The Hotel Margaritas, Sahuayo

Last year, when we went to Sahuayo for our first Tlahualiles parade, we stayed at a large hotel near the highway that runs through Sahuayo, Michocan, Mexico.  It was fine, but was located four or five long blocks from the Plaza and the areas of the most activity during Sahuayo’s patronales festival. 

So while we were in town, we kept our eyes open for something closer to the fun.  And we found it….the Hotel Margaritas, a great 18 room little place located about one block from the Plaza, half a block from the large mercado [central market], and a block from our good parade watching site.  Once we got a look inside the hotel last year, it was want at first sight, so several months ago I began an email correspondence with the owner of the Hotel Margaritas, Gilberto Sanchez Arceo, and we booked our two rooms for this year’s fiesta.

And what a great decision it was to stay there!  Not only was the location great, Gilberto and his staff were unbelieveably accommodating.  We were only there for two nights, but we left feeling like part of the family…..almost literally in the case of Gilberto, since we also met his daughter, granddaughter, and almost son in law during our stay!

From the street, the Hotel Margaritas is an unprepossessing kinda place.  We knew the rooms would be “interesting” because we had checked the out on the hotel’s website:  http://www.sahuayohotel.com/nuevo/acommodations.php.  What we didn’t know was how much time and money had been put into upgrading the facilities since those pictures were taken. 

Now there still might be a room with the hanging beds [oh, man, i HOPE there is!], but walls have been painted, new flooring put down, and amenities greatly increased.  All without losing the original quirky charm of the place!  Each room now contains a dorm sized refrigerator, a microwave, cups, glasses, bowls, and silverware, as well as a large flat screen TV and DVD player, and brand new 3 in 1 airconditioner, dehumidifier, and air cleaner.

So that cheek by jowl with this:  

 

and this:

are things like these: 

And as much fun as the rooms are, the entrance and front desk areas are even better!  Looking for a hotel that combines old and new?  Museum and high tech?  Then this is the place for you. 

Coming through that rather unassuming little front door, you walk into this:

which, although narrow, includes things like this:

 

Okay, let’s play a little guessing game.  These signs are painted on the wall above what? 

Yep, the public restrooms on the first floor by the front desk.  First of all, this is an excellent idea because don’t you often do the pee pee dance while waiting to check in?  Okay, maybe that’s just me.  But, if not, then you too will love the idea that not only are facilities available right there, but that they can look like this from the outside: 

And here are a few closeups of the beautiful windows and doors going into the restrooms:

But, honestly, what can make your hotel stay memorable isn’t just the decor.  It’s often the people that make the difference between a good stay and a great one.  And the Hotel Margaritas has some wonderful folks! 

First and foremost was the great and muy guapo [go ahead, look it up!] owner, Gilberto Sanchez.  And, MY BAD, I don’t have any pictures of him, although we saw him often!  Suffice to say, he is, as my landlady Nonie said after seeing his picture on Facebook, the Juan [Sean] Connery of Sahuayo!!!  

He is very ably assisted by his onsite manager, Luis Felipe, who …. regardless of this picture …. is the most friendly, smiling, and helpful guy!  [You know how young men always want to look cool when having their pictures taken!]

And the always smiling and extremely helpful Claudia, our housekeeper extraordinaire:

And, finally, I would like to show you my favorite thing in our room.  Again, it’s a guessing game.  What is this that I would love so much???

Yep, that’s our shower stall.  Not only is it beautiful, it has tons of hot water and a great shower head.  All four of us spent an inordinate amount of time in it!  Oh, but not altogether at the same time!!!  [Kinky!]

So if you’re going to Sahuayo, Michoacan, Mexico….and you should!….plan your stay at the Hotel Margaritas!  And, Gilberto, after looking at the pictures on your website again, I suddenly realize why you wanted me to take more pictures of the hotel rooms!  And I WILL be back soon to do so!