Sherman's Travel

We named Guanajuato, Mexico, as one of our Top 10 Value Travel Destinations in 2011, but the colonial town is a smart bet for luxury, too. These boutique hotels offer refined service and upscale amenities in a romantic setting while capitalizing on the city’s unique charm.

Quinta Las Acacias

Housed in a French-style mansion originally built in 1890, Quinta Las Acacias’ main building harkens back to that era with period-style furnishings and photographs of the former residents on the walls. However, you should definitely splurge on one of the Jacuzzi suites in the buildings behind (just avoid La Puerepecha, which has no natural light). You won’t find flat-screen TVs and the Wi-Fi can be spotty but this 17-room AAA Four Diamond property doesn’t disappoint on ambience. Jacuzzi suites start at $275/night, with breakfast included. www.quintalasacacias.com.mx

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Good news for travelers to Mexico: American, Continental, Delta, and United are all increasing service and adding new routes south of the border to fill in some of the gaps that Mexicana left when it went bankrupt in August; many of the changes kick in this fall.

American
American is seriously bulking up its Mexico service, with additional flights to Aguascalientes, Cancun, Guadalajara, Leon/Guanajuato, and Mexico City, as well as brand-new routes to Queretaro and Veracruz launching this fall and winter.

Dallas will see a trio of improvements starting November 18, when the airline increases daily flights to Mexico City by one, bringing the total to four takeoffs each day; a second daily  flight to Aguascalientes will also lift off November 18. Four flights, instead of three, will service Leon/Guanajuato from Dallas beginning December 16, and Queretaro and Veracruz itineraries start February 10.

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