Hotel Amatte

Hotel Amatte, San Miguel de Allende: A Michelin Key Selected Retreat with Contemporary Charm

Hotel Amatte in San Miguel de Allende offers a generally highly-rated luxury experience, distinguished by its unique design, attentive service, and panoramic views. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it is recognized for its remarkable quality and outstanding guest experiences. While it garners significant praise, guests should be aware of a few recurring criticisms, primarily concerning noise.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Amatte consistently receives positive feedback, boasting an "Excellent" rating of 8.8 out of 10 based on 124 reviews on Expedia and a "Very Good" score of 8.5 out of 10 from 114 reviews on Booking.com. The general sentiment is one of appreciation for the hotel's aesthetic, comfort, and the dedication of its staff, despite some notable drawbacks.

2. Key Highlights

Guests frequently praise Hotel Amatte for its stunning design, which blends contemporary elements with endemic vegetation and artisanal warmth, inspired by the Japanese Wabi-Sabi philosophy. The hotel is described as an "intimate, serene, and vibrant refuge". The rooftop terrace and bar are consistently highlighted for offering incredible panoramic views of San Miguel de Allende and the Allende dam, providing a captivating setting for drinks and dining. Other beloved amenities include the outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and lush gardens. The complimentary shuttle service to the city center is also a significant convenience that guests appreciate.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Hotel Amatte are described as luxurious, comfortable, and beautifully designed. Each of the 29 air-conditioned accommodations is individually decorated and furnished, offering a private refuge for relaxation. Guests can expect modern amenities such as 55-inch Smart TVs with cable channels and Netflix, MP3 docking stations, espresso makers, and complimentary bottled water and minibars (some items free). Comfort is elevated with pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, and hypo-allergenic bedding. The private bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and hair dryers, with heated floors in some. Some rooms also include private balconies or patios. A common observation, however, is that only the villas offer street-facing windows and terraces, with other rooms facing interior spaces, which can sometimes lead to a lack of natural light or a chilly ambiance.

4. Dining Experience

Hotel Amatte offers a notable dining experience with multiple options. The hotel features two onsite restaurants, including Hacmans, which specializes in Mexican cuisine, and Piso 71, serving local and international dishes. Guests can also indulge in three unique gastronomic concepts curated by Chef Toño de Livier, such as Baja-inspired wood-fired cooking at La Baha and fusion cuisine at Cantón Birriamen. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available, typically including warm dishes, juice, and fruits. The rooftop bar is highly praised for its extraordinary cocktails and gorgeous setting. While the dining options are generally well-received, the rooftop restaurant and bar can be on the pricier side, considered by some to be among the most expensive in the city.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Hotel Amatte is largely commended for being "amazing," "friendly," "hospitable," and "attentive". Many guests report excellent service, with staff going out of their way to address requests and make stays comfortable. Notable examples include receiving night courtesies, arranging transfers, and even having their car cleaned upon checkout. The hotel also utilizes WhatsApp for convenient guest communication. However, some reviews indicate that service can occasionally be "slow" or "not attentive," which some guests found unusual for a hotel of this caliber.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Amatte is strategically located on a hill, offering panoramic views of San Miguel de Allende and the Allende dam. It provides a desirable balance of being "near everything, far from the noise," as it is only about 10 minutes from the historic center. This location allows guests to enjoy the city's essence while maintaining peace and privacy. The hotel offers a "fantastic shuttle that can take you anywhere within the city," which is a significant advantage, especially for guests who prefer not to walk or after a long day of exploring. Major attractions like the Church of St. Michael the Archangel are an 18-minute walk away, and the Historic Museum of San Miguel de Allende is 0.9 miles distant. Airport shuttle service is also available for a fee from Querétaro International Airport (QRO) or Del Bajío International Airport (BJX).

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel Amatte is positioned as an "affordable luxury" option, with average room prices generally ranging from $251 to $300 per night. This is considered to offer exceptional value, despite being slightly higher than the city's average hotel room price of $201-$250. Prices can fluctuate significantly with seasonality; for instance, April tends to be the cheapest month, while November is typically the most expensive. A continental breakfast is available for an additional charge of approximately USD 18 for adults and USD 13 for children.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its many positive attributes, Hotel Amatte has received recurring criticisms. A significant issue for several guests is the "very loud" music from the rooftop bar and events, which can be heard in the rooms from 10 am to 1 am, sometimes leading to sleepless nights. Some guests have also reported inconsistent or non-functional Wi-Fi. As mentioned previously, the staff, while generally excellent, has occasionally been described as slow or inattentive. Another point of feedback is that rooms, particularly those not in the villa category, can be a "little dark due to lack of natural light" and potentially chilly. One guest also noted being disturbed by fireworks noise in the early morning.

Sources

1. expedia.com
2. booking.com
3. san-miguel-de-allendehotels.com
4. com-website.com
5. travelocity.com
6. liveinsanmiguel.com
7. hotels.com
8. amatte.com.mx
9. amatte.com.mx
10. agoda.com
11. kayak.com
12. hotelswithshuttle.com