Hotel Santa Elena

Even though we reserved a room 3 months in advance we were given a room facing the street. We then requested a room toward the back but were told the street noise would end around 9 pm. We were tired from a 6 hour drive but said OK. Wrong! The street noise could not be blocked out and continued until the wee hours of the morning. When we tried the in room safe the lady said "it doesn't work" no reason, no alternative. When opening the side door to the balcony the window shade fell between the top of the door and the wall and since that the door was about 10 feet tall, we could not close the door. There was no seal at the bottom of the shower door so water came out onto the bathroom floor. Not a good experience.

We checked in and were shown to our room overlooking the main street and city plaza, Knowing street noise would affect our sleep we asked to change to a room further back. We fell for the line "there will be no noise after 9PM. WRONG. Noisy cars, trucks, motorcycles and bikes and razors kept us up nearly all night. There is a small balcony with a tall door to enter. A window roll up shade is above the door and hangs down about 6 inches below the top of the door. When opening the door to enter the balcony the shade falls between the door and the door frame making it impossible to close the door when reentering the room. Water pressure in the shower is minimal at best. A one night stay that will be remembered for how long it seemed to last. We had a 6 hour drive the following day that was not enjoyed due to the previous night.

It's in the middle of the town with views of the park. Very traditional Mexican style.

Staff made us welcome from the moment we arrived and went the extra mile to ensure we have everything we needed. Great location and best restaurant in town.

Hotel Santa Elena, in the heart of El Fuerte, is one of those classic iconic Mexican places to stay. It’s actually an old house of the area, renovated into a series of rooms around an interior courtyard. Think high ceilings in the rooms, a single window to the street in a 1-2 foot thick brick or adobe wall. Add in a bathroom with plenty of hot water, great air conditioning and even a closet where you can hang your clothes, and you’ve got a perfect place to rest up before or after a trip on El Chepe. But the hotel comes with a couple of caveats. The rooms up front nearest the town square can be noisy, so ask for a room in the back. There are also no elevators if you get an upstairs room. And, if you are paying with a credit card, as opposed to pesos, you’ll pay a steep uncharge for that privilege. There are lots of food options nearby and even a restaurant connected to the hotel, so you’re covered there. The mercado is only a couple of blocks away, and in El Fuerte, that means some great birria and great tacos are always nearby. Would I stay here again? Of course, because it’s safe, centrally located and a great value.

Right on the main square. Beautiful old building, lovely room. The clock in the square seemed to ring throughput the night, heard it when awake, didn't actually wake me, but might if you're a light sleeper.

Beautiful colonial building, extremelly well maintained, super clean

Great location

Nice