Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas

This historical hacienda offers a truly unique and memorable experience, transporting guests back in time with its well-maintained grounds, palatial suites, and centuries-old architecture dating back to 1521. It is celebrated for its relaxing atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and attentive service, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic escape, families looking for a tranquil retreat, or groups of friends on a weekend getaway. The property is also a popular choice for event attendees, particularly weddings, and serves as a perfect escape from daily routines for stress-relief seekers. To ensure the most serene experience, guests are advised to check the hotel's event schedule, as wedding preparations can sometimes impact quiet enjoyment. Additionally, bringing mosquito repellent is recommended to enhance comfort during your stay.

Facilities & Amenities
The hacienda boasts an array of impressive facilities designed for relaxation and activity. Most guests praise the swimming pool, often described as heated and maintained at an ideal temperature, though a few found it cold. The expansive and exquisite grounds feature lush gardens, waterfalls, and numerous hidden corners perfect for exploration, including a cozy library. For recreation, guests can enjoy horseback riding within the property and a tennis court. While the hotel offers Wi-Fi throughout, some guests reported poor signal or no internet access in certain areas, including the most luxurious suites. It's important to note that the historical nature of the property means it lacks modern conveniences like elevators or key card door locks. Some areas of the property may also be restricted or appear neglected due to ongoing event preparations.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many guests found the rooms to be beautiful, spacious, and uniquely decorated, often described as works of art that transport them to another era. The amenities are generally considered first-class, and the rooms are typically found to be clean. However, some reviews highlight significant issues, including finding cigarette butts upon arrival, yellow-stained towels, dusty lamps, and cobwebs in various areas, suggesting inconsistent housekeeping. Opinions on bed comfort are mixed, with some finding mattresses too soft for effective rest, while others describe them as very hard. A recurring concern is the lack of air conditioning, which can be problematic in hot weather, along with missing in-room conveniences like a mini-fridge or coffee maker. Some rooms are noted as being dark, with poorly located or small televisions.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant generally receives positive feedback for its food quality and presentation. Many guests describe the cuisine as delicious, with an authentic Mexican flavor and a comforting homemade taste. The waiters are frequently commended for their attentiveness and professionalism. Popular recommendations include the vegetarian lasagna and specific desserts like the championship chocolate dessert and flambéed bananas. However, some guests expressed disappointment, noting that certain dishes, such as pasta and breaded shrimp, lacked flavor. While the food is often praised, a few guests felt that the menu and overall quality did not always align with the cost. It is important to note that access to the restaurant often requires a prior appointment, and some guests mentioned the absence of a dedicated children's menu.

Location & Accessibility
The hacienda's location is a significant draw for guests seeking a tranquil escape, being conveniently situated a couple of hours from Mexico City. It serves as an excellent base for day trips to nearby cultural sites like Taxco and Xochicalco. While many find the access to the property straightforward, some guests have reported challenges with poor road conditions in the vicinity and a lack of clear signage on navigation apps, leading to difficulties in finding the correct turn-off. The hotel is largely a self-contained destination, offering ample activities within its grounds, which means proximity to external tourist attractions is less critical for a fulfilling stay. Parking is available and included with the stay, providing convenience for guests arriving by car.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably mixed, ranging from highly positive to significantly negative. Many guests consistently praise the majority of the staff for being attentive, friendly, cordial, helpful, and professional, highlighting their dedication and pride in their work. Specific mentions include excellent service from waiters and personalized attention. However, a concerning number of reviews detail negative experiences, particularly regarding a specific manager, citing slow service, perceived discriminatory behavior, and unhelpful responses to issues. Some guests also reported check-in delays and a lack of staff presence at the reception after midnight. There are also complaints about external visitors being allowed into the property, which some guests felt compromised the exclusive atmosphere and led to a decline in overall service quality.

Additional Information
This historic property, dating back to 1521, frequently functions as a wedding venue, which can significantly impact the guest experience. During event preparations, guests have reported noticeable noise, restricted access to certain areas, and staff being preoccupied with wedding logistics, sometimes even leading to the temporary closure of the pool area due to maintenance treatments. The hotel enforces a minimum stay of three days. Some guests have raised concerns about the property's atmosphere being altered by the presence of external visitors who are allowed access for dining, leading to a perception of the luxurious hacienda feeling more like a public recreational area. Furthermore, guests have noted issues with vegetation burning on the property at night, causing smoke and unpleasant odors to enter rooms, and have suggested the need for accessibility ramps for disabled guests.