maybe roses from the courtyard. Or… the lingering scent of, I don't know... the ancient monks? WhateverUrban Hotel Search
