🇻🇪 Merida, Venezuela
Posada Guatamare
📍 Calle La Morita, Merida, 5101
Your stay — Posada Guatamare
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The Property — Posada Guatamare
Posada Guatamare is a homely 3-star guesthouse in central Mérida, a block from the Plaza Bolívar. The lobby feels like a lived-in sitting room: tiled floors, a wooden reception desk, and a small courtyard garden where guests drink coffee. It suits budget travellers who want a clean, no-frills base within walking distance of the cathedral, museums, and the cable car station. The USP is its location rather than luxury.
Chronicles of Merida
Mérida was founded in 1558 by Spanish conquistador Juan Rodríguez Suárez on land once held by the Timoto-Cuica people. Its colonial core was laid out in a grid, and the Plaza Bolívar remains the focal point, with the Cathedral of Mérida (built 1803) and the Basilica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción. After a devastating earthquake in 1812, the city was rebuilt in a mix of neoclassical and Andean colonial styles, earning it the nickname 'City of the Knights' for its aristocratic architecture. Today Mérida is a university city and a gateway to the Andes, known for its liberal vibe, student population, and the world's highest cable car, Teleférico de Mérida.
Best Time to Visit
Full Merida guide →Best months
December to February—dry season gives clear views of the Andes and manageable crowds, though nights can be cool. For a sweet spot, October and November offer lower rainfall and fewer tourists.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak domestic tourism (school holidays), plus the Festival Internacional de la Cultura in early July draws crowds. Hotel prices jump 20-30%. Easter (Semana Santa) is also jammed.
Budget shoulder season
April to June and September are shoulder months: lighter rain than the main wet season, fewer tourists, and rooms often 10-15% cheaper. Good for deals on the cable car.
Weather & packing
Merida sits at 1,600m so days are warm (25°C) but nights drop to 12°C—pack layers. Rain can come suddenly even in the dry season; a waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes are essential.
Live City Briefing — Merida
- The Teleférico de Mérida is running again after a 2023 closure, but check online for maintenance days as it often pauses on Mondays.
- Roadworks on Avenida 4 between Calle 24 and 26 have created one-way traffic and pedestrian diversions until late 2026.
- New craft-beer bar 'Cervecería Andina' opened in March 2026 on Calle 18, offering local brews and live music on Fridays.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Posada Guatamare, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for a room on the second floor facing away from Calle La Morita. The rear side of the building overlooks the hotel’s internal courtyard, which cuts street noise significantly. Higher floors (third and above) have better air circulation but less convenient stair access — the hotel has no lift.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid any room facing Calle La Morita, especially on the first floor. This street carries local traffic and pedestrian noise from early morning till late evening. Ground-floor rooms also pick up footsteps and chatter from the reception and common areas.
Best views
No panoramic view here — you're on a residential lane. The best you’ll get is a courtyard outlook with some greenery or a glimpse of the surrounding hillsides. Rear rooms are pleasant; front rooms show a narrow street and parked cars.
Quietest floors
Second floor is the quietest — above ground-level bustle but not high enough to amplify wind noise. Rooms on this floor with courtyard orientation are the win.
🔊 Noise notes
Main noise source is Calle La Morita: motorbikes, local traffic, and early-morning street activity. The hotel has no bar or pool, so internal noise is low — just the usual creaks of an older building and occasional reception chatter. No lift means less mechanical noise but more footfall on stairs.
Insider tips
1. Parking is limited on this narrow street; ask the hotel in advance if they can reserve a spot in their small courtyard. 2. Check-in is cash only — most places in Merida still prefer bolivars, so bring enough. Request a room key for the courtyard gate if you plan to return late; the front door is locked after 10 pm.
