Your stay — Hotel San Remo
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The Property — Hotel San Remo
Hotel San Remo is a workhorse 3-star in central Mérida, functional rather than charming—think tiled floors, a small pool, and a breakfast of arepas and fresh juice. It suits budget travellers and overland adventurers who need a reliable base for exploring the Andes, not a romantic retreat. The lobby smells faintly of disinfectant and coffee, with a receptionist who can likely arrange a jeep to Pico Bolívar. It’s no-frills but competent, with the city’s main plaza a 10-minute walk away.
Chronicles of Merida
Mérida was founded in 1558 by Spanish captain Juan Rodríguez Suárez, who named it after his birthplace in Extremadura. The city became a colonial administrative centre, with its whitewashed cathedral and Plaza Bolívar dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 1950s, the Universidad de Los Andes fuelled a cultural and architectural boom—now it’s a student city with a strong intellectual and artistic scene. Today Mérida is the gateway to Venezuela’s highest peaks, known for its cable car (the Teleférico de Mérida) and a laid-back, academic vibe that sets it apart from the coast.
Best Time to Visit
Full Merida guide →Best months
December to March: the dry season brings blue skies and stable weather, ideal for hiking and the cable car. Crowds are moderate (Venezuelan holidays excepted), and accommodation is reliable.
Peak / festival surge
Carnival (February) and Holy Week (March/April) are the busiest, with domestic tourists flooding the city. Prices at Hotel San Remo can rise 20-30%. The Feria Internacional del Sol in February is the big draw—bullfights, concerts, parades.
Budget shoulder season
May and November: the rains are lighter than June-October, and hotel rates drop. You’ll have the cable car and trails more to yourself, though some cloud cover is likely.
Weather & packing
Mérida’s altitude (1,630m) means cool nights even in July, and afternoon downpours are near-daily during the wet season. Pack a waterproof jacket and a fleece—jeans will do for the day, but you’ll want long trousers after sunset.
Live City Briefing — Merida
- The Teleférico de Mérida is back in partial operation since 2023, with the first two sections running (to La Montaña station); check current status before booking, as full service to Pico Espejo is still suspended.
- Street protests and fuel shortages have been sporadic in Mérida since 2024; check travel advisories for Venezuela, as border and airport access from Caracas remains unpredictable.
- Several new cafés have opened around the Plaza de las Heroínas in 2025, including a specialty coffee spot called Café Andino—good for a break from the hotel’s breakfast.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel San Remo, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) to minimize street noise. The rooms on these floors are likely to be quieter due to the hotel's location in Merida, which can experience traffic and pedestrian noise. Additionally, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests that the rooms on higher floors may have been renovated or upgraded, providing a more modern and comfortable experience.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as these areas may experience more foot traffic and noise. Additionally, rooms on lower floors (1st or 2nd) may be noisier due to the potential for street noise and footsteps from the lift.
Best views
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address in Merida, the views are likely to be of the surrounding cityscape or buildings, rather than a scenic natural backdrop. However, rooms on higher floors may have a better view of the city.
Quietest floors
3rd to 4th floors
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location in Merida can experience traffic and pedestrian noise, which may be a concern for light sleepers. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors (no elevator) may amplify footsteps and noise from other rooms.
Insider tips
Request a room with a balcony or a window that opens to take advantage of the city's mild climate and enjoy the views. If you're planning to explore Merida, consider requesting a room near the lift to minimize walking distance to the lobby and main amenities.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hotel San Remo
Free tier with speeds up to 10 Mbps, paid tier (Bs. 5,000 per hour) for speeds up to 50 Mbps; login using room number and last name
Serves all floors, but some historic sections have stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand with PressReader and FT, but physical papers are not available
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Mon-Sun), Early bag drop available from 8:00 AM, Late check-out until 2:00 PM (Bs. 20,000 penalty)
Available for a fee of Bs. 5,000 per item, per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entries are available, but some historic sections have structural limitations
On-site parking available for Bs. 20,000 per night, nearest public car park is 5 blocks away (Bs. 15,000 per night), EV charging not available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Bs. 12,000 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: Advance payment of Bs. 50,000 at check-in, plus a credit card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de La Asunción (819 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: Parroquia Corazon de María (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Capilla (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
C. C. Milenium — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Redoma de Serranía Casa Club — 885 m · ~11 min walk
Museo de Ciencias y Tecnología — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Exterior — 351 m · ~4 min walk
Farmacia Las Tapias — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Bodega Sr Parada — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Venezuelan Bolivar (VEF)
Travellers can exchange money at casas de cambio (currency exchange houses) in the city centre, but be aware that rates may be unfavourable compared to those at banks. Be cautious of airport or tourist bureau rates, which are often higher.
Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, but some high-end restaurants and hotels may accept them. Mobile payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay are not commonly used.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. For taxis, rounding up the fare to the nearest 5,000 bolivares is a common practice. Hotel staff may accept a small tip of 1,000-2,000 bolivares.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local café for around 1,500-2,000 bolivares.
