Escape to Paradise: Hotel Florencia, Querétaro's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Florencia, Querétaro – My Chaotic, Unexpectedly Wonderful Love Letter (and a Seriously Good Deal!)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on Hotel Florencia in Querétaro. Forget those perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real deal. And let me tell you, real is often delightfully messy, surprisingly awesome, and sometimes, just plain bonkers. This review? It's going to be all of that. I'm talking honest opinions, unexpected tangents, and the lowdown on whether this hidden gem is truly worth escaping to.
First Impressions and Arrival: Does it Really Live Up to the Hype?
So, accessibility first, because, hello, modern world? Hotel Florencia boasts wheelchair accessibility, which automatically elevates it in my book. I wasn't on wheels, thankfully, but seeing those ramps and elevators (yes, an elevator! Hallelujah!) made me feel a little less anxious about potential mobility issues. The 24-hour front desk is a godsend, especially after a long flight, and the doorman welcomed me with a smile, which is always a nice touch.
Getting Around & Creature Comforts:
- Airport transfer: Yes! Thank goodness.
- Car park [free of charge]: Huge bonus. Querétaro is a beautiful city, but parking can be a nightmare.
- Car park [on-site]: Another convenience.
- Taxi service: Available!
The Room – My Personal Oasis of Clutter (and Bliss)
Okay, let's talk room-specifics. My room? It had air conditioning (essential in Querétaro!), free Wi-Fi (thank you, baby Jesus!), and blackout curtains. Those curtains are worth their weight in gold after a night of margaritas. I also had a desk, which was perfect for pretending to work while actually staring out the window (don't judge). The bathroom was clean and had complimentary toiletries, and even a hair dryer! Little details which adds good value to the room.
Now, let's get real. My room was a bit messy. I'm not a neat freak. I'm more of a "stuff strategically placed" kind of person and that's ok, right? The daily housekeeping was an absolute LIFESAVER, though. They swooped in every day and tidied up my chaos, and trust me, it needed it. They also left fresh slippers which became my best friend.
The non-smoking room was a relief, and the soundproofing was genuinely impressive. I barely heard a peep from the outside world, which allowed me to fully relax and enjoy it.
Internet Access and Tech Stuff: Connectivity is Key!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Big win.
- Internet – LAN - Nice if you need it, good for gamers and business meetings.
- * Internet services - Everything is available.
I'm a digital nomad, basically, so Wi-Fi is my lifeline. The free Wi-Fi in the rooms was fast enough for my needs, and I was able to upload videos and check emails without any major headaches. The hotel also offered Internet [LAN] if you really need a wired connection, and Internet services that help you to fully enjoy all features.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Delightful Adventure
Okay, food! This is where things get really interesting. Hotel Florencia understands that eating is an experience, not just a necessary evil.
- A la carte in restaurant YES
- Alternative meal arrangement Yes!
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant - I did not try it, but the possibility is welcome.
- Bar - Great atmosphere.
- Bottle of water - Always a welcome.
- Breakfast [buffet] - Awesome for me
- Breakfast service - Great!
- Buffet in restaurant - A paradise for me.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant - Always available.
- Coffee shop - I'd wish that was available.
- Desserts in restaurant - I did not see, but it would be welcome.
- Happy hour - Very good atmosphere.
- International cuisine in restaurant - That is welcome.
- Poolside bar - I had a great evening there.
- Restaurants - The food is great
The breakfast buffet was an absolute beast. I'm talking mountains of fresh fruit, fluffy pastries, and enough eggs to feed a small army. I may have, ahem, indulged a little. Okay, a lot. The coffee was strong and the service friendly.
The restaurants themselves are fantastic experiences, offering international cuisine, which is great. The poolside bar is a must-do for sunset cocktails. They also offer room service [24-hour] perfect for those late-night snack attacks. Salad, Soup, and other amenities are well available.
Wellness and Relaxation: A Sanctuary for My Weary Soul
Okay, this is where Hotel Florencia truly shines. They get it. They understand that travel can be exhausting, and sometimes, you just need to melt.
- Body scrub - Could not try it.
- Body wrap - Could not try it.
- Fitness center - Yes.
- Foot bath - Not yet.
