Believe it or not, Cinco de Mayo isn’t widely celebrated in Mexico. It isn’t even an official national holiday. To be clear, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That’s September 16th.
In 2022, I spent Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, Mexico, where an underdog Mexican army spurred the creation of the holiday by defeating the French army- in what became known as The Battle of Puebla -on May 5, 1862. Led by the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French were essentially acting as debt collectors coming to repossess Puebla. That day, Cinco de Mayo became a celebration of freedom from colonialism and oppression.
Nowadays, Puebla is one of a few Mexican cities that celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It marks the occasion with historical reenactments and a parade. If you decide to go, the Banyan Tree Puebla makes for an excellent home base.
Vibe
This hotel doesn’t sacrifice comfort for luxury. Instead, it blends both to create the kind of space you’ll never want to leave. The Banyan Tree Puebla feels like a cross between a luxury hotel and an upscale art gallery. It’s a part of a global chain but feels like a one-of-a-kind.
Location
The Banyan Tree Puebla, formerly the Azul Talavera Hotel, sits just outside the city’s historic core. It’s within walking distance of several restaurants and a convenient option for sightseeing, including to the city’s arts district. Puebla’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade is partially visible from the hotel rooftop and some terraces, but you’ll want to head downstairs for better views of the festivities.
Address: C. 10 Nte. 1402, Barrio del Alto, 72000 Puebla, Pue., Mexico
Phone: +52 222 122 2300
Website: Banyan Tree Puebla
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Rooms
This boutique hotel may have just 78 rooms, but each one is a whopping 495 square feet or more—larger than some apartments in New York and Chicago. Rooms are decorated with local art and pottery. Even the coffee table books reflect the culture of the area.
Bring your favorite bath salts or bubbles. Rooms feature epic soaking tubs, but without bubbles and bath bombs.
My room had a king-size bed, a separate sitting area and one of the largest hotel bathrooms I have ever seen. There was a hugely functional mini bar with Nespresso maker, a full-length mirror and lots of closet space. I could live in that room very comfortably for a very long time.
As much as I loved waking up in a bed that felt like a cloud, my favorite part of staying here was sipping my morning coffee on the terrace. With each sip, it was easier to understand why this hotel received such positive reviews on Trip Advisor and won a Travel+Leisure World’s Best award.
Food and Drink
Banyan Tree Puebla is home to four restaurants and a rooftop bar. Two restaurants feature local cuisine. A third is an Italian restaurant, and the fourth is Thai food with a 360 view of the city.
I know there’s a lot to eat in Puebla, but whatever you do, don’t skip breakfast at the hotel’s main restaurant, Pasquinel Bistrot. On my last morning here I had chilaquiles so good I didn’t even photograph them. I can tell you chilaquiles and coffee with a view of the hotel garden is a blissful way to start a travel day.
You’ll find the hotel’s most casual dining option around the rooftop pool where you can order things like tacos, pizzas, salads and ceviche. Pasquinel Bistrot is known for its European Mexican steak dinners.
My favorite spot in the hotel is Bar Los Lavaderos. Walking down the stairs into this place is like walking back toward history, albeit a glamorized version of it. This part of this 19th-century building was once a laundry, look through the glass and you can see the relics of its past. This is more bar than restaurant, but you can get tapas and snacks to accompany your drinks.
Amenities
This hotel welcomes guests with cool towels, cold tea and delicious bites. It is one of the hotel’s best amenities. The real highlight of this hotel, however, is its gorgeous rooftop pool, where you’ll find one of the best views in the city.
There’s also free WiFi, a fitness center, spa and an airport shuttle. This is a hotel group that prides itself on world-class spa services and exactly the kind of place where you might want to splurge on that massage or body scrub or facial you’ve been dreaming about.
Bottom Line
This hotel is an oasis in a charming Mexican city with a phenomenal food scene. It offers room service, on-site bars and restaurants and comfortable beds not far from the historic city center. This hotel’s spacious rooms are perfect for settling into and staying a while, and its rooftop pool offers one of the best views in Puebla. There is no better place to host your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
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