- 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 — Posada Guatamare
Free basic WiFi throughout (3–5 Mbps, no login required; streaming not reliable)
No lift; stairs-only access to all floors (two-storey property)
No digital newsstand or physical newspapers
Standard check-in 15:00–22:00; early bag drop allowed if room available; late check-out until 14:00 for 30,000 VES (approx 1.20 USD)
Free secure storage at reception, no lockers
No step-free access; front entrance has one step, no ramp; not suitable for wheelchairs
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is Estacionamiento La Morita, 50 m away, 5,000 VES per night (approx 0.20 USD); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required 48 hours before arrival; incidental hold of 50,000 VES (approx 2 USD) at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Primera Capilla (300 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
C.C. Piedemonte — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Farmacia Piedra Santa — 980 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Venezuelan Bolívar, VES
Use peer-to-peer exchange via apps like Binance or local contact for the best rates; avoid official bank rate. Airport and tourist bureaux give terrible rates — never use them.
Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in supermarkets and chain stores, but smaller shops and street stalls are cash or bank transfer only. Contactless is uncommon.
Not expected, but 10% is appreciated in nicer restaurants. Taxis no tip. Hotel staff: small tip of 1-2 USD equivalent if service is good.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Black coffee at a local bakery or café — approx 30-50 VES (1-2 USD).
Set lunch menu at a small eatery — around 150-250 VES (5-8 USD) including a main, drink, and sometimes soup.
Main course at a casual restaurant — roughly 200-350 VES (7-12 USD).
Plaza de las Heroínas and the area around the bus terminal have arepas, empanadas, and fried snacks for under 50 VES.
Biomercados, Central Madeirense, and smaller local abastos are common for budget groceries.
The Sambil Mall and the Centro Comercial Las Tapias have affordable chain stores; street markets near Avenida Las Américas offer cheaper casual wear.
Minibuses/por puestos cost about 20 VES per ride; from the airport (Alberto Carnevalli), take a taxi to the terminal for about 150 VES, then minibus.
Always pay in bolívars digital or spot cash to avoid dynamic currency conversion; buy arepas from street stalls not hotels; share a main course — portions are generous.
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 Posada Guatamare
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Farmacia Piedra Santa — 980 m · ~12 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 Posada Guatamare?
Ask for a room on the second floor facing away from Calle La Morita. The rear side of the building overlooks the hotel’s internal courtyard, which cuts street noise significantly. Higher floors (third and above) have better air circulation but less convenient stair access — the hotel has no lift.
Which rooms should I avoid at Posada Guatamare?
Avoid any room facing Calle La Morita, especially on the first floor. This street carries local traffic and pedestrian noise from early morning till late evening. Ground-floor rooms also pick up footsteps and chatter from the reception and common areas.
Is Posada Guatamare noisy?
Main noise source is Calle La Morita: motorbikes, local traffic, and early-morning street activity. The hotel has no bar or pool, so internal noise is low — just the usual creaks of an older building and occasional reception chatter. No lift means less mechanical noise but more footfall on stairs.
Which rooms have the best views at Posada Guatamare?
No panoramic view here — you're on a residential lane. The best you’ll get is a courtyard outlook with some greenery or a glimpse of the surrounding hillsides. Rear rooms are pleasant; front rooms show a narrow street and parked cars.
What are insider tips for staying at Posada Guatamare?
1. Parking is limited on this narrow street; ask the hotel in advance if they can reserve a spot in their small courtyard. 2. Check-in is cash only — most places in Merida still prefer bolivars, so bring enough. Request a room key for the courtyard gate if you plan to return late; the front door is locked after 10 pm.
What time is check-in at Posada Guatamare?
Check-in at Posada Guatamare is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Posada Guatamare have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi throughout (3–5 Mbps, no login required; streaming not reliable)
Is there a city or tourist tax at Posada Guatamare?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Posada Guatamare?
Set lunch menu at a small eatery — around 150-250 VES (5-8 USD) including a main, drink, and sometimes soup.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Posada Guatamare?
Minibuses/por puestos cost about 20 VES per ride; from the airport (Alberto Carnevalli), take a taxi to the terminal for about 150 VES, then minibus.
When is the best time to visit Merida?
December to February—dry season gives clear views of the Andes and manageable crowds, though nights can be cool. For a sweet spot, October and November offer lower rainfall and fewer tourists.
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.