As the second-largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara is rich in both history and entertainment. Dozens of historic sites connected to the country’s storied past are still present within the city
such as the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, the Teatro Degollado, the Palacio de Gobierno, the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, and the Guadalajara Cathedral. Guadalajara is also the location for the Hospicio Cabañas—the largest hospital complex in the Americas, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to listen to some of the city’s finest mariachi music at the Plaza de los Mariachis while there.
Guadalajara is considered by most to be the home of many local forms of Mexican art and entertainment. Hotel Morales is specifically located in the city’s historic downtown district, which is filled with countless historical destinations to experience. This lovely destination is close to the Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as the world-famous Teatro Degollado. Additional attractions, such as the UNESCO-recognized Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, are just a short distance away, as well.
Hotel Morales was originally known as the House Verea, a two-story Colonial manor constructed in the 19th century.
The story of Hotel Morales dates back to May 15, 1888, when the railroad started running through the city of Guadalajara. The station was located just behind the temple of San Francisco and this influx of visitors meant an increased need for inns and boardinghouses. Some enterprising local families filled this need by transforming their homes to receive visitors; first as guest houses, then hotels. Luis Verea was the original owner of the House Verea, a two-story home that featured open garden and a view of the Templo de San Francisco de Asís (Temple of San Francisco.) At the end of the 19th century, the Morales Sisters, who were originally from San Luis Potosi, purchased the home and opened the Assistance House of the Morales Sisters. Thereafter, they left the house to their nephew, Luis Morales, who decided to extend it and build a luxury hotel: the Hotel Morales.
In 1930, Mr. Morales began to remodel the house by building two additional floors, with the help of Enrique Gonzalez Madrid. The façade was covered with volcanic rock to resemble Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Due Mr. Morales’ passion for “toros,” the hotel welcomed those people connected with the bullfighting world. The bullring, El Progreso, stood proudly in front of the Cabanas Hospice. When the show ended, the appreciative audience brought the bullfighter from the gates of the Plaza to the doors of the Morales. In the hotel bar, people gathered to celebrate and had parties that lasted until dawn. This magical and festive atmosphere attracted many to stay at the hotel, from writers to politicians, from singers to the major figures of the “Golden Era” of Mexican films, including Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, and the beautiful Maria Felix.
After Mr. Morales died in 1964, his wife Anita took care of the hotel. But she soon sold the location following with the demolition of the bullring and the deterioration of Guadalajara’s downtown during the 1970s. In 2004 though, a group of visionary Spanish investors purchased the building and its annex, the Virreinal, with the intention of reviving the property. After a two-year renovation, the Hotel Morales managed to regain much of its former luster. Today, it is without a doubt among the best hotels in the Guadalajara’s historic downtown. Hotel Morales is now classified as an Artistic Heritage and Architectural Jewel of the City of Guadalajara, and is under protection the of the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History).
Visitors to Guadalajara can relax and sleep in comfort at the Hotel Morales. The 98 guestrooms and suites feature a beautiful Colonial décor, wood floors, television with remote and cable programming, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi, telephone, in-room safe, and coffee maker.
Accommodation types available:
- Single Suite: one queen-size bed
- Double Suite: two double-size beds
- King Junior Suite: one king-size bed with Jacuzzi
- Double Junior Suite: two double-size beds and Jacuzzi
- Imperial Suite: one king-size bed and Jacuzzi
El Ruedo restaurant (The Bullring) serves an authentic Mexican and International menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open from early morning to late night.
El Encierro bar (The Bullchase) serves wine and cocktails, along with snacks. Open Monday through Saturday, afternoon to late night. Live Mexican music on weekends.