Saltillo Resorts & Hotels

Saltillo (population 850,000) is the capital city of the northern Mexican state of Coahuila and is located roughly 200 miles south of the Texas border. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1577 and was once known as the "entryway to the land within" because travelers gathered supplies here before heading north. Saltillo been ranked as one of the best Mexican cities in which to live and is flanked by mountains and desert. It is recognized for its tile products, sarapes (colorful woven blankets and garments) and its automobile manufacturing, producing nearly 40% of Mexico's cars and 60% of its trucks. U.S. automobile giants Chrysler and General Motors both have large assembly plants here.

This region's climate is hot and dry with lots of sun; Saltillo vacations are rarely ruined by bad weather, and there is plenty to see and do. The city's architectural styles range from the 16th century (the Parroquia of San Esteban) to the 19th century (the Government Palace and the Casino of Saltillo). Must-see museums include the Museo del Desierto (with a collection that highlights biodiversity in the Chihuahuan Desert), the Museo de las Aves de México (bird specimens from all over Mexico) and the Centro Cultural Vito Alessio (an 18th century collection of documents and antiquities). The Cathedral of Santiago is another of the Saltillo's important landmarks. Built between 1745 and 1800, this impressive structure features garlanded Solomonic Baroque columns that resemble those at Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.

The Mercado Juarez is a shopping bazaar where nearly anything can be purchased. Items include gold-trimmed sombreros, ceramics, toys, leather boots, meat products and baskets. And nearby, the Plaza Manuel Acuña is a pleasant gathering place with lush vegetation and pretty street lamps. Although Saltillo does not have an active nightlife, it does have a good selection of tasty restaurants. Local cuisine includes steaks, walnut empanadas (pastry), pulque bread, chicharron de adilla (pork rinds) and milk candies for desert. Saltillo also enjoys its festivals, including the Anniversary of Saltillo, a celebration that marks the city's foundation. Held over nine days in July, it brings residents together in a festive ambiance.

Most Saltillo resorts and hotels are on the European plan. This means that, unlike an all-inclusive resort or hotel, only the room is included in the price. Everything else, including meals and activities, is an extra cost. While not as large as some other Mexico cities, Saltillo has a good selection of lodging.

Camino Real is a favorite Saltillo hotel and is a safe, modern, 164-room property with lush gardens, a swimming pool and a putting green. Rooms each have satellite television, minibar and telephone with dataport.

Hotel Rancho El Morillo is a quiet, slightly rustic Saltillo hotel with no telephones and no TV. A Saltillo vacation here is marked by beautiful gardens, clean rooms and solitude.

The Qunita Real Saltillo hotel is a simple but comfortable property and offers pretty décor, tile floors, large rooms and an attentive staff.