- Gym/fitness - Pretty good.
- Massage - I could not try it.
- Pool with view - YES
- Sauna - YES!
- Spa - YES!!!
- Spa/sauna - YES!
- Steamroom - YES!
- Swimming pool - YES!!!
- Swimming pool [outdoor] - YES!!!
I spent a solid hour in the sauna one afternoon, sweating out all the bad decisions I'd made that week. Let me tell you, it was glorious. Then, I took a dip in the outdoor swimming pool with a view. I felt like I'd found a little slice of heaven! It's a great place to relax and enjoy the afternoon.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
- Anti-viral cleaning products - Yes
- Breakfast in room - Yes
- Breakfast takeaway service
- Cashless payment service - Yes
- Daily disinfection in common areas - Yes
- Doctor/nurse on call - Yes
- First aid kit - Yes
- Hand sanitizer - Yes
- Hot water linen and laundry washing - Yes
- Hygiene certification - Yes
- Individually-wrapped food options - Yes
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter - Yes
- Professional-grade sanitizing services - Yes
- Room sanitization opt-out available - Yes
- Rooms sanitized between stays - Yes
- Safe dining setup - Yes
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items - Yes
- Shared stationery removed - Great.
- Staff trained in safety protocol - Yes
- Sterilizing equipment - Yes
This is important, especially in the current climate. I felt safe and secure throughout my stay. The hotel had clearly taken precautions, with hand sanitizer readily available and staff trained in safety protocols. The daily disinfection of common areas gave me peace of mind, and the room sanitization between stays was reassuring. They had many features.
Other Cool Stuff (Because I Like Cool Stuff!)
- Air conditioning in public area - great!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events - Nice.
- Business facilities - Good.
- Cash withdrawal - Useful
- Concierge - Very helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out - Good.
- Convenience store - Great!
- Currency exchange - Good!
- Daily housekeeping - Great!
- Doorman - Always good.
- Dry cleaning - Useful.
- Elevator - Great!
- Essential condiments - Great!
- Facilities for disabled guests - Good.
- Food delivery - Welcome.
- Gift/souvenir shop - Good.
- Indoor venue for special events - Great.
- Invoice provided - Great.
- Ironing service - Good.
- Laundry service - Useful.
- Luggage storage - Great.
- Meeting/banquet facilities - Nice.
- Meetings - Sure.
- Meeting stationery - useful.
- On-site event hosting - useful.
- Outdoor venue for special events - Nice!
- Projector/LED display - useful.
Hotel Florencia Queretaro: My Messy Mexican Rhapsody (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Tile)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, pre-packaged itinerary. This is real travel, the kind where you trip over your own feet, get ridiculously lost, and maybe (just maybe) find a little bit of yourself along the way. We're talking Hotel Florencia Queretaro, and my emotional rollercoaster ride through this gorgeous colonial city.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Tile Crisis
12:00 PM: Taxi chaos. Let me tell you, finding a legit taxi from the Queretaro airport feels like surviving the Hunger Games. Finally, sweat dripping, Spanish skills tested (mostly found wanting), and my luggage looking like it had a wrestling match with a cactus, I arrive at the Hotel Florencia. First impressions: Stunning. The courtyard? Lush. The architecture? Insta-worthy. The lobby? Smells faintly of lilies and possibility.
1:00 PM: Check-in. Smooth, thankfully. My room is… well, it's perfect. High ceilings, a balcony overlooking something I'm pretty sure is a church, and the tile. Oh, the tile. It's everywhere! Intricate, colorful, and… overwhelming. I swear, I spent a solid 15 minutes just staring at the bathroom floor. Was I going to be able to handle it? This tile situation? It was almost too beautiful.
1:30 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Food? Okay. Service? A little… leisurely. I’m starting to realize that “mañana” isn’t just a word in Mexico, it’s a lifestyle. Ordered enchiladas, ended up with something… different. But who cares? I'm in Mexico! Embrace the mystery meat! (Just kidding, it was chicken, but still…)
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Free Time! I desperately tried to explore the city, but I got completely lost within 20 minutes. The streets are confusing, and my sense of direction is… abysmal. Ended up wandering aimlessly, sweating profusely, and contemplating the meaning of life in a dusty little plaza. Found a cute little ice cream shop, though. The mango paleta saved my soul.
