PICTURED: THE INCREDIBLE 'SECRET PALACE' BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN MEXICO THAT'S DECKED OUT 'LIKE AN ART GALLERY'

El Palacito Secreto Luxury Boutique Hotel sits in the historic centre of Mérida
It boasts a landscaped garden and a large terrace surrounded by columns
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It's a hotel in Mexico, but once inside, guests could be forgiven for thinking they've stepped back in time to a 19th-century French palace.

Welcome to El Palacito Secreto Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa, a property in the historic centre of Merida, in the Yucatan, that claims to capture 'the spectacular French architecture that had an influence on the city' in the 1800s.

Pictures show that it certainly lives up to its name, which means 'secret palace' in Spanish.

'Authentic period furniture' abounds, with one guest describing how it's decked out 'like an art gallery'.

There's also a 12-metre swimming pool, a landscaped garden and a large terrace surrounded by columns and arches.

The eight suites available include 'casita', which offers guests two rooms with a king and double bed, pool views, floor-to-ceiling windows and a patio with plush outdoor sofas. The king-size bed in the 'Alicia' suite is decorated with red and gold velvet and an ivory-coloured bed hanging.

'Isabella' has a private entrance and garden views as well as a wall tapestry and bathtub, whereas 'Natalia' has an outdoor dining spot and grand wooden furniture alongside golden decor.

The 'Marie Antoinette' suite, named after the French Queen who was put to death in 1793, offers guests an extra large double bed, pool view, private entrance and a living room with sofas as well as a bath, outdoor dining area and patio.

The boutique hotel is well located for those who want to see the local sights. It is just a 10-minute walk from Paseo de Montejo - an avenue filled with fine mansions built in Mérida by wealthy families of the past.

Mérida Cathedral is also a short walk away as is the Yucatán International Congress Center, while holidaymakers who go a little further will find cenotes - natural swimming pools formed when a sinkhole reveals groundwater - and ancient Mayan ruins.

On booking.com, former guests left reviews praising the 'secret palace'.

'Carmen', from Chile, wrote: 'The place is beautiful, the hotel is really nice.'

While 'Ruby', from Mexico, said: 'We liked everything! It's a spectacular hotel!

'Incredible decoration with unique pieces like an art gallery. We stayed in the Marie Antoinette suite and loved every detail, as well as the service and included breakfast.'

The hotel's website states: 'This is a true a refuge of relaxation, serenity and privacy.'

The nearest airport to El Palacito Secreto is Manuel Crescencio Rejón Airport, which is six kilometres away.

Rooms at the 'Secret Palace' boutique hotel cost from £153 ($195) per night for two guests. The Marie Antoinette is priced from £300 ($383) a night. Visit: booking.com.

2024-08-12T15:35:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd