Unassuming looking entrance belies comforts inside |
We needed a modern and convenient hotel in which to stay in Morelia following surgery. After staying at Turotel, we are not surprised that it has won TripAdvisers' reviewers' First Place in the Hotel category for Morelia.
Among the attractions for us were its location, on the eastern outskirts of the city; not in the beloved, charming but traffic clogged central part of the city. Other attractions were the breakfast buffet and room service. We made use of both and were pleased by the freshness of the food and the speed of room service. (Albeit that all we ordered was juice and mineral water, but even though it was at 1 o'clock in the morning, it took only 5 minutes for room service to deliver the drinks.)
Most important of all, our room was spacious, with two double beds, an ample desk, a comfortable easy chair, a large dresser with huge drawers and a small but adequate lavatory-bathroom combination. More on that in a moment.
Image from Turotel website |
The beds were very comfortable, the bed linens sleek and soothing and the pillows soft.
I was a little nervous at first parking outside, in front of the lobby, and not in some locked compound. But apparently Security is vigilant and we passed 5 nights in all without incident.
Housekeeping was spotless and detail oriented.
There is a small but pleasant pool on a first floor terrace and a lounging area with tables and deck chairs. It's pleasant, but a very minor attraction for us, as is the small adjacent gym room.
Internet access is very important to us, and here there was some faltering, as our connection would at times fade unexpectedly. However, several wifi routers were detectable and if necessary, I could go to the lobby, where there was always a strong signal.
Now to the lavatory-bathroom: the lavatory was of a high standard, with all the amenities and these of high quality. The door to the toilet and shower is positioned in such away that it is impossible for two persons to enter if one is seated. (Please, don't laugh.) Once inside, the toilet is fine. The shower stall is fully tiled and the supply of hot water quick to arrive and above all, abundant. It's a joy to use the shower. Towels were plentiful, although a bit rough.
We opted for the SuperAhorros plan in which breafast, either buffet or cooked to order, or both, is included. Our rate was $944 pesos per night, breakfast and taxes included. For the most part, the food does not aspire to a gourmet standard, but it's tasty, fresh and satisfying.
We couldn't ask for more under the circumstances, and at the price. We were fortunate to get this promotional rate, because as the holiday of Day of the Dead approaches, the rates increase to over $1000 pesos a night.
Wal Mart, 5 minutes, and Soriana, 10 minutes, are within walking distance. The former is about 2 blocks away. The immediate area is a bit thin on other restaurants. La Cenaduría Lupita II is close. It's a buffet, and not to my taste.
Taxis are cheap and put you in easy range of better and more interesting restaurants. We went out to eat but once, to Sanborn's Plaza Américas. More on that later.
Ratings
Room: *****
apart from the minor nuisance of the bathroom door, and the annoyingly non detachable coat hangers, all very good.
Price: see rates on hotel website, or call.
Turotel promotional sign |
Amenities: *****
Excellent. If you lack anything, like a razor or tooth brush, go to or call the desk. We were supplied with a toothbrush and tooth paste without charge.
Service and friendliness of staff: *****!!!
Great folks.
Personal bien padre |
¡Vivan a las cocineras! |
Wifi in rooms varied greatly according to location and time of day. Sometimes the connection failed entirely. The signal in the lobby and restaurant areas was always strong.
There is a PC and printer in the lobby for the use of guests, without charge. That worked fine (Spanish keyboard.)
Breakfast buffet: ****
Besides the cold fruits, juices, yogurts and cereals there were at least two hot main dishes, and if that wasn't enough, you could order breakfast foods al gusto from the obligingly friendly kitchen. Sra. Cuevas asked for poached eggs, and after a moment of hesitation on the part of the server, she got her wish. They were perfectly cooked. Another morning, I had a good machaca con huevo.
Chilaquiles |
Evening Buffet (extra charge of $93 pesos) ***
Nice, convenient. Somewhat redundant at times in use of ingredients, such as rajas de chiles Poblanos in two different dishes the same evening. But there was enough from which to choose.
Crema de Frijol: an outstanding soup |
Ensalada Mulata. Attractive but very spicy. |
Pool: small and adequate for a dip.
Gym: Ha ha, you're kidding, right? I didn't even step inside. It's small and basic.
Bottom Line: Over all, we couldn't be more pleased with Turotel Morelia, Mexico. We would recommend it to visitors wanting a comfortable stay in a modern hotel. We would stay there again if we had the need.
Location and Contact:
Av. Acueducto No. 3805
Col. Fray Antonio de Lisboa
C.P.58254
Morelia,Michoacán,México.
Tel. and Fax:
Tel. +52 (443) 333 13 00
Fax +52 (443) 333 13 05
01 800 00 46835
morelia@turotel.com.mx
Location |