Las Arecas is everything other people have commented: clean, well priced, a few blocks from the great plazas of Merida and not only that, but there is now wireless connection free for guests. I can also say that I felt that my belongings were 100% safe and did not worry about leaving my laptop in my room when I left. Merida is a very safe town. I highly recommend this bed and breakfast.
Martin

Just returned from another visit to Merida and Las Arecas. I stayed 8 nights this time, in the Arecas Room once again. Mauro still offers a great value, a clean and comfortable place to stay, and a healthy breakfast to start the day. That's all I am looking for, and Las Arecas delivers. If you want a real Yucatan experience in an authentic home, this is your place.

Las Arecas is great, and Mauro Ruiz is a very honest, kind man. The accomodations are very basic, but it's very clean, and the location is great for exploring Merida. Breakfast is included every morning: fruit, juice, and coffee, very basic, no protein. We were very happy there, and would definitely stay there again.

We were supposed to stay there last December, but cancelled at the last minute due to a medical emergency. He could not refund our deposit at the last minute during the busy season (Christmas). When we came back, Mauro offered us a good discount for being loyal.

If you do business with him, do it with the knowledge that he is a one-man operation, who relies on this income for his livelihood, and does not have all the services of a "real" hotel. Plus, if you like animals, he keeps a family of cats and a very sweet and friendly German Shepherd. If you're allergic, don't worry, they don't go anywhere near the rooms.

I heard about Las Arecas Bed and Board thru trip advisor.

I was looking for a place that would be different than the Big Chain hotels that you find in every other city.

I read the reviews from other guests, and the one thing that stood out was the quality of the service at Las Arecas.

It was getting better ratings than some of the major 4 star hotels, and was much more affordable.

I selected the room,and made my reservation directly with the owner Mauro, and was confirmed quickly.

The outside of the Building did not look like the big hotels at all. It was more like going to someones home.

I was greeted by Mauro, and introduced to Raul his assistant, who both spoke good english.

My room was very comfortable, with a full kitchen, and a separate bedroom area.

Outside my room was a garden area where guests could sit, and meet and just relax.

The breakfast in the morning always had fresh fruits, and hand squeezed orange juice, along with a good cup of coffee. It was served in the garden area, whenever you wanted to get up and eat.

Since we had a full size fridge in the room, we could also cook up a quick lunch, or eat our leftovers from the local restaurants.

Mauro, and Raul were always available to advise us on where to go, and what to do in Merida, and the surrounding areas.

I enjoyed sitting and talking to these gentlemen to find out the best places to shop, and to eat. They always steered us away from the Tourist areas, to get the best buys,

I highly reccomend Las Arecas, and the staff, if you want to see how the local people live.

jerryvarga@hotmail.com