6:00 PM: Back at the hotel, exhausted. Showered (and had a moment of profound appreciation for the tile), and collapsed on the bed. The weight of the world, or at least the weight of my backpack, lifted.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel. (Finally, food that tasted like actual food!) Tried some local specialties. Had a chat with a lovely waiter who spoke perfect English. (Thank god!)
9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Sat on my balcony, staring at the church across the street, drinking a cheap bottle of wine I'd bought at a tiny bodega. The night air was warm, the bells were ringing. I’m starting to think this city has a certain magic. Maybe I will survive, maybe I'll enjoy Mexico. Tomorrow, more tile adventures await.
Day 2: The Quest for Churros & a Monumental Blunder (and Redemption)
8:00 AM: Breakfast: The hotel breakfast was a revelation! They had chilaquiles! I ate enough to fuel a small army!
9:00 AM: Determined to conquer the city. Made it to the aqueduct! It's HUGE! Stood there, mouth agape. Took a million photos. Felt like a proper tourist, and I don't even care.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The churro-hunt. This occupied a large portion of my day. After an hour of asking for directions, I finally found a tiny, unassuming churro stand. The churros? Glorious. Warm, crispy, dusted with sugar. I could have eaten a dozen. I probably should have.
12:00 PM: Monumental Blunder. Visited the "Museo Regional de Querétaro". The museum was interesting! But I accidentally took a picture of a sign that said "NO PHOTOS". Oops. I'm sure I'm now on some kind of "Most Wanted Tourist" list.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch. I felt like I deserved a medal for my churro quest. Went to a restaurant and indulged in a massive plate of tacos. Regret? Zero.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The church visit. I went to a church, and it was stunningly beautiful. The gold leaf, the paintings, the sheer grandeur …it was a religious experience, or at least a very aesthetically pleasing one.
6:00 PM: Back to the Hotel, defeated. I needed to rest. The day had been a lot.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant near the hotel. I watched the locals talking and laughing, something that I could never, ever do.
9:00 PM: Back in my room. Still thinking about the tile. I think…I might be in love. (With the tile, not the hotel, although the hotel is pretty great too.) I can handle this city.
Day 3: Queretaro's Hidden Gems & Goodbye (For Now)
9:00 AM: One last breakfast. Chilaquiles, again. No regrets.
10:00 AM: Exploring. I started off strong, finding myself just wandering, no direction.
12:00 PM: Lunch: Finding another street vendor! I ate something I couldn't identify but was absolutely delicious.
2:00 PM: Time for goodbye, sadly.
3:00 PM: Taxi to airport. This time, I survived.
Final Thoughts on Hotel Florencia & Queretaro:
Honestly? This trip was a mess. I got lost, I embarrassed myself, and I probably offended a few locals. But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Queretaro is a city that whispers secrets, and Hotel Florencia is the perfect place to listen. It feels like a living piece of history. It's beautiful, charming, and, yes, even the tile is starting to feel like home. So, go! Go to Queretaro, get lost in its streets, eat all the churros, and soak up the magic. And remember, even the most disastrous trips can be the most rewarding.
Unbelievable Đà Lạt Villa: Luxury & Views You Won't Believe!
Q: Is Hotel Florencia *really* a "hidden gem"? I see that phrase everywhere. Is it just hype?
Oh, the "hidden gem" thing? Yeah, I'd heard it too. And, honestly? It's partially true. Listen, Querétaro itself is pretty stunning; it's got this colonial beauty that'll knock your socks off. Florencia? It *is* tucked away. You won't stumble upon it. You'll have to *find* it. So in that sense, yeah, hidden. But gem? Hmm... Let's just say it's a gem with a couple of flaws. Like that quirky aunt who always tells the best stories but forgets to wear matching socks. You know the type.
Q: What's the vibe like? Is it romantic, family-friendly, party central?
Okay, here's the deal. Romantic? *Potentially*. If you're easily charmed by bougainvillea-draped courtyards and the faint scent of history. I went with my *then* partner (relationship status: now complicated) for a romantic getaway. It *started* romantic, you know? Candlelit dinner under the stars, fancy cocktails, everything. But then… more on that later.
