Spanish Style: South and Central American Hotels in Old Colonial Buildings

“When the Spanish Empire came to the Americas, it brought with it certain new architectural styles: think grand Catholic cathedrals and baroque civic buildings. While the colonial era ended almost 200 years ago, many of those buildings endure – and in fact, they’re one of the first things many of us picture when we conjour up any of the region’s major cities.

In this list we range from Guatemala to Brazil, picking hotels that have transformed old colonial houses and monuments into fabulous accommodation.

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Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua, Guatemala
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The landmark Hotel Santo Domingo is a five-star hotel and museum in one of the most evocative cities of the former Spanish Empire. Don’t expect elaborate baroque stylings here though – the beautiful building was once a convent, and its charms are more rustic and austere. An earthquake in 1773 ruined some of it, but what remains has been painstakingly renovated – look out for timber frame and vaulted brick ceilings, and relax in an outdoor pool that makes the most of the building’s bare stone exterior.

Have a look at our hotels in Antigua page for more options.

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Hotel Colonial, Ouro Preto, Brazil
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Ouro Preto – ‘black gold’ in Portuguese – sprang up during the 18th-century Brazilian gold rush. The mines have long since closed, but the buildings that their bounty funded still remain. From the thirteen churches to the scores of colonial houses and mansions, you get a vivid impression of Ouro Preto’s glory days. Hotel Colonial occupies an 18th-century mansion on a sloping cobbled street in the city centre, and its friendly owners are passionate about the city’s history. So if you’re eager to step into the past, this is a great place to start.

Have a look at our hotels in Ouro Preto page for more options.

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Hotel Santa Isabel, Havana, Cuba
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Founded by Spanish colonists, Cuba’s capital was a vibrant shipping port where ships laden with treasure from Spain stopped on their voyages to the New World. Ravaged by pirates, fire, war and revolution, then woefully neglected, its grand old colonial buildings have been getting some more TLC over the last few decades. Hotel Santa Isabel is an 18th-century palace on Plaza de Armas, Old Havana’s oldest square – and it has a gorgeous courtyard that’s the perfect spot for a mojito.

Have a look at our hotels in Havana page for more options.

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Quinta Real, Puebla, Mexico
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Mexico was the wealthiest province of the Spanish Empire and the centre of New Spain. It’s no surprise, then, that its cities are home to some of the most outstanding colonial architecture. The colonists built Puebla from scratch, and while it preserves its history, it’s emerging from Catholicism and tradition as a vibrant centre for arts and nightlife. In the beautiful 16th century Convent of the Immaculate Conception, the fabulous Quinta Real Puebla honours its historic roots while lavishing you with modern luxury.

Have a look at our hotels in Puebla page for more options.

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Hacienda Kaan Ac, Valladolid, Mexico
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We can’t let you go without a hacienda. These large estates were a key feature of the colonial era in Mexico, and Kaan Ac is an early one, dating right back to the 16th century. It’s grand in the sense of imposing – a sprawling stone fortress in extensive grounds. Period features are dotted around throughout, including an original chapel and some fantastic vintage carriages and clocks. The landscaped outdoor pool does a good job of blending in with its historic surroundings, so you can cool off without breaking the spell.

Have a look at our hotels in Valladolid page for more options.”