A budget lunch option is a street food stall serving arepas or cachapas for around 3,000-4,000 bolivares.
A cheap dinner at a local eatery can cost around 8,000-12,000 bolivares for a main course.
The Mercado de Abastos is a popular area for street food and affordable eats.
Local supermarkets like Mercal and Bicentenario have multiple locations in Merida.
Affordable shopping options can be found at mercados (markets) like the Mercado de Artesanías.
The Metrobus system offers a day pass for 2,500 bolivares. From the airport, take a taxi for around 8,000-10,000 bolivares or use the airport's public bus service for 1,500 bolivares.
Bargain when shopping at markets and from street vendors.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas.Use local transportation, such as buses or the Metrobus, instead of taxis.
Emergency Contacts
MeridaVenezuela uses a single emergency number, 171, for police, ambulance, and fire services. In Mérida, the local police (Policía del Estado Mérida) can also be reached at +58 274 252 3264 for non-urgent matters. For tourist assistance, contact Corpoturismo Mérida at +58 274 252 4042.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Merida, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel San Remo
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Exterior — 351 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Las Tapias — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Terminal de Mérida (bus station) → Plaza Bolívar (near Hotel La Terraza)
💡 Flag it down on Avenida 4: the sign says 'Terminal–Centro'. Pay the driver in cash (coins or small bills). Get off at the stop after the big church (Parque Bolívar) — it's a two-minute flat walk to the hotel.
Teleférico Station (Mucumbají) → Avenida 3, near Hotel La Terraza
💡 Use this bus after the cable car ride — it drops you three blocks from the hotel on Avenida 3. Wave it down anywhere on the main road. Don't expect a schedule; it comes when it's full.
Anywhere in central Mérida → Hotel La Terraza
💡 Avoid taxis parked directly outside hotels — they charge double. Walk to the Plaza Bolívar rank (two blocks away) and agree a flat fare. For short trips, just pay 3,000 VES or 300,000 VES if using local currency.
Alberto Carnevalli Airport (MRD) → Hotel La Terraza, Mérida
💡 Negotiate the fare before getting in — standard rate is about 250,000–300,000 VES (as of mid-2025). The driver will wait at arrivals; look for a blue vest with 'ALBERTO's' written on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel San Remo?
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) to minimize street noise. The rooms on these floors are likely to be quieter due to the hotel's location in Merida, which can experience traffic and pedestrian noise. Additionally, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests that the rooms on higher floors may have been renovated or upgraded, providing a more modern and comfortable experience.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel San Remo?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as these areas may experience more foot traffic and noise. Additionally, rooms on lower floors (1st or 2nd) may be noisier due to the potential for street noise and footsteps from the lift.
Is Hotel San Remo noisy?
The hotel's location in Merida can experience traffic and pedestrian noise, which may be a concern for light sleepers. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors (no elevator) may amplify footsteps and noise from other rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel San Remo?
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address in Merida, the views are likely to be of the surrounding cityscape or buildings, rather than a scenic natural backdrop. However, rooms on higher floors may have a better view of the city.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel San Remo?
Request a room with a balcony or a window that opens to take advantage of the city's mild climate and enjoy the views. If you're planning to explore Merida, consider requesting a room near the lift to minimize walking distance to the lobby and main amenities.
What time is check-in at Hotel San Remo?
Check-in at Hotel San Remo is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel San Remo have Wi-Fi?
Free tier with speeds up to 10 Mbps, paid tier (Bs. 5,000 per hour) for speeds up to 50 Mbps; login using room number and last name
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel San Remo?
Bs. 12,000 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel San Remo?
A budget lunch option is a street food stall serving arepas or cachapas for around 3,000-4,000 bolivares.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel San Remo?
The Metrobus system offers a day pass for 2,500 bolivares. From the airport, take a taxi for around 8,000-10,000 bolivares or use the airport's public bus service for 1,500 bolivares.
When is the best time to visit Merida?
December to March: the dry season brings blue skies and stable weather, ideal for hiking and the cable car. Crowds are moderate (Venezuelan holidays excepted), and accommodation is reliable.
Top Attractions in Merida
💡 Try the arepas rellenas from stall 47 — they stuff them with shredded beef and guasacaca for about 50 cents. Go before 11am for the best selection.
💡 Go on a Sunday afternoon for the impromptu salsa sessions near the east gate — grab a papelón con limón from the cart at the entrance.
💡 Check out the sculpture garden out back — it's often quieter than the main galleries and has a small café for cheap arepas.
💡 Best visited late afternoon when the light hits the cathedral's white facade — sit on a bench near the fountain, not the statue, to avoid touts.
💡 Take the trail to the mirador for views over the city — it's a 15-minute uphill walk but worth it at sunset. Bring insect repellent.