This was our second visit to Cascades de Merida but it certainly won't be our last. Owners Ellyne and Chucho Basta have done a wonderful job creating a serene, tranquil, and welcoming oasis. What a welcome change of pace from the large, family-style, tour-package hotels! The rooms are stunning, as are the garden and pool area, all designed with adults who need a quiet relaxing break in mind. Its location in the Santiago neighborhood is a benefit as you get a taste of local life. At the same time it is within walking distance, on safe streets, to the historic centro area and the exquisite Paseo de Montejo. As hosts, Ellyne and Chuco are the best - very knowledgable about local events, sights, and customs and just plain friendly as all get out. The breakfasts are above and beyond the standard continental fare you often get at a B&B. Cascades de Merida well deserves its rating as numero uno!

We can only verify what the other reviewers are saying-Cascadas de Merida is truly a gem of a B & B. The design is ingenious, with soothing views from all windows, especially the marvellous shower. The rooms are spotless,cool and quiet. It was the only place we stayed which had books on the Yucatan.(check out the gorgeous book of Catherwood"s drawings of his travels in the Yucatn in the 1840's.) Ellyne and Chucho are great and informative hosts and breakfast is fantastic. As our flight home was quite early we had to leave way before breakfast on our last day but Ellyne was up to see us off with fresh juice and offers of fruit, etc for the cab ride (which she had arranged for us). We might return to Merida just to stay here again!

We spent 20 days in the Yucatan and the five nights at Cascadas de Merida were definitely our favorite accommodations. Our directions said to look for a simple terracotta building-- that the beauty would be found behind he walls. We found that to be true in every sense-- from the courtyard pool (an oasis in the city), to the lovely room, to the hosts themselves: Cascadas is most definitely beautiful. Chucho and Ellyne are fantastic hosts who made us feel completely welcome and comfortable.

Merida is a fun and safe city to explore with lots of interesting history as well as a great location from which to adventure into more of the Yucatan. Cascadas de Merida is the perfect place to stay in Merida. Truly and indescribable experience.

We are passing the word and extolling the virtues of Cascadas and the story of how it came to be to all our friends who love or are interested in Mexicp. The design, setting, breakfasts, and open hospitality were special and made us grateful that our "first choice" didn't pan out; Cascadas is and will remain our first choice for a B & B whenever we return to Merida. Chucho and Ellyne Basto
are caring and wonderful hosts. Ellyne helped us choose tours and made arrangements. She even drove us to a special bookstore to buy books on Mayan civilization for our grandchildren.