There are three things that Mexico is known for. These are Corona, tacos, and of course, tequila! Getting your hands on the first two items is easy, especially when you are in Mexico City (this is where the best tacos are!). But if you want to experience authentic tequila, then you need to head to the heart of tequila country which is Tequila Jalisco.
Visiting the town of Tequila in western Mexico is a great way to learn more about how this alcoholic drink is made. Aside from that, you can also explore the surrounding area while you are here. In fact, you might want to spend a day or two here.
Best Places to Stay in Tequila, Jalisco
The good news is that there are several places where you can stay in this town. And just like with most cities in Mexico, the closer you are to the city center, the pricier the hotels are. Fortunately, Tequila is a small town which means that everything is accessible on foot. In fact, you can walk anywhere in the town all the way to the main plaza easily.
Best Hotels Where Tequila is Made:
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Matices Hotel de Barricas
This amazing hotel is just 15 minutes walk from Tequila town. Aside from that, it is just a 20-minute walk from here to the Museo Los Abuelos Familia Sauza. This 5-star hotel off Pajaretes Contreras offers free Wi-Fi and spacious rooms to its guests. Most of the rooms in this boutique hotel, such as their double rooms, have flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom. There is also a common area where guests can mingle.
Aside from that, the bar here serves breakfast. Also, there is an on-site a la carte restaurant here to eat from. If you are looking for activities, you can go horse riding, biking, hiking, and visiting the on-site museum. Also, the National Museum of Tequila is just a few minutes drive from the hotel.
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Hotel Villa Tequila
Another great option to stay in Tequila, Jalisco is the Hotel Villa Tequila. It is a 5-minute walk from the Tequila town center which is a plus. Aside from that, this hotel has 20 spacious rooms to accommodate travelers. Each room has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a flat iron, and a coffee maker.
Breakfast is always available at the bar. However, if you are looking for a more substantial meal, there is a restaurant that is less than a mile from the hotel. Aside from that, guests can enjoy a dip in the hotel’s swimming pool, and hot tub, or explore the garden.
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Hotel Solar De Las Animas
Staying in 5-star hotels like Hotel Solar doesn’t have to be expensive all the time. Even if it is just close to the city center, you will not pay top dollar for a stay in this traditional-style hotel. There are around 90 rooms on the property with each one having its own private bathroom and cable TV. Some open up to the hotel’s garden. In addition, there is a restaurant on-site where you can sample the local cuisine. Aside from that, the bar serves breakfast daily.
There is an outdoor swimming pool here as well as a fitness center. Business travelers can take advantage of the meeting rooms to conduct their business. The business center can help you do your work even while on vacation. This hotel sits beside the Destileria La Rojena Distillery. In fact, this is the oldest distillery in Latin America.
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Plaza Jardin
Meanwhile, Plaza Jardin is just off the National Museum of Tequila. Not only that, but you will have easy access to the Museum of Grandparents from here. Aside from that, the Plaza Principal de Tequila is just a short walk from this hotel which is a plus. There are 33 rooms available with some equipped with a separate toilet and bath.
There is a restaurant nearby where Mexican, as well as Latin American dishes, are available. As for breakfast, the hotel’s bar serves them every morning.
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Hotel La Rienda Mision Tequillan
Book a stay in this hotel and you will be close to tourist attractions. Among these are the Agave Landscape and the Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 32 air-conditioned rooms here with free Wi-Fi services and private bathrooms. In addition, this hotel has a 24-hour front desk service.
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Hotel Casa Dulce Maria
When it comes to cheap hotels, be sure to book a stay here. This 4-star Tequila hotel is just a short walk from the Santiago Apostol Parish Church. Not only, but it is a 10-minute walk to the Hacienda El Centenario Event Venue. As mentioned before, everything is walkable which means that the city center is just a few minutes away. Here you will find a cathedral complete with a bell tower that you can visit.
If you are looking for a good restaurant, try El Consejero Cantina Gourmet. Aside from that, you can also try the dishes served at Cholula La Fonda.
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Hotel Casa La Gran Senora
If luxury hotels are not your thing, then stay at Hotel Casa La Gran Senora. This 3-star hotel is just 11 minutes away from the town proper. Aside from that, this hotel has only 8 spacious rooms to offer with some having a balcony and terrace. Tourist attractions nearby include the Perseverencia Distillery and Mirador del Chiquihuitillo.
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Hotel Boutique Quinta Tequilan
Meanwhile, Hotel Quinta Tequillan is near La Rojeña Distillery and has free parking space and a small outdoor pool for its guests. This is a great place to spend a day or two because it is near tourist attractions. For example, the city center is just 10 minutes away while the Mirador del Chiquihuitillo is about 7 minutes away from the hotel.
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Capital O Hotel Posada Terraza
Another great option for hotel accommodation in Tequila in the state of Jalisco is the Capital O Hotel. This 3-star hotel is just 25 minutes away on foot from the Hacienda El Centenario Event Venue. Aside from that, there is free parking, a terrace, and a picnic area on the property.
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Hotel Plaza Rubio
Meanwhile, Hotel Plaza Rubio is a good option if you want to be close to the Jose Cuervo Distillery. Their comfortable rooms come equipped with modern amenities but its main attraction is its proximity to tourist attractions.
Things to Do in Tequila, Jalisco
Tequila in Jalisco is the perfect place to spend a day or two if you want to know more about Mexico’s iconic drink. Of course, there are plenty of activities to do here such as the ones below.
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Explore Tequila Distilleries
One of the best things to do here is to go on a tour of the tequila distilleries in the town. There is La Rojena where the renowned Jose Cuervo tequila is made. The other is Casa Suaza where you will also get good value for your money. Here you will visit the blue agave fields and even plant your own blue agave. You can also visit La Cofradia distillery which is just outside of Tequila. Aside from that, you can check out Lienzo Charro Del Tequila after. They serve tequila and snacks here.
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Wander Around the Town
Tequila is more than just a town where the famous tequila is made. In fact, exploring the main square on foot is a great idea. Here you can admire the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings that make up most of the town.
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Try Al Pastor
A great way to enjoy your stay here is to sample its street food. In fact, you should try their al pastor. As a general rule, whatever town you are in, make sure that you sample their al pastor.
Tequila is the Best!
Just 30 miles northwest of Guadalajara on the way to Puerto Vallarta lies the Pueblo Magico Tequila. This is the central location where the famous tequila is made.
In fact, if you want to have an unforgettable experience here, it is best to book a stay at one of the hotels here. Fortunately, there are several Tequila properties where you can stay such as Casa Salles Hotel Boutique. Some of these hotels offer shuttle service to and from the nearby airport.
Getting to Tequila from Guadalajara Airport will take a while. However, if you have time on your hands, you can take the bus from the airport to Tequila. You can also rent a car but make sure that you have travel insurance in case you get into an accident. In fact, renting a car is a great way to explore the town at your own pace.
Although everything is walkable in Tequila, like the Municipio de Tequila or the town hall, having your own car can shorten the distance considerably. At the end of the day, exploring Tequila is going to be one of the best side trips you’ll have while in Mexico.