Family-friendly? I'd say it’s *tolerable*. There were kids there when I went. They weren't, like, screaming banshees running amok, but they were *there*. The pool is small-ish though. Definitely not a water park situation. Party central? Absolutely not. Unless you consider a quiet evening of sipping mezcal on your balcony a party. Which, honestly, after the day I had, *I* did.
Q: The pool looks nice in the pictures. Is it actually good?
The pool. Ah, yes, the pool. Look, it *is* lovely to look at. Sparkling blue, surrounded by pretty stonework. However… let's just say it’s not exactly Olympic size. You're not going to rack up any serious laps. More like a leisurely dip and some serious lounging. I was *really* looking forward to a swim after getting lost *again* trying to find the hotel’s parking (seriously, the signage there is a *nightmare*). Turns out the water was freezing. Freezing! Okay, fine, I’m a wimp, but it wasn’t what I’d envisioned. I survived. Barely. The margarita I ordered helped immensely.
Q: What about the food? Is the restaurant any good?
The food is a mixed bag. The breakfast buffet was… adequate. Think standard continental fare, with some delicious authentic Mexican pastries. The coffee was strong, which was a godsend after the parking kerfuffle. Dinner at the hotel restaurant was pretty good, but a little pricey, but the ambiance was really special. The grilled fish I had was divine. Especially because it got me out of the argument with my partner. The waiter had a way of knowing we needed a break. He was the real gem, if you ask me.
Q: How's the service? Is it friendly and helpful?
Okay, this is where it gets… complicated. Some staff members were absolute angels. The waiter at dinner, the cleaning lady, the guy who finally helped me find the parking after I spent 20 minutes driving in circles. But, there were also moments of… *less* efficiency. Like when I tried to order room service and got a busy signal three times. Or when the front desk couldn't find my reservation (minor panic attack ensued). So, it's a mixed bag. Be patient. And maybe learn some basic Spanish. Helps a lot.
Q: Is there anything specifically that I should be aware of before booking? Any real downsides?
Okay, here's the truth bomb. The *biggest* downside, in my opinion, is the lack of consistent Wi-Fi. It's spotty at best. So, if you're relying on it for work, or even just to post those Instagram-worthy photos (ahem), prepare for some frustration. Also, the parking situation. Seriously, the signage. And the road is a bit bumpy to get there. And sometimes the hot water takes a minute. Other things, like that the room has a little patio, which is nice, but then there are the mosquitos, which are decidedly *not* nice. Oh! Don't expect the rooms to be huge. They're cozy, which is to say they are tight. Also, there were ants in my room. Just, you know, a few. Maybe. Okay, maybe a lot. I didn't even realize it at first, but yeah – ants. That’s one thing I didn’t expect. And let's not forget, it's not a *luxury* hotel. It's charming, but… it has its quirks. Prepare for those, and you'll be fine.
Q: Would you recommend it? And, like, *really* recommend it?
Okay. Let's be honest, I was hoping for more from the place. I think it’s a really good hotel if you're on a budget, or if you value the beauty of being a little bit outside of the norm. It *can* be a fantastic experience. If you can roll with the punches, and embrace the imperfections, it's truly special. If you're looking for a flawless, stress-free experience? Maybe not. But if you're looking for an authentic Querétaro experience, a bit of adventure, and a story to tell? Then yeah, I *do* recommend it. Just go in with your eyes open, your expectations tempered, and maybe bring some bug spray. And *definitely* learn some Spanish. Seriously, it helps.
Q: Any advice for someone who *does* book?
Okay, final thoughts. Pack light. Embrace the unexpected. Bring earplugs (if you're a light sleeper, because the sound of the fountain is very alluring, but can get old). Pack bug spray, no matter what you think. Double-check your reservation details. Bring a book to read by the pool – but maybe don’t expect to actually *read* it unless you’re really lucky with the Wi-Fi. And most importantly? Be flexible. Querétaro itself is stunning enough to make up for any flaws in the hotel. And if you have a bit of patience, and a sense of humor, you might just end up having a truly memorable trip. And if you see a woman fumbling with a map, looking utterly lost and slightly hysterical? Say hello. It might be me. Again.
